Aluminium wheels-slow air leaks.

[john clarke]

I don't think it's from the wheel weights, just water vapour in the
compressed air.  I always use my own compressor to pump my tires and have a
filter in the line to collect moisture.  Obviously this is not an option if
you don't have your own compressor but check around, many garages (not gas
stations) have filters on their lines to save wear on their air tools--they
shouldn't have a problem with you using their inside lines.
On to your problem--from my experience (ie. bad corrosion on a previous set
of wheels) light sanding isn't going to do the trick (especially if it gets
really cold where you live).  Have the rims "lightly" sandblasted.  You can
paint them or just you a bead sealer when have the tires installed.  For
good measure stay away from the hammer-on balancing weights and "stick with"
the adhesive ones (sharp this morning--must've been the tacks I had for
breakfast).

John
'90 90q20v


>
>From: "S. Jaworski" <syljay at optonline.net>
>Subject: Aluminum wheels - slow air leaks
>To: quattro at audifans.com
>
>keyword: aluminum, wheels, air leak, sealing, corrosion
>
>My wheels are getting long in the tooth(88 5kq) and I've got a slow leak in
>one wheel.
>The tire is ok. I suspect aluminum corrosion on the inside of the wheel at
>the bead area.
>
>Anybody got some fixes for this?
>
>I thought of removing the tire and wire brushing the wheel insides. Then a
>fine sanding followed by an aluminum primer. Afterward, paint the inside
>with something to seal and protect the aluminum from corrosion.
>Maybe just a fine polish and wax job on the inside?
>
>Anyone got any ideas on this?  My tire guy says this is a common problem on
>aluminum wheels.
>
>Syl
>88 5kq
>90 100q

>Subject: Re: Aluminum wheels - slow air leaks
>To: syljay at optonline.net, quattro at audifans.com
>
>A problem I've seen more than anything is the wheel weights that grab the
>lip
>of the rim causing a leak underneath the tire bead.  Usually remounting the
>weight solves the problem.  Personally, I"ve never seen a wheel so corroded
>that it will leak, but I'm from CA...


_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com