Leaking wheels! Are they repairable?

[OlyTDI]

I’ve got a set of aluminum wheels on my Golf, a few of which leak air slowly around the valve stem seat. This started with one wheel as a really slow leak a number of years ago but has progressed and now it is happening on a second wheel.

The wheels are in great shape — no corrosion or finish deterioration. I can see really fine foam develop around where the valve stem seats in the wheel’s hole when I spray soapy water on them and then examine them 15 minutes or so later. The leaks are about 10 psi or so over a two week period. So I have to top the tires off regularly. I’m in need of new tires so I should address this prior to buying those.

I should note that every time I have stopped in at Discount Tire to have the tires rotated. I have mentioned the problem and they then replace the valve stems but to no improvement.

I’m wandering it there is a way to hone the holes in the wheels or perhaps spray a clear lacquer on them to help seal the stems(?). Or do I need new wheels? I could use the tire stop leak goop, I guess though I know the tire techs hate that stuff.

The wheels really are in otherwise great shape and I cannot see any corrosion. Though, admittedly, I haven’t taken the tires off and removed the stems to inspect the holes in detail.

Thoughts?

Thanks up front!

 

[03Golfer]

A few thoughts:

Option 1: Bolt in metal valve stems similar to TPMS systems (or even the exact ones from TPMS just without the sensor on the end)

Option 2: A bit of tire bead sealer applied to the new rubber stem before installation

Option 3: try a new brand of rubber valve stem, it's discount tire using quality parts?

These all assume there's no corrosion where the valve stem seats, a little polish with some scotch brite should suffice if there is some corrosion.

 

[OlyTDI]

Very helpful. Thank you!

 

[Nuje]

TPMS stems are surprisingly affordable, whether you make use of the TPMS part is irrelevant to its capability as a valve stem.

 

[OlyTDI]

Definitely food for thought!

 

[OlyTDI]

Took the car in to Les Schwab and they were very helpful. They took the tire off the rim and did some rim and stem hole sanding. The tech said that it wasn't bad but went ahead and cleaned things up. Then they used bead sealer and put what looks like stainless steel(?) bolt-in stem and sent me on my way. No charge. That tactic works -- I think I'll purchase my new tires from them.

Waiting game now to see if the pressure holds. I really don't want to have to buy new wheels on top of new tires so hoping to make these work.

Hell, they're only 20 years old!

 

[OlyTDI]

Just following up on this thread. I did buy tires and had all of the wheels converted to bolt-on stems All 4 tires seem to be holding air fine.

Thanks for those who steered me in that direction!