Enamel for alloy wheel?

[DiyNutJob]

Well done team, we did it!

After a complete inspection, my regular wheel is confirmed to leak only at the valve stem surround.

Using the puller tool to rotate the stem didn't produce a non-leaking position. When the tool is pulled, the problem is immediately apparent: the stem is very easy to stretch, having the mechanical characteristics of silicone. No way this could handle any meaningful amount of air pressure.

The valve stem is extracted using the earlier described technique. While over excited, I accidently dropped the garden wire and old stem base into the wheel. These are fished out using another wire with a magnet attached. A mini bulb is lowered in to help positioning the rescue.

The hole is cleaned up, removing flaking paint and aluminium corrosion. Then it is given a coat of tyre sealant which cures in 5 seconds.

New china brass-tubed stem is installed using earlier describe technique. Has confirmed no more leaks. The china stem has substantially stiffer rubber, which is how it should be according to my gut feelings.

Here's is the base of the leaking stem. The markings are "07 TR414 109". Can anyone identify?

 

[Stivino]

You should have googled it.

 

[Mottie]

Then it is given a coat of tyre sealant which cures in 5 seconds.

 

[DiyNutJob]

The lo

You should have googled it.

The triangular logo doesn't match. They changed it or the markings are generic.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Problem identified. The china stem has a 0.5mm larger radius R. It also has a distinct ridge, which I believe is one of two primary seals. The leaking stem has a pretend ridge that is largely flat and smooth. The surface at radius R is the other primary seal.

My second wheel is also leaking but more slowly. If it's the stem again, I would be extremely happy.

 

[Mottie]

If it's the stem again, I would be extremely happy.

We wouldn’t.

 

[DiyNutJob]

For inspection of my second regular wheel, I used the following bead leak test:

1. Lay wheel horizontally
2. Fill the valley between the rim and the tyre with plain water
3. Mechanically remove all bubbles
4. Wait 5-10 minutes
5. Look for bubbles
6. Repeat step 3 and later multiple times until satisfied that leak or no leak is observed

The inspection for my first regular wheel is invalidated because this test was not used.

My play wheel passed this test. It remains to pass a time test of maintaining pressure for 2 weeks.

My second regular wheel failed this test on both beads. There was a leak in the valve stem as well but estimated to be less than what the beads were leaking. The valve stem was replaced with no drama. The valve stem hole was in better condition but got the full clean and sealant paint treatment anyway. The valve stem was different to the other wheel. It was a TR413 with no logo and no other markings. It leaked probably because corrosion made the hole irregular. The stem design was normal and similar to the china ones. The shop either didn't replace the valves or they were using a random mix.

With the aggressive leak eliminated, and the remaining leaks and fixes being known quantities, I will live with the slow leaks for now while I get on with other things. A lifetime no leaks is not yet achieved but within reach.

Both of the regular wheels expelled pungent chemical/solvent smells during deflation. I would suggest people replace shop air with their own. Any solvent in there can't be great for the wheel.

 

[Mottie]

Fill the valley between the rim and the tyre with plain water

Both of the regular wheels expelled pungent chemical/solvent smells during deflation. I would suggest people replace shop air with their own.

 

[jj4091]

Going for another 10

 

[Brigadier]

For inspection of my second regular wheel

With the spare, that's this charade /farce x 5

 

[DiyNutJob]

With the spare, that's this charade /farce x 5

Are you talking about the play wheel? I am dealing with 2 shop fitted front wheels and a play wheel. My donut spared is untouched and never used. The play wheel does not leak despite having a 22 year old tyre with cuts everywhere and a permanently deformed bead caused by corrosion bumps. The fitting for that was superior to what shops can do.

 

[Brigadier]

Are you talking about the play wheel? I am dealing with 2 shop fitted front wheels and a play wheel. My donut spared is untouched and never used. The play wheel does not leak despite having a 22 year old tyre with cuts everywhere and a permanently deformed bead caused by corrosion bumps. The fitting for that was superior to what shops can do.

22 years old tyre which has never leaked?

That'll be pre-rona air in there then, so literally "the elixir of life"

 

[DiyNutJob]

22 years old tyre which has never leaked?

Before I took it off, it had no air. There was air when I used it 15+ years ago. So, it did leak. It's not leaking now. No elixir involved, just proper fitting.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Unbelieve ... f*g-able. Look at the size difference of that neck? That was from the second wheel. Left one is TR413 china brass.

 

[Mottie]

Look at the size difference of that neck?

What, you mean the size difference between the unused valve compared to one that’s been squeezed tightly in a hole for 15 years? You're surprised at that size difference? Just think about it for a page or two…….