How to Fix an ATV Tire Leaking Around the Rim
If you have a leaky ATV tire and you suspect the leak is coming from around the rim, here are some steps you can follow to hopefully fix the problem:
1. Remove the tire from the ATV: Before attempting any repairs, it's important to remove the tire from the ATV to get a closer look at the leak.
2. Locate the leak: You may think the leak is coming from the rim but a quick test can tell you for sure. The easiest way to locate the leak is to fill the tire with air and either submerge it in a tub of water and look for bubbles forming or spray a bottle filled with soap and water around the tire. The soap will bubble up where there is a leak.
3. If it’s a tire puncture or hole in the tire itself, follow these steps:
1. Remove the object (if any): If there is a foreign object embedded in the tire, such as a nail or screw, carefully remove it with pliers.
2. Clean the area: Use sandpaper or a wire brush to clean the area around the leak. This will help the patch adhere better.
3. Apply a patch: Use a tire patch kit to apply a patch to the area around the leak. Follow the instructions on the kit carefully. Typically, this involves applying a patch and using a special glue to hold it in place. We use glue tread branded kits but there are others available as well.
4. Inflate the tire: Once the patch is in place, inflate the tire to the recommended pressure.
5. Check for leaks: After inflating the tire, spray it with soapy water again to ensure that there are no additional leaks.
4. Inspect the rim carefully: If the bubbles come from around the rim and not from the tire itself then you’ll need to check the rim carefully for any damage or dents that could be causing the leak. If you find any, you may need to replace the rim, but first try these steps:
1. Clean the rim and tire bead: Dismount the tire from the rim and use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any dirt, rust, or debris from the rim and tire bead. This will help ensure a proper seal. If you need help with how to dismount the tire from the rim please refer to: How to break the bead on an ATV Tire
2. Apply bead sealer: Apply a thin layer of bead sealer to the rim and tire bead. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product you are using.
3. Reinstall the tire on the rim: Carefully reinstall the tire on the rim, making sure it is properly aligned and seated.
4. Inflate the tire: Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure and check for any leaks. If the tire is still leaking, you may need to repeat the process or seek professional help.
So now you’ve gone through all of the above and you’ve determined your rim is the problem and cleaning the bead and rim did not fix the leak….
Can my damaged ATV rim be repaired or do you have to replace it?
Whether or not you can repair your ATV rim depends on the extent and location of the damage.
If the leak is caused by a small puncture or crack in the rim, it may be possible to repair it using a specialized repair kit or by welding the affected area. However, if the damage is severe or the rim is bent or warped, it will need to be replaced entirely. Shop for Rims
It is important to have a professional assess the damage to determine the best course of action for repair or replacement. Riding on a damaged rim can be dangerous and cause further damage to your ATV, so it is recommended to have any issues addressed as soon as possible.
Where can I go to have my ATV rim repaired professionally?
You can go to a local ATV repair shop to have your ATV rim professionally accessed. They will advise on whether they’re willing to repair it or if it should be replaced. Call first, but most ATV shops should have replacement rims in-stock should it come to that. You can find ATV repair shops by searching online or checking your local phone directory. If you have any trouble finding a repair shop to look at your ATV, UTV or Side by Side rims or tires contact L1FE Outdoors ATV. L1FE Outdoors has staff that are very knowledgeable in ATV tires and rims.