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Repairing a "Dry" Tubeless Tire
If you're using a true UST tubeless tire on a UST rim, you may not require
sealant. If you're running a "dry" tubeless system, you can use
different techniques (such as superglue) to patch a puncture. If you're using
sealant in your tire, go to our "fixing tubeless
tires with sealant" page.
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A large defect, such as this one, should not be repaired.
Toss the tire and buy a new one. If a cut is more than 1/4 inch, it's
unlikely that the repair will hold.
Note the "stress marks" on the sidewall of this tire. Flexing
of the sidewall is separating the cords from the rubber. (This tire was
primed to blow, because it's a light-weight non-tubeless tire, run with
low pressure.) Sealant won't protect you against this type of tire
failure. |
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Mark the spot of the puncture. You may not be able to find it once the
tire is off the rim.
Let all the air out of the tire and remove it from the rim.
Pinch the tire to expose the inside of the cut or puncture. |
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While maintaining the pinch that forces the puncture open,
put a drop of superglue into the puncture, making sure it penetrates to
the inside of the tire. |
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Now release the pinch and push the puncture closed.
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For larger punctures, and for all cuts, make a permanent
repair as soon as possible. Remove the tire from the rim. (You don't need
to take it all the way off, you can simply "break" one side away
from the rim so the inside of the puncture is exposed.)
Clean the area of the puncture. I recommend against sanding, because
you may expose the tire's cords, making the repair less secure.
Apply a thin layer of patch glue. |
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When the glue is dry (tacky, but not stringy, and firmly
holding in place on the tire), apply a patch and press it firmly into
place. |
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Reseat the tire. Brush a layer of soapy water around the
bead of the tire where it will contact the rim. (Or for a more leak-proof
seal, brush a thin layer of tire sealant around the bead.) |
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Force the bead out against the side of the rim. Using both
hands, push your thumbs down in the center of the tire, while your fingers
drag the sidewall of the tire outward. When it looks like the bead is
sitting on the rim liner all the way around, you're ready to inflate. |
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Inflate the tire with compressed air or a CO2 inflator. You
may be able to seal the bead with a good floor pump.
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[Fix-it Index Page]
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