22" chrome wheel leaks

[homesick]

I have a 2007 Escalade with the OEM 22" chrome wheels. The front left tire keeps leaking down. So far, two different shops have failed to fix it.

The second shop blamed the factory wheels, and put a sealant on the bead. He said it might not work, and it hasn't.

So, any ideas for a solution?

joe

 

[Blackcar]

Have them break tire down and look around wheel where tire bead mounts.
I had one that chrome plating in that area was flaking which let air seep thru. I cleaned that area by breaking chrome flaking area off and sanding smooth.
To make sure that where leak is coming from lay wheel and tire flat on ground put soap solution around rim and air valve check for bubbling then turn over and check back of wheel.
It might be leaking of wheel because of porosity but I doubt it.

 

[homesick]

Have them break tire down and look around wheel where tire bead mounts.
I had one that chrome plating in that area was flaking which let air seep thru. I cleaned that area by breaking chrome flaking area off and sanding smooth.
To make sure that where leak is coming from lay wheel and tire flat on ground put soap solution around rim and air valve check for bubbling then turn over and check back of wheel.
It might be leaking of wheel because of porosity but I doubt it.

Your 'flaking' theory matches what I've read, so far. Actually, I read that it's an issue for ALL chrome plated wheels, but I've never heard of it before.

Your other idea is simple and sensible, thanks.

joe

 

[Stbentoak]

Older chrome rims are notorious for getting pinholes in them. Most people just buy new aftermarket rims and move on.. they are pretty well unfixable... Had same problem on a 2004 Infiniti Q 35

 

[homesick]

Older chrome rims are notorious for getting pinholes in them. Most people just buy new aftermarket rims and move on.. they are pretty well unfixable... Had same problem on a 2004 Infiniti Q 35

NOW you tell me. Thanks.

joe

 

[GMCChevy]

You can usually use a wire wheel in a drill to clean up really bad rims. There are also tubes for radial tires I had to use them on one of my cars but I don't know if there are issues with them in wheels that big.
If the tires are old Sometimes that can also affect the bead sealing.

 

[homesick]

You can usually use a wire wheel in a drill to clean up really bad rims. There are also tubes for radial tires I had to use them on one of my cars but I don't know if there are issues with them in wheels that big.
If the tires are old Sometimes that can also affect the bead sealing.

Potholes in my memory again. I meant to ask about tubes, and forgot. Thanks.

The tires are Goodyear Eagles, with only 2000-3000 miles on them. I've had this issue since I bought them. The other three have no leaking. The tire seller was the first shop to fail the repair.

Oddly, the rate of leakage seems to vary. It once went months without leaking down. It once went -flat- overnight.

Do any of y'all know whether these wheels are steel or aluminum, under the chrome?

joe

 

[Stbentoak]

Steel.. pitted and slowly corroding steel....

 

[Blackcar]

Potholes in my memory again. I meant to ask about tubes, and forgot. Thanks.

The tires are Goodyear Eagles, with only 2000-3000 miles on them. I've had this issue since I bought them. The other three have no leaking. The tire seller was the first shop to fail the repair.

Oddly, the rate of leakage seems to vary. It once went months without leaking down. It once went -flat- overnight.

Do any of y'all know whether these wheels are steel or aluminum, under the chrome?

joe

If you could show picture of wheel front back might be able to tell material made of.

 

[GMCChevy]

If they're the factory ones they're not steel.