Is there a way to visually tell if a rim band needs to be replaced? See pics below.

 

About 3 months ago I had to replace a few spokes which required me to remove and reinstall the rim band. I cleaned it up well including wire brushing the rim and put small dabs of green Slime on each spoke nipple and then coated the rim band in Slim before carefully stretching it back over the time.

 

Tire held air fine until a few days ago when I noticed it was flat. Soapy water showed air leaking from several spokes. 

 

UPDATE

I bought new rim band but having trouble getting one section to sit correctly in the "channel".  I used just soapy water.

 

Do you think this will seal okay or should I start over and try to remove the "bubble"?  Maybe once I have the tire on and air it up it will flatten out?

 

When I try to remove the bubble, the sides won't fit back into the channel.

 

 

 

Thanks!

OLD RIM BAND BELOW

 

Edited April 15, 201610 yr by mbeers6

It has to seal really propperly in order to keep the low pressure air in. The mounting is really important but I quess you did that well since it worked for some time. Looks like the band is pretty worn, around the spokes, that does not make it easier to seal...

Personally I think the sealing action is actually at the edges of the rim band where it fits into the groove of the rim.

So if the edges are knackered, have something stuck between the rim and the rim band (small bit of dirt or such) it will not seal.

and then the air will leak through the bad seal at the groove.  The air will then find it's way out a spoke hole or many, much the same way water travels from a leak in a roof to eventually dripping off a low spot in the ceiling.

 

but just a theory I have.

 

 

on edit:  did you use soapy water as a lubricant when re-installing the rim band?   it really helps the sticky rubber band slide into place in the groove.

Edited April 13, 201610 yr by zippy

Yeah the sides do the task, but everything helps. And generally it looks a bit used. Especiially on the first picture I spot some ruggd edges. Any bad spot will potentially cause a leak.

Edited April 13, 201610 yr by crazybond700

You want it to seal? New rim band required.

 

Thank you gents, I think I'm going to just order a new one. I don't want to be too cheap and have a flat in the middle of the next event.

 

I agree that it's probably the edges when it fits into the valley that keeps the seal. 

 

Zippy....I used slime to lube the rim band last time. Tried to not stretch it too much when I was pulling it over the rim.

There was a recommendation on here to use Heldite on the nipples. I used it and I suspect it could be used instead of a rim band so well does it seem to seal.

There was a recommendation on here to use Heldite on the nipples. I used it and I suspect it could be used instead of a rim band so well does it seem to seal.

If any of your spokes are lose then they will cause any sealant or rim band to move and break seal. Tight spokes is a key to keeping air in these things as well. Go over them using the "tuning fork" method with a wrench. 

 

--Biff

there was a video of how to fit a rim band its a tricky technique but needs to be done right, preferably first time.

It was snells... Myabe it already back on.

there was a video of how to fit a rim band its a tricky technique but needs to be done right, preferably first time.

 

Found it

 

Not a very good example as he glosses over the most important part of seating band in grooves and that air bubbles are ok, plus the newer type bands in valve area. I think the RYP had a much better one.

Not a very good example as he glosses over the most important part of seating band in grooves and that air bubbles are ok, plus the newer type bands in valve area. I think the RYP had a much better one.

Is this the RYP one you are talking about? Only one I could find.

http://www.lewisportusa.com/manuals/sherc_11-21-09/rim_band_replacement_manual.pdf

That is the "old" type this is the "new" Jim was showing http://www.tryalsshop.com/index.html#!/Rim-Strip-Rear-With-Integrated-Valve-Stem-For-Tubeless-Rims/p/359060/category=162632

 

get it and put it on like Jim showed nigel is right the original video shows him tucking it in the grove.

Edited April 14, 201610 yr by cbutler