Tubeless Tips Series: Rim Strip Issues
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This is the 3rd post in our series of tubeless tire tips. If you’ve missed one of the earlier part, here they are: Part 1, Part 2.
Damaged Strips?
Replacement strips and inflation valves for most of the tubeless tire systems are available.
Rest the tire beads uniformly in the center channel of the rim. Beads must not fold or deform prior to tire inflation. Any odd deformation will allow air to escape during inflation. Eliminate all gaps between the tire bead and the rim strip that may allow air to leak. If a gap is suspected, pull the tire towards the rim opposite from the gap. This will pull the bead with the gap into a sealed position on the rim strip.
Seat the tire beads on both sides of the inflation valve to prevent gaps that allow air to escape.
Seat the inflation valve against the rim strip or air will escape around it during inflation. Secure the valve-retaining nut by hand only to ensure easy removal.
When possible, inflate a tubeless tire initially with a larger hand pump, floor pump or CO2 cartridge. The low airflow rate in some small hand pumps will not initially inflate a tubeless tire.
If none of the above has solved the problem, the tire may be damaged. Substitute a tire that is known to work and try again. If it inflates, the original tire is probably damaged or defective and must be replaced.
Removing and replacing the rim strip
To remove the rim strip
Handle the rim strip with care at all times. If it is scratched or torn it won’t seal air well.Insert a blunt tool into the valve hole in the strip, just under the strip but not into the hole in the rim. The curved end of some tire tools works well.
Gently pry the strip up away from the rim so there is a clear space under the strip and over the brake walls on one side.
Slide a round screwdriver blade or other smooth tool under the strip and pry the strip up high enough with it to allow the tool to extend completely across the rim’s width under the strip. The strip should rest on this tool shank and pull it into the rim under tension.
Remove the tool you used to lift the strip away from the rim.
Slide the screwdriver around the entire outer circumference of the rim while it is under the strip and break the strip loose from the rim.
Repeat this operation but gently push the rim strip off to the side where it is pulled away from the rim as you slide the screwdriver along the rim. The strip should be pushed completely over the rim brake wall after sliding the screwdriver a few inches along the rim. The entire strip will come off easily after sliding the screwdriver around the rim 90 degrees or so.
To replace the rim strip
Handle the rim strip with care at all times. If it is scratched or torn it won’t seal air well.Align the valve hole in the strip and rim. Insert the valve, a punch, or a Philips screwdriver through the holes to maintain that alignment. The ‘U’ shape of the rim strip should face the same direction as the ‘U’ shape of the rim well.
Gently push the strip over the brake wall on both sides of the valve a little at a time until it is completely over the brake wall. Working on both sides at once will generally leave the valve holes aligned as you install the strip.
Make sure it is seated completely into the central groove of the rim after it is slid over the brake wall. Shift it gently into place. Do not use sharp tools to do this.
If it is necessary use part of the procedure outlined for removing the strip to seat it uniformly into the rim groove. Slide the screwdriver shank under the strip and around the rim to pull the strip into alignment with the rim.
This method can also be used to re-align the valve holes if they shifted during installation. Slide the screwdriver under the strip and then around the rim in one direction only. This will advance the strip around the rim in that direction. Do this until the hole in the valve is aligned properly. Do not enlarge the hole in the rim strip.
Come back for the next part for more tips and tricks or subscribe to the feed.
Related posts:
- Tubeless Tips Series: Tips and Tricks
- Tubeless Tips Series: Inflation valves, rims, spokes
- Tubeless Tips Series: Detecting Leaks
- Tubeless Tips Series: What to bring on a ride
- Tubeless Tips Series: Leak Repair
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