Need advice rear wheel

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Dec 3, 2013 | 08:11 AM

ib5150

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From: Phoenix, AZ

Need advice rear wheel

Yesterday I noticed on my Forty Eight the rear tire was flat, I checked the tire for any problems and none were found, so I refilled the tire, about 10 to 15 minutes later it was flat again. So I refilled the tire and sprayed soapy water on it and found that the air was escaping from the valve stem outer nut (tubeless) and about 5 to 10 spokes in the same general area of the valve stem. The rim looks normal (no scratches, dings or dents).

So do I just tighten the spokes and nut until they stop leaking air and if I do that will it unbalance the wheel?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dec 3, 2013 | 08:37 AM

Rog48

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From: Stockbridge GA

Its not tubeless. Chances are a spoke nut made its way through the rim strip and into the tube. You need to take it all apart and put a new tube in it.

Dec 3, 2013 | 08:59 AM

ib5150

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From: Phoenix, AZ

The bike is at my work so I will need to look again at it when I get to work but I could swear it said Tubeless on the side of the tire???

Dec 3, 2013 | 09:01 AM

hank-hill

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From: Chicagoland

The tires do read tubeless but those are used on both tube/ tubeless rims. All spoke rims need tubes

Dec 3, 2013 | 09:17 AM

ib5150

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From: Phoenix, AZ

OK well that makes sense then, so I guess I need to remove the rear tire, wasn't really looking forward to that but it is what it is.

Dec 3, 2013 | 09:30 AM

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by hank-hill

The tires do read tubeless but those are used on both tube/ tubeless rims. All spoke rims need tubes

FYI - All stock Harley spoke wheels need tubes, but you can buy aftermarket spoke wheels that are tubeless for $$$$.

Dec 3, 2013 | 02:58 PM

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Take a close look at the tyre tread, to check if there is a nail or other sharp object in it. While pumping up a flat tyre the air will take the easy way out, but if you put a new tube in you want to be sure there isn't another puncture waiting to spring a surprise!