wheel leaking air...HELP ME!

[twastheglow]

I purchased a set of 3-piece wheels and last week finally had tires mounted and installed them on my car. One of my rear wheels is leaking air out of a couple different wheel bolts where the nut screws on. After tightening the nuts on the back, it stopped the air leak in all but 2 consecutive bolts. I took the wheel back to the place I bought the tires and they took the tire back off and they bead sealed the hell out of the inner seam. We even let it dry before mounting the tire again. After going back out to my car this morning I saw the tire was again low. I don't know what else to do. The tire shop and I worked on that wheel for an hour last night apparently to no avail. I was going to stop by Lowes and pick up some nylon locking nuts and try those on those two wheel bolts. Does anyone have any thoughts? I'm starting to get a little frustrated. I don't like having to stop by the gas station for air in the morning before work, on my lunch, then on the way home.

[easymoney]

Inform the place (person) where you bought the wheel from and tell them the problem and go from there.

[twastheglow]

Inform the place (person) where you bought the wheel from and tell them the problem and go from there.

I bought them from a forum member.

[3MPowered]

This is unfortunate. I have the same problem on my Type I's, very aggravating to have to fill up with air every time you get gas :mad

I was just like you, I sealed the living PI55 out of the wheels with black silicone. When you took the tire off did it look like the sealant had been busted by the pressure?

I'm going to be taking out the problem bolts on my wheels and giving them a thourough coating of loctite before I put the bolt back in, see if that does the job. If not, I'm afraid I'll have to disassemble the wheels and give them a hard cleaning before starting again.

I refurbed my wheels myself and neglected to disassemble the lips from the barrels when I took them apart (I didn't have to so I thought, why should I?) I'm thinking this may be the issue because when wheels are sealed, they're done so when the wheels are already bolted together. Unbolting them and not disassembling the lips/barrels means there's room for the two to separate a little before you put them back together. If you didn't take your wheels fully apart before sealing them then this may be the issue, but your guess is as good as mine.

Please let me know how you get on and if you find a solution! I'll let you know if my method works.

[twastheglow]

This is unfortunate. I have the same problem on my Type I's, very aggravating to have to fill up with air every time you get gas :mad

I was just like you, I sealed the living PI55 out of the wheels with black silicone. When you took the tire off did it look like the sealant had been busted by the pressure?

I'm going to be taking out the problem bolts on my wheels and giving them a thourough coating of loctite before I put the bolt back in, see if that does the job. If not, I'm afraid I'll have to disassemble the wheels and give them a hard cleaning before starting again.

I refurbed my wheels myself and neglected to disassemble the lips from the barrels when I took them apart (I didn't have to so I thought, why should I?) I'm thinking this may be the issue because when wheels are sealed, they're done so when the wheels are already bolted together. Unbolting them and not disassembling the lips/barrels means there's room for the two to separate a little before you put them back together. If you didn't take your wheels fully apart before sealing them then this may be the issue, but your guess is as good as mine.

Please let me know how you get on and if you find a solution! I'll let you know if my method works.

I was considering trying the same thing you just mentioned, although I don't know how well it will work. I was also going to try new nylon locking nuts too. That's a quick and cheap attempt and if that doesn't work I'll have to fully disassemble.

[3MPowered]

I was considering trying the same thing you just mentioned, although I don't know how well it will work. I was also going to try new nylon locking nuts too. That's a quick and cheap attempt and if that doesn't work I'll have to fully disassemble.

Do you have a link for these nylon locking nuts? What's their purpose?
If you do try sealing the bolt hole with loctite or sealant, be sure the tire is deflated so it doesn't just spit it out ;)

[twastheglow]

Do you have a link for these nylon locking nuts? What's their purpose?
If you do try sealing the bolt hole with loctite or sealant, be sure the tire is deflated so it doesn't just spit it out ;)

They're just general hardware you can buy at Home Depot/Lowes. The nylon keeps them from backing out...in my application they would help surpress the air leak out the threads.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Nylon_Lock_Nut.png

I think if I take the bolts back out, clean the area, put the bolts back in using some loctite as well as a little on the bottom of the nuts (where they butt up against the wheel) it may seal it.

[3MPowered]

They're just general hardware you can buy at Home Depot/Lowes. The nylon keeps them from backing out...in my application they would help surpress the air leak out the threads.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Nylon_Lock_Nut.png

I think if I take the bolts back out, clean the area, put the bolts back in using some loctite as well as a little on the bottom of the nuts (where they butt up against the wheel) it may seal it.

