Question89 Corvette. Stock 17" alloy rims. 275-35-17 Hi-perf rubber. 4 yrs. old, approx. 1000 - 1200 miles on them. No visible rim or tire damage/marks/etc. Never a leak until I put in winter storage Nov.1st. Since then both lefts have gone to flat 2 times (in my garage). Just before storing, I went over a small?? pothole with both left tires. No big deal or impact, but is it possible that both tires had the bead seal broken loose? And if so, do I need anything special, or should just a re & re on the rims do the job? I feel kind of stupid asking but this has been my BABY for the last 23 years and I don't just trust it to any old shop run by 18 year olds.
Thanks very much for any help you can provide.
Hale.
AnswerHale,
There are 3 possibilities:
1) There is a small puncture in both tires that is causing the tires to leak. Not likely.
2) There are leaks between the rims and the tires. More likely
3) The alloy wheels are leaking through the alloy. About as likely as #2
4) The valves are leaking.
So I would suggest you remove one of the tire and wheel assemblies and immerse it in water. I've used a large utility sink that I could immerse about 1/3 of the assembly in. The leaks may be pretty small - and if the leaking is through the alloy, there may only be traces of bubbles forming. That has happened to me.
I've heard of folks using a kiddy pool for this purpose - but you have to weigh down the assembly as it will float.
From this immersion, you should be able to determine where the leak is - and once you know, it will be easier to know what to do about it. Patience during the immersion will be well rewarded.
