Bead sealant

[79XS11F]

I'm going to install my own tires soon and was wondering ... is the use of tire bead sealant required?
Rob

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Rob,

I've never used any on the ones I've done...tubeless! Just some mild soapy water to help the bead slide on and into position.
T.C.

[b.walker5]

I'm going to install my own tires soon and was wondering ... is the use of tire bead sealant required?
Rob

I dont and i've never had any problems, but it does come recommended by a lot of tyre fitters.

[TopCatGr58]

Well,

Further thinking on this, I'm thinking the sealant is more for helping to ensure that the bead doesn't leak, not for keeping the bead in place during a sudden pressure drop! However, If the rim is smooth, and no nicks in the tire's rubber bead sealing edge, then the soft rubber makes the air tight seal. It probably doesn't hurt, but I don't think it's absolutely essential.

I was brain farting about the sealant keeping the bead in place, then remembered the Indian Rain dance I've done before when I was changing out an old one....before I got a nice large "C"-clamp to break the bead!!

[BigDick]

JAT, I'm pretty sure I've read somewhere that you shouldn't use dish soap to install new tires because the degreaser in most soaps work at the rubber and make the tire degenerate.

[petejw]

Many years ago when i fitted tyres,
the use of detergent wasnt recomended because
it could cause the tyre to spin on its rim, either under heavy acceleration or braking, which cld cause the valve to break with a tubed tyre.

[Crazcnuk]

For about 15 minutes. That's how long it takes to dry.

[petejw]

true,
but it can leave a residue and when the tyres become wet again due to rain the posibility of it slipping again can occur.
But in saying all that, ive used detergent without any problems.

[cowboybob998]

One thing that works well on tires is cooking oil, i was told not to use soap because it can eat at the alumium

[tarzan]

Cooking oil?That stuff stays slippery,I think that would make the tire prone to spinning on the rim.
I use dish soap and haven't had any problems.

[andysutt]

We've used dish soap on lots of things.

Regular car tires, bike tires, drag slicks w/o screws, drag slicks with screws.

This helps them go on lots easier, and we've noticed that if you use it on drag slicks, they don't seem to leak down as fast, which is very helpful.

[The Lorax]

I've used dish soap with no issues, I've also (one of the first tires I mounted) use high vacuum grease, it worked well, and the tire never moved ( I checked it periodically) although vacuum grease is more like glue than grease, it's really thick and doesn't seem to ever lose its highly viscous nature, never seen anything quite like it. it works great on my vacuum bleeder's boot also. have a nice day and ride safe

[Crazcnuk]

Once the water is gone, the dish soap reisdue actually gets really sticky. and I don't think water from rain gets in between the tire and rim once the tire is seated and inflated to full pressure.

"and we've noticed that if you use it on drag slicks, they don't seem to leak down as fast"

Your drag slicks leak?

Speaking of drag slicks, if your wondering if your tires slip, on the rim, you can get tire markers (white crayon) to put a white spot or strip on your tire at the valve stem. Then if the tire moves over time you can see it.

On tubeless tires, small amounts of movement, over time, are ok. Tube tires will not take much movement before causing issues with the valve stem.

[andysutt]

Once the water is gone, the dish soap reisdue actually gets really sticky. and I don't think water from rain gets in between the tire and rim once the tire is seated and inflated to full pressure.

"and we've noticed that if you use it on drag slicks, they don't seem to leak down as fast"

Your drag slicks leak?

Speaking of drag slicks, if your wondering if your tires slip, on the rim, you can get tire markers (white crayon) to put a white spot or strip on your tire at the valve stem. Then if the tire moves over time you can see it.

On tubeless tires, small amounts of movement, over time, are ok. Tube tires will not take much movement before causing issues with the valve stem.

All drag slicks for cars leak down. Some brands leak less than others.
You'd be surprised how fast they can loose air. We check our tires between every round (like you should) and w/o using the dish soap we've lost up to several pounds between a round (hour or so)

[John]

You could just go to your local tire store and ask for a small amount of Ru-Glide, or equivilant. It is a lube made for tire installation