I'll be trying the same :)

Thanks for the link.

[luke318is]

hmmmmz dunno about those nylon nuts Mike

it might slow the leak, but it'll still be there

best thing is to reseal the wheel

and I'll tell you which of my wheelguys got an earfull a few moments ago :mad

[twastheglow]

hmmmmz dunno about those nylon nuts Mike

it might slow the leak, but it'll still be there

best thing is to reseal the wheel

and I'll tell you which of my wheelguys got an earfull a few moments ago :mad

Yeah, I didn't go with those nuts after all. I actually just replaced the 2 nuts and put some gasket sealer on the bolt itself and the bottom of the nut and tightened it down. I'm going to let it sit over night and try refilling the tire tomorrow. That should seal it just fine...I hope. *crosses fingers*

Oh, did you have a "wheel guy" seal those up for you Luke?

[luke318is]

Yeah, I didn't go with those nuts after all. I actually just replaced the 2 nuts and put some gasket sealer on the bolt itself and the bottom of the nut and tightened it down. I'm going to let it sit over night and try refilling the tire tomorrow. That should seal it just fine...I hope. *crosses fingers*

Oh, did you have a "wheel guy" seal those up for you Luke?

yep, and it's the last time I use him


anyway, if you decide on taking them apart, PM me and I'll take you through the whole process

[twastheglow]

yep, and it's the last time I use him


anyway, if you decide on taking them apart, PM me and I'll take you through the whole process

Sorry. :(

I may at some point. I'm not in any rush. But when I do, I'll definitely hit you up. Thanks! :redspot

I'll let you know tomorrow how things went with sealing this beeotch up. :devillook

[3MPowered]

So did this work? Or will we have to take them apart compeltely to clean things up?

[Petrucci]

Damn that sucks, but it happens. My OZs did that constantly, they would leak and I would have to fill the rears up with air everytime I went somewhere. I had to keep aa 12v pump with me at all times so I could get home without a headache. Talk about frustrating and annoying!

But that all stops after I dissembled, rebuilt, and sealed them with three applications of silicone over a 72 hour span. Piece of cake so no worries at all.

No problems at all from here on out :)

Good luck!

[twastheglow]

So did this work? Or will we have to take them apart compeltely to clean things up?

My method completely fixed the problem...no more air leaks. This is exactly what I did...

I took the wheel off the car and brought it in my house. I then let all the air out of the tire through the valve stem. Once all the air was out I backed the two nuts all the way off and took those two bolts out. I cleaned up the nuts, bolts, as well as the face of the lip where the head of the bolt rests, and the back of the barrel where the nut rests. Then (and this is against some people's recommendation) I applied a thin layer of black RTV silicone gasket maker to the smooth end of the bolt as well as a small amount to the threads. I carefully pushed the bolt back through and screwed the nut on. While tightening down the nut a small amount of the RTV was pushed out under the nut. Once everything was tight I cleaned up any excess silicone with q-tips. I let the tire sit in my house for about 16-18 hours before I filled the tire with air again. I then checked the wheel with soap and water to find there were no bubble anywhere. I have since checked the air pressure on several occasions and everything is perfect.

[Okin]

Drive on it yet to see if road vibration or inertia starts the leak again?

I would like to re-do my Mitto's over the winter, and I'm looking to take them apart. I just can't justify paying shipping multiple times. Out to get taken apart, wait for them to get back... then out again for rebuilding. Who knows what could happen in transit and if they get it wrong, then the process of shipping starts all over again.

[twastheglow]

Drive on it yet to see if road vibration or inertia starts the leak again?

I would like to re-do my Mitto's over the winter, and I'm looking to take them apart. I just can't justify paying shipping multiple times. Out to get taken apart, wait for them to get back... then out again for rebuilding. Who knows what could happen in transit and if they get it wrong, then the process of shipping starts all over again.

Yep. I've been driving on it since I "fixed" it. lol No issues with anything.

As far as taking the wheels apart, that's something you could do on your own...same with the assembly. It's the actual "refinishing" you may need to send them out for depending on what you want to do and depending on whether or not you could do it yourself.

[Okin]

The re-finishing is not the problem ( 19 years in Autobody ) it's the seating/sealing of the wheels. I hadn't taken apart 2 or 3 piece wheels on my own "yet". Usually, we send them out due to time restrictions we had with some of the builds. Thanks for the heads up.

