leaking tire

[Dr. Lu Karl]

I began experiencing immediate air pressure loss in one of my tires as soon as my new 1999 corvette arrived. I took it to three Chrevolet dealers, who could not find anything wrong with my tire. When I finally needed to replace my tires, after 40,000 miles, I was somewhat relieved to think that I would no longer have to add air to my left-rear tire every week, or so. I was losing about 1 pound of air per week. As soon as I had my new tires mounted, I began to experience the same air loss in the same right-rear wheel.
Obviously, it is not a problem with the tire. Is it possible that I have a rim that is allowing minimal leakage around a "burr" or rough spot on the wheel?

Upate: I found a GM dealer who was highly competent and solved my problem. The mechanic found a GM bulletin on the 1999 rims, which are subject to perosity. The repair solution was also posted in the bulletin. GM dealer repaired my rim for no charge. The dealer also managed to get me $175.00 refund for my trouble.

 

[Tuna]

It could be a porous wheel. Take the wheel-tire combo off and dunk it in the bath tub and look real close for the leak. If it's the wheel, you'll need to replace the wheel.

 

[sleepyhead]

Sounds like a rim leak to me. Those rims aren't cheap. Maybe that's why the dealer "couldn't find" anything.

 

[OldFart]

I experienced the same problem. Discount Tire informed me I had a hair line crack in my driver's side rear wheel (rim). The removed it, sent it out, had it brazed ($80.00) and I haven't had that problem any more. The crack was so small you needed a magnifying glass to see it, but it was there. Good luck in solving your problem.

 

[johnl]

I too had this issue back when the car was new (about 1lbs/day). Turns out it was leaking from a seam right in the center of the wheel. WHen we (at the dealer) dunked it we had to watch real close to see the tiny bubble stream comming out. They warranty replaced it no problem once we found it.