Tires loosing pressure

[joepitt]

I've noticed my Camaro is loosing tire pressure on all tires. I've got the RS package. Someone at work said they read there is a problem with aluminium wheels not making as good a seal. Anyone heard about this or experiencing tire pressure lost.

[Black_2SS]

I've always heard the cold will affect tire pressure with aluminium. I think it expands/contracts more than others. Mine didn't have anything happen before it got cold. I'm no expert though.

[chris rs ss]

yeah, im sure its the weather. Its been real cold in our area. My tires were down to 27lbs the other day

[themossman]

I had to inflate all four on mine last week...they dropped down to 27/28 lbs.

It's been COLD down here in Florida...

[mjorgensen]

You can try running nitrogen and the loss in pressure will not be as drastic but the others are right on the money with the cold.

[toehead93]

I just added air yesterday when it was 37 out. It's 55 now and pressure is too high now...go figure. We shouldn't have to deal with these things here, what's next snow tires?

[Orange5thGen]

9 inches of snow up here. My baby is parked in the heated garage.
The tires do loose air when it is cold. just keep them at cold pressure as they do go up and down.

[Jay_LHD3]

Originally Posted by toehead93

I just added air yesterday when it was 37 out. It's 55 now and pressure is too high now...go figure. We shouldn't have to deal with these things here, what's next snow tires?

Tell me about it. Today I said enough and before leaving for work I dug out a winter coat that I have not had to wear in years in SW Georgia.



<Now back on topic for your regular viewing...>

[Pope Designs]

cold weather does it every time to my car!

[camaroMSUfan]

same problem here in MS. dealer said the same and the weather was a cause

[jtzako]

Cold here in TX also and I lose about 2lbs pressure a week so far.

[venice17517]

#08-03-10-006B: Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion (Clean and Resurface Wheel Bead Seat) - (Dec 4, 2009)

Subject:Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion (Clean and Resurface Wheel Bead Seat)

Models:2000-2010 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn)
2003-2010 HUMMER H2
2006-2010 HUMMER H3
2005-2009 Saab 9-7X

This bulletin is being reissued to add bulletin reference information for possible air leaks due to wheel porosity issues. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 08-03-10-006A (Section 03 - Suspension).
Do This
Don't Do This
Clean corrosion and resurface the wheel bead seat area.
Do not replace the wheel if it can be repaired within the guidelines below.
<A href="#ss1-2372207">Condition

Some customers may comment on a tire that slowly loses air pressure over a period of days or weeks.
<A href="#ss2-2372207">Cause

Abrasive elements in the environment may intrude between the tire and wheel at the bead seat. There is always some relative motion between the tire and wheel (when the vehicle is driven) and this motion may cause the abrasive particles to wear the wheel and tire materials. As the wear continues, there may also be intrusion at the tire/wheel interface by corrosive media from the environment. Eventually a path for air develops and a 'slow' leak may ensue. This corrosion may appear on the inboard or outboard bead seating surface of the wheel. This corrosion will not be visible until the tire is dismounted from the wheel.
Notice: This bulletin specifically addresses issues related to wheel bead seat corrosion that may result in an air leak. For issues related to porosity of the wheel casting that may result in an air leak, please refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-10-006E - Low Tire Pressure, Leaking Cast Aluminum Wheels (Repair with Adhesive Sealant)
<A href="#ss3-2372207">Correction

In most cases, this type of air loss can be corrected by following the procedure below.
Important: DO NOT replace a wheel for slow air loss unless you have evaluated and/or tried to repair the wheel with the procedure below.
Notice: The repair is no longer advised or applicable for chromed aluminum wheels.

1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly for diagnosis. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in SI.
2. After a water dunk tank leak test, if you determine the source of the air leak to be around the bead seat of the wheel, dismount the tire to examine the bead seat. Shown below is a typical area of bead seat corrosion.<A href="#oth4-2372207">Typical Location of Bead Seat Corrosion
   
   
   
   
   Important: Other forms of slow air leaks are possible. If the body of the tire, valve stem and wheel flange show no signs of air seepage, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-10-003D for additional information on possible wheel porosity issues.
3. Bead seat corrosion is identified by what appears like blistering of the wheel finish, causing a rough or uneven surface that is difficult for the tire to maintain a proper seal on. Below is a close-up photo of bead seat corrosion on an aluminum wheel that was sufficient to cause slow air loss.<A href="#oth5-2372207">Close-Up of Bead Seat Corrosion
   
   
   
   
4. If corrosion is found on the wheel bead seat, measure the affected area as shown below.
   
   
   
   • For vehicles with 32,186 km (20,000 mi) or less, the total allowable combined linear area of repairable corrosion is 100 mm (4 in) or less. If the total area(s) of corrosion exceed these dimensions, the wheel should be replaced.
   • For vehicles that have exceeded 32,186 km (20,000 mi), the total allowable combined linear area of repairable corrosion is 200 mm (8 in) or less. If the total area(s) of corrosion exceed these dimensions, the wheel should be replaced.
5. In order to correct the wheel leak, use a clean-up (fine cut) sanding disc or biscuit to remove the corrosion and any flaking paint. You should remove the corrosion back far enough until you reach material that is stable and firmly bonded to the wheel. Try to taper the edge of any flaking paint as best you can in order to avoid sharp edges that may increase the chance of a leak reoccurring. The photo below shows an acceptable repaired surface.Notice: Corrosion that extends up the lip of the wheel, where after the clean-up process it would be visible with the tire mounted, is only acceptable on the inboard flange. The inboard flange is not visible with the wheel assembly in the mounted position. If any loose coatings or corrosion extend to the visible surfaces on the FACE of the wheel, that wheel must be replaced.
   Important: Remove ONLY the material required to eliminate the corrosion from the bead seating surface. DO NOT remove excessive amounts of material. ALWAYS keep the sealing surface as smooth and level as possible.
   <A href="#oth6-2372207">Acceptably Prepared (Cleaned-Up) Wheel Surface
   