[twastheglow]

The re-finishing is not the problem ( 19 years in Autobody ) it's the seating/sealing of the wheels. I hadn't taken apart 2 or 3 piece wheels on my own "yet". Usually, we send them out due to time restrictions we had with some of the builds. Thanks for the heads up.

I also have not taken any 3-piece wheels apart, but I'm sure it's not hard to get the "proper" technique from fellow forum members. If I were going to take a stab at it, I would assume you install one bolt and snug it up then install the next bolt in the opposite side and snug it up then keep working your way around the wheel. Then go back through and tighten then up the same way. Once they're bolted together you seal the seam with a thick bead of silicone sealant and allow it to cure for 24 hours before mounting any tires. When I do mine, I think I'm going to put a second bead of silicone on there after the first cures just to make sure.

[luke318is]

I also have not taken any 3-piece wheels apart, but I'm sure it's not hard to get the "proper" technique from fellow forum members. If I were going to take a stab at it, I would assume you install one bolt and snug it up then install the next bolt in the opposite side and snug it up then keep working your way around the wheel. Then go back through and tighten then up the same way. Once they're bolted together you seal the seam with a thick bead of silicone sealant and allow it to cure for 24 hours before mounting any tires. When I do mine, I think I'm going to put a second bead of silicone on there after the first cures just to make sure.

you torque them down in a cris-cross patern, since the wheels are 5 spoke, it's pretty easy
also you lay down the beads before you bolt them together, and another one(or two) once they're assembled

these are BBS, but you get the point

http://the-polisher.tripod.com/id6.html

[twastheglow]

you torque them down in a cris-cross patern, since the wheels are 5 spoke, it's pretty easy
also you lay down the beads before you bolt them together, and another one(or two) once they're assembled

these are BBS, but you get the point

http://the-polisher.tripod.com/id6.html

Luke to the rescue. I knew you knew how...I just didn't want to bother you...anymore than I already have. :shifty But thanks for the info nonetheless.

The cris-cross pattern makes sense since that's how you torque down lugs, but I didn't know that about the beading.

[luke318is]

:D

no problem bro

lemme know if there's any more questions

[Okin]

I didn't know that about the beading.



This.

I found this out in my research when I first got the wheels in August of 09. Also was suggested to torque them down.



The OZ's grew on me (having finally mounting the tires) and decided to clean them up, by separating them. I need to paint the centers.
Thanks Luke.



And OP

glad it worked for ya.

[twastheglow]

This.

I found this out in my research when I first got the wheels in August of 09. Also was suggested to torque them down.



The OZ's grew on me (having finally mounting the tires) and decided to clean them up, by separating them. I need to paint the centers.
Thanks Luke.



And OP

glad it worked for ya.

Thanks, me too! What are your wheel tire specs?

[3MPowered]

Thanks OP for following up on this! I need to try the same method on my wheels (3 of them are leaking, some worse than others!) If this fails I'll have to do what Petrucci did with his Mitos.

For the record, I refinished the wheels you see in my sig by myself over the summer. I've never done this before, and never even touched a 3 piece wheel in my life. The resutls were spectacular if I do say so myself. I documented the whole process and was thinking of making a DIY on this forum if I think it might be appreciated.

[twastheglow]

Thanks OP for following up on this! I need to try the same method on my wheels (3 of them are leaking, some worse than others!) If this fails I'll have to do what Petrucci did with his Mitos.

For the record, I refinished the wheels you see in my sig by myself over the summer. I've never done this before, and never even touched a 3 piece wheel in my life. The resutls were spectacular if I do say so myself. I documented the whole process and was thinking of making a DIY on this forum if I think it might be appreciated.

Oh sure, no problem. Please let me know how it goes for you. I hope it works out well for you too!

[3MPowered]

Oh sure, no problem. Please let me know how it goes for you. I hope it works out well for you too!

Due to time shortages I might not get around to this until later in the week. But I'll deffiantely post in this thread when I get my result. I think I'll sell my wheels if I have to take the tires off to disassemble them, as I already have another 3pc. set in the works. Live and learn eh?

[Okin]

Thanks, me too! What are your wheel tire specs?



Wheels are:

Front-
17x8.5 et 13


Rear-
17x9.5 et 21



Tires (225/45 - 245/40) were used to mock up the wheels, but I sold my Sportstars so I left them on the rims. They will be changed to 215/40 - 235/40 as the ones on now, aren't the size I initially wanted.

