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Porous alloys

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by pshawfocus, Jan 17, 2019.

  1. pshawfocus

    pshawfocus Picard would own a Prius...

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    Hi All

    So, am considering buying 4 new tyres for my new / old 2001 as not sure the last time they were changed and I’m (very) frequently adding air to them. However, at the same time I was wondering if these alloys are known to be particularly porous? I know there are multiple stories of them corroding - mine were treated about 10 years ago and whilst not pretty they seem to not be getting any worse - but could their age now be a contributory to the loss of air? Not keen on replacing all the tyres and then having them taken off to sort the alloys if the air loss continues. Any thoughts Prius posse?
     
    #1 pshawfocus, Jan 17, 2019
  2. Brian in Tucson

    Brian in Tucson Active Member

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    More likely your slow leaks are from leaky valve stems or shrader valves. I haven't heard of complaints about the wheels, your tire tech should be able to give you an idea of whether the wheels are getting bad. Does the rest of your car have problems with corrosion?
     
    #2 Brian in Tucson, Jan 17, 2019
  3. Itsmeonprius

    Itsmeonprius Member

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    I agree Brian. Could also be rim leaks if the tyre is particularly hard wearing.
    You can check for porous metal by inflating the wheel off the car and spray the inside of the rim with water. Bubbles? Porous alloys.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 Itsmeonprius, Jan 18, 2019
    Brian in Tucson likes this.
  4. Brian in Tucson

    Brian in Tucson Active Member

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    New tires take care of rim leaks, btw. New tires.
     
    #4 Brian in Tucson, Jan 19, 2019
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  5. Itsmeonprius

    Itsmeonprius Member

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    Yeah it should if you have a decent tyre fitter and the sealant is good stuff. Totally agree.
    Michelin tyres are known to have rim leaks due to their hardness but as you say, new tyres shouldn't.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 Itsmeonprius, Jan 20, 2019
  6. Usle

    Usle Active Member

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    If the valve stems are origional....get a valve stem tool, remove the valve, clean it, coat it with oil, put it back in, tighten securly, air up the tire, put the valve stem on the bottom, down, fill the stem with oil and watch for air bubbles.

    Check the tire seat with soapy water and a water spray, an old windex bottle.
     
    #6 Usle, Jan 20, 2019
  7. pshawfocus

    pshawfocus Picard would own a Prius...

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    So I bit the bullet and bought 4 new tyres yesterday and....fingers crossed the air will stay in them. The guys in the tyre shop were quite amused by the car itself, both funny ha ha and funny peculiar. The young guy tasked with lining up the Prius ready for it to be jacked up particularly loved the gearbox lever on the dash board. Anyway, besides hoping the new tyres will retain their air, they also solved another issue I’ve remarked about, the heavy power steering. It was like driving a new Prius again, light and delicate and no longer a dinghy caught in a storm on slightly faster / windy roads. Chuffed :)
     
    #7 pshawfocus, Jan 27, 2019
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