Possible tire leak? By curiousgeorge (Read 502 times)

[curiousgeorge]

So I was checking my tire pressure and the front tire got a reading just fine, but when I tried getting a reading on the back tire, I put the tire gauge on the stem and got a super low reading and could hear and feel air escaping from the stem. Does this mean there is a leak? Both tires feel like they are filled to the same pressure but whenever I try to get a reading on the rear tire air just escapes from the stem. There is no sound or feel of air escaping or leaking except when I put the gauge on to try to get a reading. Does this mean I will not be able to fill my tire back up because it will possibly just keep leaking air when I put the pump on the stem?

[richardthescooter2]

I had my scoot a work one night came out, flat tire, got air to go home, check it the next day. Found out that the tire stem valve was loose, tighten up, good to go.

[curiousgeorge]

Aug 29, 2012 15:29:54 GMT -6 richardthescooter2 said:

I had my scoot a work one night came out, flat tire, got air to go home, check it the next day. Found out that the tire stem valve was loose, tighten up, good to go.

There is no air leaking except when I try to put the air gauge on to get a reading. I have been riding it fine so far, I just wanted to get a reading to see what they were at, and when I tried that, the back tire gave a very low reading and air was hissing out. And how do you tighten said tire stem valve!

[richardthescooter2]

I carry one of these in my tool kit.

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[curiousgeorge]

What exactly is that? What does it do, how does it work and how do I find one xD?

[rgmarsing]

Sounds like your just not seating the gauge properly. The rear stem can be a real beatch to get the air gauge properly lined up. Try rotating the tire to get it in a better spot. I also use a small didgital gauge that is easier to line up.

[curiousgeorge]

Ok I will try that, so you guys think I should still be able to fill it up with air?

[bobf]

I believe you should add up all the ideas. Start with a valve core tightening. Then find a position where you can get the air gauge on straight and air tight. My compressor fitting has a lever to make sure it is held on tightly. I also put new metal mounted stems on and turned them away from the brake disc for better access.

The stem core tightener shown is a multi purpose on. Some stem caps have the top being a core tightener also. Go to a bicycle shop and see what they may have for sale. Or maybe an Autozone, or WalMart,

[curiousgeorge]

Ok I will definitely try that, but can you explain how to tighten the for me please? Sorry I am asking so many questions guys.

[bobf]

OK, look to the illustration above. To the upper left corner you will see a tube with a slot in the end. Slip this tube with slot down over the core. Slowly rotate the tube till the slot drops down over the core. Now turn clockwise to tighten, if it will. To remove the core turn counter clockwise and work the core up out of the stem.

Those tire stem caps that I mentioned have the slotted top on them that acts just like this special tool.
.

[curiousgeorge]

Ok awesome, I will try to find that tool locally, maybe my cycle loft will put new stems on for me