QuestionRead with interest your response regarding rim leaks when using michelin tires on alloy rims. I'm having just such a reoccuring problem now. Every six months the tire store is having to remount the tires. I'm concerned that they have now removed the coating on the rims, and corrosion will be an ongoing process.
Q: Do you recommend anything to reseal the alluminum? Is there a rim sealant used in the tire business that (such as a bead of RTV in between the tire and rim) that would both stop the leaks and seal the aluminum against moisure and corroision?
AnswerMark,
First I think the problem is generic to alloy wheels - it doesn't matter whose tires are involved.
I haven't done much work in trying to find a solution. What I did do was recoat my wheels with a clear coat, but since I haven't actually mounted tires on the wheels since I did this, I can't tell you how effective it was.
I have used the RTV approach, but I don't remember that working. If memory serves, the RTV leaked because I didn't let it cure before I inflated the tire, which you can't do because you want the bead to full seat, which requires full inflation pressure.
Sorry, but I don't think I'm going to be much help.
