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Tire Losing Air?

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Old 01-28-2019, 02:41 PM
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Bob Z.
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Default Tire Losing Air?

So on the way back from the Rolex 24, which was a great time on Saturday, I checked the tire pressures and the just the passenger side rear tire was 2lbs low. The next day I checked it with my gauge and it was a couple pounds lower so I inspected the tire by rolling it back and forth and I could see nothing such as screws, nails, etc. I put 40 lbs in both rear tires and today I checked them both and both were stlll at 40lbs. So, could it be that the position of the tire is preventing air from a hole from coming out? I guess I could move the car so the tire is rotated 180 degrees and check it tomorrow?
Old 01-28-2019, 02:50 PM
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worf928
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Originally Posted by Bob Z.
So, could it be that the position of the tire is preventing air from a hole from coming out?
Yes.

Also, I’ve gotten to the point where I believe that 2 PSI, for practical decision-making purposes, is about the limit of the TPMS system’s accuracy even though its precision is 1 PSI. So, basically until I see more than -2 PSI it’s not something I worry about.
Old 01-28-2019, 02:54 PM
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V999
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If the 180 degree rotation doesn't help, do you have a large enough tub to pull the tire and submerge it? I think I recall you getting 5-lug wheels, which makes pulling the tire a lot easier.
Old 01-28-2019, 03:45 PM
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Sidvicious7
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Originally Posted by V999
If the 180 degree rotation doesn't help, do you have a large enough tub to pull the tire and submerge it? I think I recall you getting 5-lug wheels, which makes pulling the tire a lot easier.
It’s not necessary to put the tire in a tub of water. Just apply a soapy solution of water and observe for expanding bubbles. Another area to check is your valve stem and core.



Old 01-28-2019, 03:53 PM
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CSK 911 C4S
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I just had to have one refitted where the leak was at the bead.

When they removed the tire there was a bar code sticker in this area causing the bad seal.

That was a 1st for me.

I just mixed up a solution of car wash soap and water and used a microfiber to wet down the entire surface....... bubble bubble......was very easy to find.
Old 01-28-2019, 03:58 PM
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Porsche_nuts
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If you car is maintaining 40, I doubt you have a leak.
Old 01-28-2019, 04:00 PM
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SoCal C2S
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Every so often I get a "6lbs" low on the passenger side for both front and back tires. Dealer of course has no clue. So I just reset the TPMS and everything is back to normal.
Old 01-28-2019, 04:11 PM
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Bob Z.
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Originally Posted by Porsche_nuts
If you car is maintaining 40, I doubt you have a leak.
Thanks all, and I will report back when I figure it out. I will rotate the tire 180 and check it tomorrow, just to rule that out. I did tighten the valve stem inner a little so maybe that was it. And I do not have a tub or way to remove the tire but I can try the soapy water method with it on the car.
Old 01-28-2019, 07:15 PM
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jsaviano
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I believe these ultra low profile wheel and time combinations need the pressures checked more often than "normal." At least that's my experience.
Old 01-28-2019, 07:25 PM
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IXLR8
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Originally Posted by Bob Z.
I checked the tire pressures and the just the passenger side rear tire was 2lbs low.
You checked it with what? The TPMS or a real tire gauge?

The TPMS are different sensors, so who knows if they are all equal. A tire gauge does a better job of showing differences.

I use a Longacre gauge that has 0.1 psi resolution and I believe 0.2 psi accuracy.
Old 01-28-2019, 10:59 PM
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bkrantz
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Originally Posted by IXLR8
You checked it with what? The TPMS or a real tire gauge?

The TPMS are different sensors, so who knows if they are all equal. A tire gauge does a better job of showing differences.

I use a Longacre gauge that has 0.1 psi resolution and I believe 0.2 psi accuracy.
Do this, and with the tire at the same temperature each time.

If the tire never lost pressure before, then gets a slow leak, I would consider (in this order)

1. Small puncture (with or without foreign object remaining)
2. Loose or faulty valve insert
3. Leaking bead (not likely)
4. Cracked or porous wheel (very not likely)

BTW I have had all of these at one time or another.
Old 01-28-2019, 11:06 PM
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Bob Z.
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[QUOTE=IXLR8;15599329]You checked it with what? The TPMS or a real tire gauge?

The TPMS are different sensors, so who knows if they are all equal. A tire gauge does a better job of showing differences.

I use a Longacre gauge that has 0.1 psi resolution and I believe 0.2 psi accuracy.[/QUOTE
Both, as stated in my initial post.
Old 01-28-2019, 11:08 PM
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Bob Z.
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Originally Posted by bkrantz
Do this, and with the tire at the same temperature each time.

If the tire never lost pressure before, then gets a slow leak, I would consider (in this order)

1. Small puncture (with or without foreign object remaining)
2. Loose or faulty valve insert
3. Leaking bead (not likely)
4. Cracked or porous wheel (very not likely)

BTW I have had all of these at one time or another.
I just went over 1k miles so 3. & 4. are not possible, especially since I have not hit potholes, curbs, etc. and it the potential leak was just noticed. I rolled the tire 180 degrees this evening and will check it tomorrow (with my gauge).
Old 01-29-2019, 12:38 AM
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Bob I know you are in Florida. We were in Naples this past weekend and it was very cool. A weather change will affect your pressures also.
Old 01-29-2019, 01:13 AM
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iammacey
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Bob,

I read your original post a couple of times and if I'm understanding correctly it was down 4 psi total? Cold weather will impact them, but it typically impact all of them. I would be inclined to think it's a small puncture or hopefully the pin in the valve stem that you already tightened.

Even if it hasn't dropped again when you check it tomorrow, if you can easily remove the wheel I would. It is much easier to find a screw/nail with it off. These tires are like magnets for punctures.


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