Hitchcocks Forum

Guys went to take my model G out today and found that the rear tyre is leaking air through the valve. I tried tighten the washer screw on the valve and put air in but still leaking out . I take it a new inner tube is in order , with regards to taking the wheel and tyre off and re fitting is this a big job or would it be easier to call out a company to complete the job.

Never had a puncture in 10 years of riding.

Regards

Reds

have you tried loosening & retightening the valve?

The valve is itself replaceable but it is common to tear the inner tube at the base of the valve stem, or that hole is where gas will escape from the tyre in the event of a puncture. The valve should be the short type, not the car type with the long spring and the sharp prong, to prevent the back end of it piercing the opposite side of the tube on a bump. Special valve tool used to be found on some dust caps.



DIY replacing the inner tube is do-able but a bike tyre place has machines to get the tyre on and off that make it not worth the effort but they prefer you to present them with the wheel.

Hi

I have checked the valve loosened then re tightened air leak stops until I put more tyre pressure in or wiggle the valve slightly.

Reds

In that case Reds old chum the valve is most probably faulty & needs to be replaced

From the comment about "wiggling" the valve and tightening the washer, it sounds like the air is escaping from the hole in the rim, not out of the valve core. Therefore new inner tube is needed.

Sounds like I am wrong and Netss & Jeffers are right.

A bit of spit on the end of the valve will soon tell you if a new valve or tube is required.

As it is easier to change the valve than the tube try replacing the valve first. It only takes a bit of grit to stop a valve sealing. Spit works. If you do then have a puncture, replace the inner tube but find the cause and remove it, inspect the tyre inside, check for sharp flints. Throw the job at the tyre service and let them sort it.