OT...leaking aluminum truck wheels

mmidlam · Jun 19, 2020

Is there a fix for the life of the tire for bead leaks in aluminum rims? The fixes I have done don't last over 3 years.

Janicholson · Jun 19, 2020

The trick is to wire brush the bead using a stainless steel brush (not plain steel) untill all the corrosion is gone, then coat with this, or
similar) material that keeps water out of the bead seat. I use a simplar product on 3 of my cars with aluminum wheels. Jim
one good brand.

BarnyardEngineering · Jun 19, 2020

Are you saying the fixes don't last three years, or you've been trying for three years to fix and are having no luck?

If you're getting close to three years out of a fix, that's all you can expect. That is the curse of alloy wheels. You can't stop the corrosion once it starts, and if you're getting any time out of a fix at all, you're ahead of the game.

MikeinKy · Jun 19, 2020

I took mine off and bought steel wheels.

SVcummins · Jun 19, 2020

The shop used bead sealer on mine and so far they are fixed
never could get them to seal before that never would hold air
and only on the rear duals the fronts will go the life of the tire
and not leak a pound . Next time they come off I’m going to
clean up the rims and prime and paint the entire inside

caterpillar guy · Jun 20, 2020

I've used bead sealers before with good results. I usually mount the tire then add the sealer so it doesn't dry out before I get it on. When it drys it rolls off with the tools and movement. At least that is what I found. Don't know which brand I used,just some stuff the local parts guys recommend.

showcrop · Jun 20, 2020

The key is to get the bead really smooth before mounting the tire. You need to use finer and finer sandpaper to get them smooth. The scratches from grinding and sanding gives the corrosion a running start.

Blackhole49 · Jun 20, 2020

I've tried bead sealer. I have had much better luck with Frey Lube after getting the bead really clean.

rlp in Co. · Jun 20, 2020

I use cheap clear house silicone. It will
never corrode again or leak for the life of
the tire. I coat the bead of the wheel
first with vasoline, to make it easier to
get off the wheel next time. Mount the tire
first and then put a bead if silicone on,
because it dries fast. That stuff is
slicker than snot and makes the beads easy
to seat when you blow it up. Wait for the
excess silicone to set and remove it with a
wire wheel in a drill. It makes a mess if
you remove it wet. I have sealed some tires
with the bead so damaged that you would
swear, would never hold air again. Never
ever use water or soap to seat beads!
Unless you like rusty corroded rims!

OT...leaking aluminum truck wheels

mmidlam

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Janicholson

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BarnyardEngineering

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MikeinKy

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SVcummins

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caterpillar guy

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showcrop

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Blackhole49

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rlp in Co.

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