09 escalade rim question

[09escaladehybrid]

So my 09 Escalade (hybrid) started giving me a low tire pressure reading. After airing up the offender and keeping an eye on it, I confirmed that it's leaking. I checked the valve stem and core with dish soap but no bubbles so I took it to the local tire shop. The Michelin's have about 15k miles so they're in good shape. The tire guy showed me that the 22" chrome over aluminum rim was flaking off which keeps the bead from sealing. It's also been below zero for days so that doesn't help either. Rather than replace the 4 rims with aftermarket's made in Asia for $1,200, I'm wondering if I can just put tubes in the tires ($150). I've done this with other setups on trucks. Does anyone know if this will work on the Escalade? It almost seems too simple but thought I'd check for your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

 

[j91z28d1]

I sometimes put tubes in low speed non dot tubeless tires if the rim has issues with rust and it's hard to get a replacement or the unit is due for scrap within a few years. it seems to work fine, just makes them kinda annoying to unmount.

does anyone even sell a 22in tube that would work in a low profile tire? you should use the correct size, if they are to big they have folds in them and over time the folds are where leaks start. other that that seems like balancing would be the only big concern.


but for me, you can't see the inside bead. if it was mine I'd just hit it with a wire brush attachment on something high speed and knock all the flaking chrome off. put the tires back on and go?

 

[B-train]

I'd never consider putting a tube in a tire capable of high speed, especially in a 22 inch wheel. $1200 is way cheaper than an insurance claim or personal injury. If $1200 hurts your wallet too much, then check out FB Marketplace for a set of take-offs that are in good condition.

Tubed tires are for old hay racks, old tractors, and for floating in a pond.........

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I've had similar issues with my 20" wheels. First, you need to find a local shop that will take the time required to properly prepare the surface of the wheel for tire mounting. My shop uses an air powered rotational tool with a very mild abrasive wheel, and they smooth out the entire surface of the wheel, where it contacts the tire bead. Then, a quality sealant is applied to the wheel/tire contact areas, and the tire is mounted. I have never had a continuing leaker, after using this method and taking the time to perform the work properly.

 

[petethepug]

My 22’s are doing the same thing. The cure is what JG just pointed out. I’ll see if I can get a pic of the black tire sealant they used on mine at the shop.

 

[Geotrash]

They want to sell you a set of wheels instead of cleaning up your rims. I'd go to a different tire shop and pay them to clean up the beads.

 

[tooleyondeck]

Probably wouldn't be hard to find a replacement OEM wheel on marketplace or, worst case, eBay. You have several options here besides buying a complete set of replicas. Replace, repair, powder coat, etc...

 

[petethepug]

I’ve replaced one of mine with an aftermarket rim and the chrome quality was inferior. They do rechrome them or strip and powder coat them.

Ironically, a lot of places will say they can not be stripped. Nope, not true.

Read the reviews on the sealant. For now, I’d go this route.

Xtra Seal Tire Bead Sealer 32 oz Black w/Brush Top Can PRO Quart
https://a.co/d/4kzPryP

 

[11bravo]

I realize this might get me banned...would a good tire sealant work on a bead leak? Most probably know, sealants have come a long way in recent years. Less gunk on the inside of the tire, and no chance of blow-ups. Maybe I ask because I'm sometimes cheap...but would it work?

 

[Geotrash]

I realize this might get me banned...would a good tire sealant work on a bead leak? Most probably know, sealants have come a long way in recent years. Less gunk on the inside of the tire, and no chance of blow-ups. Maybe I ask because I'm sometimes cheap...but would it work?

I've already reported this post to the moderators.

The problem I see with that approach is that centrifugal force would seem to keep the sealant against the tread and upper sidewall area. I wonder if the sealant would even get up to the bead. Might take a bumpy road to make it happen, if so. Either way, wire brush to remove the scale and then regular tire bead sealer works well in all but the most extreme cases - and in those the wheels probably should be discarded anyway for questionable structural integrity.

 

[RST Dana]

My dealer repaired all 4 rims on my 16 when I had it for around $150 They remove the tires and do what ever magic was needed to keep the air from leaking at the rims.

 

[B-train]

Take a wire wheel and run it around the bead area of each rim - the dust will fly for sure. Get all the whiteish-gray crap off. Then clean the rubber of the tires that mate to the bead area. Wipe clean with alcohol. Then use a good quality bead sealant that has some body to it. Brush on a nice coat all the way around. Install tire and seat bead - give it a little while to set up. Check with soapy water for bubbles. Also, replace the valve stems and clean all the crud around their mating surfaces too - emery cloth on a screw driver works well. You can put a shmear of sealant on that as well.

If that doesn't work, go to FB MARKETPLACE and get a set of used wheels and be done with it.

 

[11bravo]

you are correct about centrifugal force keeping it away from the bead. Regardless, it will an ongoing issue for the OP, so I guess it should be correctly addressed....

when the moderator comments or blocks me, I will tell him my wife wrote that...

 

[petethepug]

Buy the tire sealant and take it to a tire shop to deal with it.

The bead sealant will not work. It will also piss off the next tire guy who works on it because they have to clean all that crap out.

The tire bead sealant should be applied as close to the tire being installed on the rim as possible.

 

[Tazio]

I've (as a mechanic) used bead sealer many times with good results and even used black silicon down at the bottom of the rim bead. If you can find a shop that has a can of bead sealer that has been exposed to a lot of air (thick)-even better! Buff the worst part of the bead to get rid of any ragged chrome. I definitely oppose putting in tubes due to heat buildup, also installing inner tubes would make it impossible to retain your tps sensors,

 

[petethepug]

I now have four working TPMS sensors and only one tire that needs to go back in to have the bead cleaned and sealant applied.

Costco has been my friend until then. They have awesome tire air fill stations with free standing, digitally programmable controls with quick connect schraders you don’t have to hold against the valve.

Their air hoses are super lightweight coiled PVC that can be stretched all the way to the opposite side of the truck and recoil back to the stand with zero effort. Best of all, you don’t have to ask the grumpy gas clerk to turn on / override his coin operated air hose or prove you purchased fuel to use it.