Bead sealer isn’t enough here

Question:

In response to your recommendations to Bill Kautz of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, regarding slowly leaking tires (March), I’m calling your solution the “hard way” and replacement of the OEM wheels the expensive way.

The easy way? Tru-Flate bead sealer, marketed under Camel Tire Repair Products, but sold under the Tru-Flate name as Tru-Flate part no. 12-090.

I’ve been using this stuff (or something akin to it) since tubeless radials were introduced to the U.S. in 1963, and it works great! If his wheels leak after the application of this stuff, the wheels/tires have pinhole leaks and it’s time to pitch them both and spend some money.

Answer:

While your point about using bead sealer to cure minor bead leaks is well taken, I don’t think it is the right solution for Bill Kautz and others in the same position. The problem Mr. Kautz is experiencing with his PT Cruiser wheels is corrosion that’s occurring to chrome plating and between the chrome plating and underlying metal. While bead sealer will likely seal small leaks that are already there it will do nothing to stop the progression of the corrosion and the future leaks that will develop as a result. That’s why in his case I still suggest removing

the chrome plating in the bead seat area of each rim by sanding down to the rim’s base metal and then refinishing the area with a corrosion inhibiting catalyzed paint system.