[twastheglow]

Wheels are:

Front-
17x8.5 et 13


Rear-
17x9.5 et 21



Tires (225/45 - 245/40) were used to mock up the wheels, but I sold my Sportstars so I left them on the rims. They will be changed to 215/40 - 235/40 as the ones on now, aren't the size I initially wanted.

So you're running a 235/40 on a 9.5" ET21 rear? What did you do to your fenders? I rolled mine and I seem to have rubbing with my 235/40 on a 9.5" ET33! Ugh! How low is the rear of your car?

And out of curiosity, what wheels did you get in those sizes?

[Okin]

So you're running a 235/40 on a 9.5" ET21 rear? What did you do to your fenders? I rolled mine and I seem to have rubbing with my 235/40 on a 9.5" ET33! Ugh! How low is the rear of your car?

And out of curiosity, what wheels did you get in those sizes?


No, actually I'm running 245/40's in the rear with a roll and flare:


http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/Okin_album/DSCN0326.jpg

Tires originally came off a set of DS2 staggered. I will be going with 235's in the rear when I replace all 4. I'm on Eibach Sports with Bilstein's. about an inch and a 1/2 drop from factory, in the rear. It rubs a little under heavy load.



I like the contact patch, so hence the reason of trying to keep a wide rear.
http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/Okin_album/DSCN0327.jpg

[twastheglow]

Ah, got ya. Thanks. I'm a bit lower. That's probably why. Any side shots of the car? Front and rear?

[Okin]

Ah, got ya. Thanks. I'm a bit lower. That's probably why. Any side shots of the car? Front and rear?


sig

[twastheglow]

Thanks. lol I'm kind of pissed with my tire size choice. I HATE how tall my sidewalls are. :rolleyes *you can't really tell from my sig picture...that pic makes them look alright*

[Okin]

I know I'm too tall in the front, so definitely out with the 45's to 40's and maybe down to 215. The benefit I would get from getting a 235 for the rear, would be a little less contact patch, but the 245's are growing on me. However, reality for me and the area I live in.... 235's would be a better bet.





Did you have to get a special tool to take yours apart?

[twastheglow]

I know I'm too tall in the front, so definitely out with the 45's to 40's and maybe down to 215. The benefit I would get from getting a 235 for the rear, would be a little less contact patch, but the 245's are growing on me. However, reality for me and the area I live in.... 235's would be a better bet.





Did you have to get a special tool to take yours apart?

With my next set of tires I'm going to go down a couple sizes. I'm not 100% sure what size, but I'm 100% sure they'll be narrower. lol

As far as a special tool...no. I only had to pull 2 bolts so I managed without. I'll definitely need one when I break them down fully. I also don't know where to get one.

[3MPowered]

If the wheels are OZ made then you'll need a special tool made specifially by OZ. tunershop.com carries them, as well as felgen-garage.de

Otherwise, the wheel bolts should be your standard 12 pt. bolt, am I correct? Same as the BBS bolts more or less? The bit should be available at any hardware or automotive specialty store.
Please correct me if I'm wrong though (it pays to know these things in advance!)

[luke318is]

If the wheels are OZ made then you'll need a special tool made specifially by OZ. tunershop.com carries them, as well as felgen-garage.de

Otherwise, the wheel bolts should be your standard 12 pt. bolt, am I correct? Same as the BBS bolts more or less? The bit should be available at any hardware or automotive specialty store.
Please correct me if I'm wrong though (it pays to know these things in advance!)

correct, they're 12pt bolts, 8 & 10mm

[Okin]

If the wheels are OZ made then you'll need a special tool made specifially by OZ. tunershop.com carries them, as well as felgen-garage.de




Yep, this is true. I found the tool set up back in September 09'. However, I didn't get into rebuilding them back then as I didn't have any tires mounted on the wheels to see if I wanted to keep them.

Since then, they have grown on me, so in my down time this year (We put it away for the winter) I'm thinking of tearing them apart and getting them cleaned up for next year.

[twastheglow]

Yep, this is true. I found the tool set up back in September 09'. However, I didn't get into rebuilding them back then as I didn't have any tires mounted on the wheels to see if I wanted to keep them.

Since then, they have grown on me, so in my down time this year (We put it away for the winter) I'm thinking of tearing them apart and getting them cleaned up for next year.

I'm in the exact same boat. My car is garaged all winter too and I'm also considering breaking them down to paint the centers a little darker to break up the monotony of silver on silver. I still haven't decided yet. :help