My local tire technician solved an annoying problem I was having with losing about 2 psi/day in one tire. Turns out the tire bar code label on the bead (of all the dumb places to put a label) caused a discontinuity in the bead that was allowing a very small leak. The label is bonded or vulcanized to the bead and cannot be removed, so we had to wet-sand it down smooth. Perfect now, no leak. Side discovery is that the pressure sending units in each wheel are VERY accurate. I figured this was worth a post since all the SS tires (maybe others too?) apparently have the barcode label on the bead, and this was a heck of a thing to isolate.

 

Thats been a problem for as long as I can remember. Michelin and Goodyear more than others. Yes that thing is a real ***** to remove but can be removed. At one of my recent round table discussions with Goodyear that was an issue that was on the table. Anytime we mount a new tire that has that barcode on the bead area, my techs know to remove it.

 

I stopped by a different dealership, and was talking to them about installing the stage kit, and mentioned how my tire was losing air when the temp. dropped.

They said they would take a look at it,
They inspected, tanked it, and spent about 90 minutes on it.
they said the valve stem was loose, I haven't had a problem since

 

I am having this very promblem-the dealer can't find a slow leak-yet I have to put air in once a week. My question is where or what is the bead.
Lake
08 2lt

 

The bead is the part of the tire that sits against the rim and forms the seal of the tire to the rim.

 

Thank You, I have this problem on my left front.

 

I had this problem, also. After the second time bringing it in to the dealer the Service Manager pulled up a TSB from '03 about aluminum wheels and slow leaks. He completed the TSB and ended up replacing all 4 wheels. The new wheels haven't leaked so all good now.

 

You have a very astute Service Manager. Most would not have thought about that particular problem (which by the way, has been around for years). Porosity of alloy wheels and a proper interior sealing is the solution. I am surprised, however, that he REPLACED all the wheels. But, good for you

 

I had a slow leak in one tire, and it was a simple fix. It had a small nail in it and I just hadn't seen it.

 

Just an update from my original post, my RF is now having a slow leak again. I am at 23,000 miles and the tires are probably good for 35,000, so I guess I'll have it looked at since pumping it up 4 lbs every week is getting annoying.