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Slow leak in tire- Might be sidewall

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JEDI

JEDI

Lifer
tire is losing about 1psi/day.
i noticed an abrasion on the sidewall.

can sidewall leaks be patched?
 
Nope. Sidewall penetrations/cuts are the kiss of death for a tire.

But the good news is that if it's only an abrasion, it probably isn't your problem. I've seen some fairly heavy (curb rubbing) abrasions on tires, that didn't affect their ability to hold air. Could be a pinhole leak in the tread area that you just can't see (get a squirt bottle, put a drab of dish washing soap in it, and fill it with water, then squirt the tire.....if you see bubbles forming, that's your leak), or even a tire stem valve leak.

Best bet, take it to a local shop, have them take a look at it. If they can fix it, it will probably cost you $10 or less to have it plugged (5 minutes). If it is the sidewall, you still have a tire that will take you somewhere where you can buy a replacement, and have it mounted and balanced.
 
Check valve stem as well. Many skip it and its leaking there.


But when I worked at tire shops we just dunk the tire in water and spin around till we see bubbles.
 
I tend to agree, either the valve stem is leaky or you have a tiny puncture somewhere. But if it really is the sidewall, no choice but to replace the tire. A good tire shop can tell for sure with the water test where it is coming from and then a decision can be made as to being fixable or not.
 
If the side wall isn't showing cords it probably isn't leaking from there.
Bathtub works good for a leak checker.
Other than that pay to have it checked and fixed/replaced.
 
jlee said:
Pic of sidewall damage?
Click to expand...

a74n4.jpg


outer layer is frayed.
 
Some places will fix tire leaks for free even if you didn't buy it there. My local Pepboys used to do that, but I'm not sure if they still do. If it is the sidewall, then it needs to be replaced.

You might try using slime in your tire. I had a 1psi-per-week leak in my tire, and it's been gone after using slime in it about 6 months ago.
 
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