   
   
   
6. Once the corrosion has been eliminated, you should coat the repaired area with a commercially available tire sealant such as Patch Brand Bead Sealant or equivalent. Commercially available bead sealants are black rubber-like coatings that will permanently fill and seal the resurfaced bead seat. At 21°C (70°F) ambient temperature, this sealant will set-up sufficiently for tire mounting in about 10 minutes.<A href="#oth7-2372207">Coated and Sealed Bead Seat
   
   
   
   
7. Remount the tire and install the repaired wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in SI.

<A href="#ss8-2372207">Parts Information

Patch Brand Bead Sealer is available from Myers Tires at 1-800-998-9897 or on the web at www.myerstiresupply.com. The one-quart size can of sealer will repair about 20 wheels.
Part Number
Description
16118
Patch Bead Sealer (1 Quart)
<A href="#ss9-2372207">Warranty Information (excluding Saab U.S. Models)

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
E9475*
Wheel, Bead Seat Repair (One)
0.6 hr
* This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.
<A href="#ss10-2372207">Warranty Information (Saab U.S. Models)

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Failed Object
Fault/Reason Code
Location Code
Warranty Type
Repair/Action Code
Labor Time
7711006*
Wheel, Bead Seat Repair (One)
77110
81
9
01
05
0.6 hr
* This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the STM.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how

[venice17517]

I will try to show picture, once I find out how.

[venice17517]

Picture of the problem area. Take to the dealer it is a easy fix, tell them the TSB number.

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/u...517/Wheel1.gif

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/u...517/Wheel2.gif

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/u...517/Wheel3.gif

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/u...517/Wheel4.gif

[PAUL SS]

Did yo read my post on air in the tires?

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56716

[IOM-SS]

my first on-star report notified that all 4 tires were low lf 32 rf rr lr 34. had nirtogen put in infalted them to 36 lbs received second report yesterday notifyed me that the rf lf were low 33 lbs rr lr 34 she is my fun car and donot drive her that often except on weekends temperature here in so ca. has been in the high forties. i have seen at the dealerships cars have, in the showroom floor, rubber pads under the tires someone here on camaro5 mentioned they put carpet under the tires wonder if that helps. any feedback would be greatly appreciated

:5thgenvert:

[mulletman]

Every ten degrees in temperature change is equal to approximately one psi change.
Going from 80 degrees outside teperature to 40 degrees will cause a 4 psi decrease.

[Sketti]

Originally Posted by joepitt

I've noticed my Camaro is loosing tire pressure on all tires. I've got the RS package. Someone at work said they read there is a problem with aluminium wheels not making as good a seal. Anyone heard about this or experiencing tire pressure lost.

Yes same problem and it isn't really that cold where I live.

[d69chris]

They seem to loose pressure regardless, I am filling mine every couple weeks & it's not that cold here.

It did drop into the 70's today. might need to check tires........

I am trying Nitrogen in new set, but what a pain in the @ss. :(

Will always have to stop by the shop that filled them if they drop pressure.

Can't lower the pressure in the tires at the strip & then reinflate with regular air.

When I put my stockers back on for the track and then want to put my new wheels back on, I will have to go by the shop again to recalibrate the TPMS sensors.........

[2ndgenz28]

Different brand of car but who know on the rims, most rims are made by a 3rd party.

But my Grandpa had that problem with his new Lincoln, the dealer tried several times, several shops tired but the tires would just lose air constantly.

Ened up putting some Simoniz tire stuff in there and they never leaked again.
[cheaper then that green stuff sold in the same isle where $10 only does 1 tire, Simoniz $10 does 2 tires.]

I did test it on my Firebird first, my 2 older rears would leak over time, no balance or vib issues and the best part no air leaks.

Tire guys hate that stuff but they don't get paid to like their job, why its called work not happy fun time.

[40again]

Originally Posted by toehead93

I just added air yesterday when it was 37 out. It's 55 now and pressure is too high now...go figure. We shouldn't have to deal with these things here, what's next snow tires?

It's not a Camaro thing. My last vehicle was a Nissan pick-up with TPMS and I also had issues when it got cold. No special wheels, just when it's cold the tires lose pressure. We just never knew it before the TMPS came out unless you checked the tire pressure manually when the temps fell.

[FEN]

As others have mentioned, its only the colder weather.My Camaro as well as my daily driver (not a Camaro) both went down 3-4psi when it got a little colder last week and i live in Florida.I have had aluminum wheels on my cars for the last 24 years and have never had a problem with loss of tire pressure due to the wheels being aluminum. Tire pressure will usually rise 2psi after driving due to the tire getting hotter.

[Rock-It Man]

PV=RT

Your tire pressure will go down about 1 psi per degree F of temp change.

Nitrogen is subject to the same simple law. The only reason nitrogen filled tires may have less pressure loss is that ambient air contains water vapor that may condense out, lowering pressure. However, pure air will behave exactly the same as pure nitrogen.

The rim corrosion causing leaks is a whole 'nother story. I just replaced the rims on my truck, rather than chase this problem. After 100,000 of exposure to salt and sand, I'm not surprised. But, why this would happen to wheels on a 1 year old Camaro driven in warm weather only is a mystery.