My left front tire is leaking, but only a little bit. For example, with 40 PSI in the tire, after 4 days, it is down to 34 PSI. Should I take it somewhere and have them try to patch it, or will they not be able to find the leak because it is so small? What other options do I have ot help stop this leaking problem?

 

I'd go to a tire shop. It could be a small cut, a nail or the valvestem could be bad.

Better to pay 8 bucks to fix it than have it blow out at 90mph.

 

I definately want it fixed, just wondering some tire ship is goign to be able ot find a leak that small.

 

ttt

 

yes they should find the leak.

 

ttt this is a good question, the EXACT same thing is happening to me, i left for about 11 days and came back and the tire was at 13-14psi, so i will goto a shop and hopefully get this fixed too. i just got the rims that the the tire is on from a junkyard and its in pretty bad shape, lots of scuffs and scratches, i didn't see any real damage to the outer rim part that seals the tire but could i have a faulty rim not tire? if the rim is bad what can i do then? tnx

 

just dunk the tire in a big container of water -- the leak might be just the valvestem.

-tony

 

Same thing is happening to me.

I dunno what is wrong with it. I'm having a friend check it out and rebalance the wheel.

I think it's possible damage to the sidewall tho. I hit a huge pothole the other day.

 

Yup, take it to a tire shop, they should be able to find it. First they'll look at the entire tread, looking for nails or screws (which often are close enough to a seal that the leak is slow). If there are none, then they will spread soapy water on the tire and look for tiny bubbles.

 

It could be the valve stem core. Check it by putting some spit at the end of the valvestem and see if it starts bubbling. I had one valve core that was not seating properly and I had the screw it down as far as it will go. You can get a valve stem core tool at any local car store (e.g. Pep Boys). Its only a dollar or two.

The tire isn't losing air anymore so I'm happy.

 

if the leak is in the tread of the tire, it can be repaired. if it is on the sidewall, it cannot be repaired. since it's a small leak, if may be difficult to find, but i'm sure any tire shop will be able to help you out. good luck!

 

Mix some water with soap and spread it around the tire. Do it near a place you can get air, pump the tire after you brush it with soap. There should be bubbles coming out of wear the leak is. (I know that the soap will cause bubbles all over, but you can notice the leak if you look. Bubble will fizz out.

If its on botoom (i.e. not side wall) it can be fixed. If its a small hole, you should use the a repair kit (like $2.50) at any regular place and make the hole a bigger by using the drill that come with it. You have to make the hole bigger so that you can put the needle like thingy with the repair black **** (don;t know what thats call) through the hole.

The side wall can be fixed too, but thats another story.