AJT123

This is only a year-old tire, its nothing drastic but lately I've noticed it seems to drop in pressure about every week and a half...

I drove it out here to LA from TN when I moved here with no problems, and I haven't hit anything hard, etc. since I've been here (I hardly drive it here anyway).

I've visually inspected it and don't see anything, but who knows, maybe it's microscopic.

I just called Lexus of beverly hills and they want $45 for a patch...I don't trust some janky garage with my car....does that sound reasonable?

Isn't there stuff you can buy that fixes it?

Just looking for some input here!

Thanks!

warminwisc

If no punctures try to reseal the bead, or maybe it was not sealed.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

its most likely your inner wheels around the lip, they get corroded and leak air slowly .

Mikerx80

iTrader: (3)

If you are against getting new tires Discount Tires or Big O tires patch for $10. I suggest changing out just that tire with the same if its only been a year.

mncz

Echo the wheels comment from warminwisc.

My 2003 LS has a lot of trouble with leaky wheels. Nothing wrong with the tire, just 12 years worth of corrosion around the bead. Most tire joints or the dealer can polish the wheel, around 40 bucks in my experience.

LS430inDE.

I echo the wheels comment from mncz echoing the comment from warminwisc.

When replacing a tire on a rim it's almost as high as a 10% chance the new tire won't hold the pressure due to a slow leak at the bead. The bead (the metal edge of the rim that meets the rubber edge of the tire & makes the seal) has corrosion on it, and will prevent a 100% leakproof seal. It happened to my gf's tires on 2 separate occasions (2006 Honda Accord w/17" aluminum rims) when I had her tires replaced.

My solution?....and it's a real PITA, is to get a green scratch pad or one of those sanding blocks from the hardware store, or cordless drill with some sort of 'gentle' sanding bit, and, with the tire off the rim, SCRUB the inner lip/contact point/bead on the rim! You'll probably be amazed at the scale/bloom/corrosion that is removed. My girlfriend says I am obsessive/compulsive to be scrubbing the RIMS (inside & out) before a tire change, but that's what it takes sometimes.

While CHROME rims look great when they are clean, they are notorious for developing corrosion around the bead. Aluminum rims are subject to the corrosion also.

If you have the luxury of being able to drive another car & transport the LS rims & tires to/from the tire shop while the LS is having it's tires changed, and the ability/desire to bust up your knuckles, lol, it's well worth it! Your rims will be nice & clean and the bead will seal without any leaking.

Of course, you could take the EZ but nasty route and spray some of that green slime or tire sealant into the tire while it's still on the rim. I personally wouldn't be able to sleep at night if that was done to an LS rim. Then again, I have issues.

warminwisc

My tire which leaked was an MXV4. Took it off cleaned sealed the bead, stem was fine, I put like 4-5 lbs a week in one out of 4 chrome rim I got off Craigs. Pretty easy I have a compressor and a big garage.

The crimp on weights cause a crack in the chrome, so overall best I think to use tape weights especially on chrome.. but I think tape ons are the standard.

I drive 35k a year these will be gone by winter so see what the next set brings. I got 5 chromes for 700 bucks worst case senario I break out the spare in the basement which is mint and switch.

warminwisc

I put snows on last spring to my satin oem's no leaks.

AJT123

Oh I'm not cheap, this is a $210 Michelin here, less than a year old. I'd rather pay the $45 to have the dealer fix it than 20 for some joe-blow garage.

The rim is also less than 2 years old, as I had it replaced (with a new Lexus OEM) when I had a minor accident a little while back.

So I'm guessing it's a microscopic puncture.

empringham

i agree with what other members have said, its likely the rim as the tire is so new.... let us know what you find.

XJSFan

Have tire removed and inspected. If no leaks are found, then have the tire and a new air valve reinstalled.

jayclapp

Submerse the inflated tire/wheel in water (swimpool or tub maybe) and rotate slowly to find a leak.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Usually, with a very slow leak it's at where the bead meats the rim. You won't find that using water. Also a known issue for older chrome rims. The bead on the rim needs to be cleaned and inspected.

toddmorr

kind of mystifying why folks want to throw money at a dealer for a tire repair? This is a tire repair ! This isn't a complex diagnosis. It really isn't. I guarantee you, any common tire shop sees several of these a week and would know exactly what to do.
save your dealer bucks for the odd stuff. Even better, find a trusted independent....