I have a slow air leaking tire. About two weeks ago I check the tire pressure (after reading a thread regarding tire pressure, of course) on my rear driver side tire and it reads 24. So, I fill the air to 36 psi then after a week I check it again and it reads 20. What is the possible reasons for this to happen? Is this something the dealer can fix or replace? Or should I just go to local tire shop and have them check it out. I inspected the tire itself and it does not seem to be punctured anywhere. Thanks.

 

i would take it to a tire specialty shop.

they will/can remove the tire and place it under water (large tank) to see where the leak is coming from... then reseal the tire bead or do an internal patch/plug combo.

 

You may also check the valve core (inside the valve stem) to make sure that it is seated properly. Squirt some soapy water into it and around the stem and see if it blows bubbles. If not, then it is definitely from the tire somewhere. Slow leaks like that can be hard to find.

 

MY advice; just take it in to a tire shop. Remember you have no spare.

 

Dan I know on cars that do not have TPM, using soap water to check the valve stem is the best method. However, I am wondering if that method is acceptable with the Crossfire since the TPM is in the valve stem. The service manual has the following warning regarding the cap to ensure moisture stays out of the stem:

Quote:

Note: The cap used on this valve stem contains an O-ring
seal to prevent contamination and moisture from entering
the valve stem. Retain this valve stem cap for reuse. Do
not substitute a regular valve stem cap in its place.

I am now also wondering about the effect of the submersion tank on the TPM if the technician does not put on the valve cap.

 

Good points!!! My thoughts are that if it is leaking from the stem, then air pressure escaping is going to keep the moisture from entering. Either way, I would dry it out before replacing the cap. I wouldn't want it exposed to constant moisture but I'm not sure how else you would check it without exposing it to some temporarily.

 

Also, you may have a cracked wheel... Take it to the tire shop and have them put the tire on the other wheel and see if it follows the wheel or the tire...

 

You can also use the soapy water method for the whole tire. You need to over inflate the tire and run soapy water over the thread. Over inflating will force the air out of the leak. If that doesn't work, I agree it's time to take it to a professional.

 

I finally gave up and brought it to the local tire shop. They found a finishing nail tucked away inside the tread. Very tiny. Thank you all for great tips. I learn something everyday from this forum.

 

Our cars use the ABS sensor to detect different wheel speeds. When a tire is low, that tire spins faster than the other side. A small pressure difference will cause that to happen.