Wheels/Tyres: Tyres constantly flat

[patstan]

Hi, returning after a long brake and finding it hard to navigate the site ! Starting a new thread CRY FOR HELP !

I have recently replaced all new tyres on my V70. However my two rear tyres keep going down. Can't understand why have had the wheels tested and no air bubbles visible when pushed under water. Tyres removed and new valves fitted, Drove off thinking job done. Next morning rear car tyres looking rather deflated. Tested pressures and no reading produced. Out with compressor after taking new pictures of the deflated tyres and returned to garage. again right into Tyre bath and again no air leaks. Asked the silly questions has "someone let them down deliberately" They contacted the tyre makers and sent the tyres back for testing. Two new tyres fitted and drove off. Next morning two flat tyres.....

Returned to the garage and they have informed me the NON DAMAGED Alloy WHEELS are at fault and need to be replaced. I have asked for a more detailed report but that has not been offered.

Does any one have any Ideas of what is going on?

Report from Bridgestone customer services had this to say. The tyres where fitted to new wheels and remained inflated throughout the test period. Tyres found not to be at FAULT.

I can't understand what the fault could be with my non damaged wheels. I am also now looking for a set of 17 inch rims for my car has anyone got a decent set for sale?

Does anyone know what other makes of wheels I could look at to replace my wheels on my V70. I have been told Jaguar and Ford Mondeo can be used on a V70 17 inch rims.

If I have placed this msg/Request for help in the wrong place SORRY any help welcome !

[ancient mariner]

Hi Patstan.

Had a similar problem with my previous XC90. 3 of the 4 tyres had slow leaks.
Eventually had the tyres off, and the inside edge of the wheel rims wire brushed well, this sorted the problem. Tyre dealer I took the car to advised that alloys are worse than steel wheels for corrosion, they had vehicles in only a few years old with corrosion problems on the wheels. Your case does seem rather extreme compared to mine though!

Hope you resolve it
John

[patstan]

Hi John as you come from Bovey you will know the Dealership on the high street. always found them to be fantastic when you need help, but can be ££ costly.

Having said that they are my go to Garage.

Unfortunately they did not do the tyres for me, it was a dealership just down the road (A38).

You mention wire brushing the inner rim that was done and failed to help. I am looking to replace the alloy rims and they seem to command a high price even in Damaged condition, with slick tyres still on them to QUOTE "Protect the alloys from further damage" leaving me with a disposal charge too boot!

I refuse to use steel wheels, even with winter tyres. so would like to find someone else selling a full set in good condition. I am off to Plymouth tomorrow to look at two sets up for sale, fingers crossed I get a good set. unless someone on this site has a set for sale.

[simonwedge]

You could just get your existing set refurbished? This will cure the problem and you'll also end up with a lovely looking set of wheels as side benefit. Will probably cost about £250 for the set inc. unmounting your slicks and putting the new tyres on at the end.

BY the time you've spent on buying a used set of wheels (that will no doubt be damaged to some extent) and then paying to have tyres taken off and put back on it's probably not far off the same cost?

I've had mine done here in the Midlands and they also detected (and fixed) 2 buckled wheels within the standard price. I'm sure you'll find someone similar near you on the Internet.

[oragex]

Originally Posted by ancient mariner

Hi Patstan.

Had a similar problem with my previous XC90. 3 of the 4 tyres had slow leaks.
Eventually had the tyres off, and the inside edge of the wheel rims wire brushed well, this sorted the problem. Tyre dealer I took the car to advised that alloys are worse than steel wheels for corrosion, they had vehicles in only a few years old with corrosion problems on the wheels.
John

This. But I think you should see another garage. They have to remove the tire, clean as mentioned, they also put some sort of a sealant paste, then reseat the tire. And perhaps replace the valves again to be sure, maybe the other garage used some very cheap ones

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by oragex

This. But I think you should see another garage. They have to remove the tire, clean as mentioned, they also put some sort of a sealant paste, then reseat the tire. And perhaps replace the valves again to be sure, maybe the other garage used some very cheap ones

The bead seal failing is a common problem with older mag-alloy wheels as they corrode with time; most tyre fitting garages keep tubs of bead sealant which is painted on to both cleaned inner rims and the tyre is then fitted which creates a reliable seal.

[Longhouse21]

...don't forget the possible corrosion under the valve seat in addition to the tyre bead...had this issue on two of mine in the past

[2.4TSE]

I have had this problem for the past few months with the front offside wheel on my 2003 V70. The tyre will stay inflated for several weeks if run at 36PSI, but deflate rapidly if inflated to the 32PSI I normally run it at. The tyre has no puncture.

I had the tyre removed from the wheel (which is when the absence of a puncture was confirmed) and the inside of the rim cleaned up with emery paper, but whilst this has helped slow down the rate of deflation, it has not solved the issue. My money is on valve hole corrosion as mentioned in a previous post, and that the extra 4PSI I mention helps secure a better seal.

Since the car is otherwise in gorgeous condition I've decided to get all four wheels fully refurbished. I've previously used The Wheel Specialist in Birmingham for the alloys on my wife's C30 and they did a stellar job. £300 for all four when they were done a few months ago.

[ASt85]

Originally Posted by 2.4TSE

I have had this problem for the past few months with the front offside wheel on my 2003 V70. The tyre will stay inflated for several weeks if run at 36PSI, but deflate rapidly if inflated to the 32PSI I normally run it at. The tyre has no puncture.

I had the tyre removed from the wheel (which is when the absence of a puncture was confirmed) and the inside of the rim cleaned up with emery paper, but whilst this has helped slow down the rate of deflation, it has not solved the issue. My money is on valve hole corrosion as mentioned in a previous post, and that the extra 4PSI I mention helps secure a better seal.

Since the car is otherwise in gorgeous condition I've decided to get all four wheels fully refurbished. I've previously used The Wheel Specialist in Birmingham for the alloys on my wife's C30 and they did a stellar job. £300 for all four when they were done a few months ago.

Go for using the bead sealant - our local indie charges £5 per wheel....somewhat different from £300 for all 4 - OK you need to have it done every time you change the tyres but there is huge financial difference over the life time of the tyres!

[shezza250]

There's definitely a leak unless like you say someone is letting them down. Try parking somewhere else over night to see if it still happens.

If it does then they have to be leaking.

Fill up the bath when the mrs is out, take the wheels off one by one, fully inflate to say 50 psi then diy checking for bubbles in the bath. Be patient and you'll definitely find a leak somewhere.

If it's from the valves they might just need tightening up.

If it's from the rim then they might just need re -seating as others have said