Chronic Rim Leaks

[rquack]

I own a 2000 Buick Regal with 16" chrome factory wheels. The
vehicle/wheels have 75,000 miles on them and both look very good.
I just installed a new set of Michelin tires and now have begun
experiencing lost tire pressure in just my two front tires. The right
front leaks v slowly and may lose 15 lbs over 3 weeks. The left front
loses 20 lbs in 2 weeks. The tech at the tire store showed me where
the chrome is flaking on the inside of the rim in the area of the
bead; he blames this corrosion for my prob. Said that water getting
behind the bead causes corrosion and flaking and creates a leak. He
grinds the corrosion and flaking chrome off and reseals the tire but
tells me that I will have probs annually with this issue. I thought it
sounded logical, and it seems to be legitimated by the fact that this
firm does NOT sell aftermarket rims. Any ideas for a long term fix,
as I don't really like the idea of constant air pressure issues on my
wife's car........ Your thoughts,.......

[maxwedge]

Are they using black alloy whele sealant on the rim bead?

[goneguy]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Are they using black alloy whele sealant on the rim bead?

Yep, using a sealant is a good idea. Back in the old days we just put wheel bearing grease on the rim before mounting used or suspect tires. It works like a charm but leaves a heck of a mess to clean off the tires.

[rquack]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Are they using black alloy whele sealant on the rim bead?

The first time they used a black sealant material on the rim in the bead area. The next time they just cleaned the rims up again and put the tires back on using a clear foamy type of lubricant on the tire bead before re-mounting.

[Flatrater]

The tire place is correct in the fact that your air loss is from the flaking in the bead area but they are incorrect on how the water gets in. When you put air in your tires you have moisture mixed with the air. All air compressors have water mixed with the air, so every time yuo air up your tires you are putting more water in.

Some places are starting to use nitrogen to service tires. Nitrogen doesn't have the water issue and is more stable. Nitrogen doesn't expand like air when heated and helps the tires maintain the correct air pressure extending the life of the tires and also it improves fuel mileage.

[rquack]

Thanks for the replies and insights. Is there a long term fix if the leaking returns..... that is a fix short of buying new wheels