Rust in my wheels??? Why?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 103
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From: Pine River, MN
Rust in my wheels??? Why?
After 18,000 miles, I needed a new rear tire on my 2003 RKC (spoked wheels). Bought a tire from my dealer and did the change tonight. When I took the old tire off, I saw A LOT of rust on the inside of the rim.
I took a wire brush and a grinder to the rim and cleaned it up pretty good. There is a lot of pitting and some rust I couldn't remove in the rim. I put a new rim band, tube and tire on.
My question is; will I have to replace my wheel? Where is the water coming from to make the rust?
Thanks,
Steve
I took a wire brush and a grinder to the rim and cleaned it up pretty good. There is a lot of pitting and some rust I couldn't remove in the rim. I put a new rim band, tube and tire on.
My question is; will I have to replace my wheel? Where is the water coming from to make the rust?
Thanks,
Steve
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
wheels always rust there, that's why the band is there, to protect the tube from the rusty projections.
moisture can get it past the spokes, moisture is in the air pumped into your tire from a compressor- it's just there-
next time, try treating it with a rustoleum type paint.
it's one of the reasons why wire wheels have been left behind by "mag' wheels and tubeless tires, and more weight, possibility of needing adjustment etc.
mike
moisture can get it past the spokes, moisture is in the air pumped into your tire from a compressor- it's just there-
next time, try treating it with a rustoleum type paint.
it's one of the reasons why wire wheels have been left behind by "mag' wheels and tubeless tires, and more weight, possibility of needing adjustment etc.
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Aug 24, 2011 at 01:13 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,052
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From: North London, UK
Nitrogen should be theoretically moisture-free, and is also resistant to expansion as the tyre heats up, thus improving grip (or some such). It seems a bit like a great solution to a problem that no one really has.
I think you've had the best advice you're going to get - treat the inside of the wheel to some Rustoleum or Hammerite or something like that.
I think you've had the best advice you're going to get - treat the inside of the wheel to some Rustoleum or Hammerite or something like that.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 36
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From: PA
No nitrogen will not help with the water intrusion, but it will help keep a more constant pressure in the tire. Helps if you ride in high heat areas, it tends to stay more constant under temperature swings.
It is a inert gas, and would help better in a tubless wheel.
It is a inert gas, and would help better in a tubless wheel.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
maybe it's just too early for me to comprehend all of this....
how would water seep in and the air not escape? besides, inside the wheel should have positive pressure over the outside, wouldn't you think?
steel automotive wheels rust. there are no spokes to allow water to seep in. it's gotta have something to do with the air and the compressor.... why does my air compressor have a water drain in the bottom of the tank? and one runs a inline dryer on a paint gun?
ok, this is a question for all of you engineer types.
how would water seep in and the air not escape? besides, inside the wheel should have positive pressure over the outside, wouldn't you think?
steel automotive wheels rust. there are no spokes to allow water to seep in. it's gotta have something to do with the air and the compressor.... why does my air compressor have a water drain in the bottom of the tank? and one runs a inline dryer on a paint gun?
ok, this is a question for all of you engineer types.
Last edited by aviator; Aug 24, 2011 at 08:39 AM.