Leak

[Bud Manley]

I found a leak on my rim.

IN this closeup it shows a little better where the leak is.

Its coming out of this little post thingy. What the hell is it and how do I fix it?
The leak isn't coming from the air filler dealy but from a metal post that looks pretty solid. Anyone know what its for?

[John]

I believe that would be the rim lock. Do you have tube type tires or tubeless? These are used on tube type wheels.

[xswilly]

they are indeed rim locks
they were used on the 78s and some 79s

with inner tubes, if you have these in your rims
then you should by running an inner tube

they are supposed to keep the tire on the rim in the event of a flat while moving
and i can attest to the fact that they do work, as i had a blowout at about 70, and the tire stayed on the rim and i was able to bring it to a halt without, any harm to me or the bike,
she did do a dance as i was slowing down.which scared the crap out of me.

[Bud Manley]

To be honest with you I don't want to remove the tire to find out if it got a tube or not. The tire is mark Tube\Tubeless or something like that.
Can this be fixed and if so what do I need to fix the leak. I'd prefer not to take the tire off but will do what I have to.
THanks
-Scott

[Bud Manley]

On second thought, If there is a tube in the tire how can air be leaking out? THere is no actual tire puncture just a slow leak out of the rim lock. Therefore I would say I do not have a tube. in any case how would one stop the leak?

[RUSH]

have a tube put in or the one that is in replaced. some automotive tire shops will patch the tube but dont carry the replacements. You will have to remove the tire from the bike.

[ratbyk]

Bud, you may be able to use one of those aerosol bombs for sealing a leaking tire BUT! If you think taking the tire off now is a PITA. Just wait until you have a flat out on the road and find out what a big PITA that is.
Strongly suggest you pull the wheel and get the tire repaired properly. It could be that you do have a tube in there. It has a hole in it. The tubeless tire is holding a seal at the bead but the air trapped between the tube and the tire has found away out at the bead lock retaining bolt.
Ken/Sooke

[Bud Manley]

Hmmm. I was hoping someone would say something like "Hey no problem...Just tighten the bolt up." LOL

OK I'll have to take it to the shope tommorow.
Thanks.
-Scott

[xswilly]

fix the tire correctly
depending on your riding skill and a lot of luck
will decide if you dump it when the rear tire lets go

put a tube in it, or if it has one already there, it may need to be patched
a flat in your driveway is alot better than 50 miles from home
good luck
and remember they push real hard with a flat tire
don't ask how i know that

[Ken Talbot]

Or, if you still want to ignore all of the correct advice, consider this option:
- let the air completely out of the tire
- loosen up the lock nut and washer
- push the rimlock 'in' a bit if you can so you can inject a bit of silicone in around the stem
- let the silicone cure
- replace the washer and nut
- refill with air and test again
- find it still leaks then take it in and have if done correctly

[Winterhawk]

Just take the tire off and put a new rubber washer under the bolt on the inside. It will be fine after that.