Aarrgh Tyre Valve

javadude · December 1, 2005

Got a valve leaking around the base (checked with soapy water) so took it to usual wheel/tyre place and said it was leaking. Waited 1.5hrs and they said yup it is, we don't have any replacements and you need two new tyres. They ordered tyres and valve.

Went back. Waited an hour. Valve was wrong size. Another ordered.

Went back again. Fitted valve.

Guess what? Wheels aren't balanced and the valve is leaking again. AAAAAArrrrhggghh

Just going back for fourth time.

ColinBarber · December 1, 2005

what company are you using? One to avoid I think.

javadude · December 1, 2005

Valve doesn't seem to be leaking yet this time. Re-balanced that wheel and said a weight must have come off. It's better but there's still plenty of vibration so going back tomorrow morning for fifth time so they can have another go at balancing the wheels. Perhaps the other one they replaced a tyre on has lost a weight too. :-(

Elite Wheels and Tyres in Reading. Usually reasonably good and helpful. I'm desparing a bit this time though.

Tony-Bones · December 1, 2005

what company are you using? One to avoid I think.

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Yeah... 'name and shame' we demand 'rewenge'

javadude · December 1, 2005

Main reason for going there was cause I bought the wheels there and they used to have some spare valves that fit Kosei wheels in stock. Wonder if they use a stud plate to mount the wheel for balancing? Hmmmm... guess prob not.

Tony-Bones · December 1, 2005

Main reason for going there was cause I bought the wheels there and they used to have some spare valves that fit Kosei wheels in stock. Wonder if they use a stud plate to mount the wheel for balancing? Hmmmm... guess prob not.

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Very few even know of the method?.... Ask them to measure the balance 'before' removing the weights, at least this way you know an error has occurred.

javadude · December 5, 2005

OK seems like it was one of the (untouched) front wheels that was out of balance after all that. Guess I lost a weight around the same time as the rear tyres were replaced or something In the end I took it to http://www.stsmotorsport.co.uk (used them in the past to fit my lowering springs) and they balanced all four wheels, checked the plastic rings etc etc. Bloke checked the balance before removing Elite's weights and the rears were only 15g out. One of the fronts was 30g out though. He would have used studed plates but tried the centre hole first. Vibration now seems sorted though any probs I'll take it back there and get them to use the studed plates. Happy bunny now :)