| Author | Message | ||
     Itileman |
My rear Avon Distanzia at almost 6k miles has developed a slow leak, but I cannot find where it's coming from. Don't really feel like buying an new tire this late in the season as I should be able to eek out another 1-1.5k miles before going bald. I've aired it up to about 40# and done the soapy water thing on the tread and beads. Also verified that the valve stem is not leaking. Have never slimed a tire and was wondering as to how big of a mess I'll be looking at when I eventually pull the tire to replace it with another Distanzia. The tire fits my needs very well and 6k miles isn't all that bad for a rear tire. The front should last through the second rear. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
WTF??? I swear I just replied to this thread. Aw DANGIT! I bet I clicked away after the preview screen without clicking submit. Well then... DO NOT SLIME! That stuff is a pain in the ass, messy, and can hurt your rims. This is a much cleaner, easier, and better solution: http://www.tireguardian.com/ Tons of reviews and info here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59 6213 | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Examine your valve. put a drop of water in there and see if it bubbles. I've had many problem tires actually be the valve. | ||
| Tiltcylinder |
Had a couple of slow leaks that were caused by heavy duty staples. It's a very thin bit of metal (the one's that staple cardboard boxes together are larger) and doesn't show at all visually, or when doing the usual soap thing (don't ask me why) but does lose air when it sits for a while. You'll be looking for a very very small bubbles. Use the bubble solution kids blow bubbles with and paint it on with a 2" brush. Doesn't seem to dry as fast and you don't have to deal with the bubbles produced by spraying it onto the tire. It's the slow ones that'll make you a bit nuts. Caught a few this way but usually found them after dismounting the tire from rim. Anyone ever use a metal detector designed for woodworking? They're getting pretty cheap, and might add on to the tool arsenal. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Itileman, Sometimes a very small needle sized hole can be very hard to detect. Spray with very soapy water and don't expect a large bubble to form but look for a foamy mass. And it might take a few seconds to form since it is a very small leak. If that doesn't work then you need to dunk your wheel in a tub of water and intently watch for that leak. It's there but you'll just have to be diligent to find it. DON'T use that slime crap. Should be outlawed. | ||
| Etennuly |
I have not actually had slime do anything other than tell me where the hole is(but I already knew that), and remind me on each revolution as is squirts out. I don't see how it would hurt a rim, it seems to be pretty much inert, but it is messy when taking the tire off later. Mine cleaned up with soap and water with no problem. But then, the leak never stopped. | ||
| Badrap |
I've used slime on ATV tires with good success but never a street bike tire. My friend is a believer in some sort of sealant in his street tires. He believes it has saved him before. | ||
| Stillonit |
i have used slime and has worked well on my gLl100 after i rolled over a nail right after I had a new rear tire put on the rim. it's a bitch on the 1100 to change. so I put in the amount needed and has worked with no ill effects i also used it on a drz400 tubed tire.i just check the tire pressure often | ||
| Stillonit |
oh I for got to mention slime only work on leaks in the tread area closest to the road . It can't seal where it can't reach | ||
| Itileman |
I've decided that no slime is the way to go. Given that hunting season opens tomorrow, I loaded up the truck and headed for the mountains. Spear season for grizley is always a thrill. Commons sense dictates that I replace the tire as it is down to a level that I would not be comfortable with in wet weather. Was unable to ride all last winter because of the weather and the weather gurus say more of the same here this year. The new tire won't get much wear. Thanks all for the advice. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I don't start with slime, but if I have a slow leak I can't find I'll put some in, or if I pull out something like a staple that is really small. On the dirt bike, I don't start with slime either, but it's inevitably leaking by the time the first trail ride is over, so it gets slimed then. I try and keep some with me to get me home if I pick up a nail on the road. | ||
| Rfp52 |
I do know a lot of shops will charge you quite a bit extra to replace a tire if you used slime or similar products. It can be difficult to clean up. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I change my own tires... its a mess with or without the slime.. if there is slime in there, I just hit it with the garden hose, it's never been a problem. The one issue I know if is that if you use the "can inflators" they sometimes use propane, so that can be a fire hazzard if the guy spooning off tires is a chain smoker...  |
