[Marty W]

After talking with my buddy Wayne he told me what product that he used to seal his spoked rims I decided to do a write up as I did my second set of rims.

Here is what the rim looked like before cleaning.

Here are the tools that I opted to use for the rim cleaning. The saftey Galsses are a must actually a face shield would really be ideal. The gloves are also a must as while using the 4" wire wheel will eject a lot of little steel wires at a high rate of speed.

Here are few of those wires left in my t shirt, a shop apron probably wouldn't hurt.

Getting the rim reall clean so that there is no loose rust and making sure that the sealant will actually stick to the rim is important so after the wire wheel I wiped down the rim with Acetone.

Remember the cleaning is really important take your time and do it real good.

Here is a picture of the actual tube of sealant that can be found at your local marine store for around twenty bucks.

Now is the time to install you valve stems I opted to go with the steel as I have had a rubber one fail. These steel ones are availible at Jake Wilson for about two bucks apiece and I use the DynaBeads for my balancing. Now I did have to drill the spoke holes out a little ti=o get the new valva stems to fit correctly.

The sealant is really sticky and does not clean up to easily so I wear latex gloves and found that these plastic trowels that I got a home depot can be cut to the correct width and then tossed when you finish.

I start by putting sealant on every spoke nipple making sure that I totally fill them and leave no air bubbles.

Then I apply another layer before the first coat dries and use the trowel to smooth it out and get a uniform layer all the way around. Do not mess around while doing this because if it starts to set up it will be a pain to get a uniform layer.

After I let it sit for 72 hours then I reinspect it for any holes in the Sealant that will allow air to leak, if none are present the I put the rubber rim strip back on the protect the sealant and mount the tire. Once the tire is mounted I go around and spray all the spoke holes with Windex, if there is a leak it will bubble up.
This is a rather easy process that will allow you to go tubeless.

 

[wanderingbear]

Great write up Marty, so you have'll spokes when you get here eh???? Alittle over two weeks left!

 

[Goldsmith]

Great write up Marty! The bristles from the wire brush look like little lighting bolts in your shirt.

 

[Marty W]

Great write up Marty, so you have'll spokes when you get here eh???? Alittle over two weeks left!

I have two sets of wheels for my bike both are now sealed I always have a set in the garage with new rubber on them so it is a quick change and I can shine the rims while they are off the bike.

Great write up Marty! The bristles from the wire brush look like little lighting bolts in your shirt.

They felt like little lightning bolts as they hit as well!

 

[wanderingbear]

I used to get a spray spoke wheel cleaner from Cadillac when I worked there. The stuff was great spray it on and wash it off and the spokes would sparkle. I wonder if they make anything like it today. I'll do some googling.

 

[Charlie D]

Marty, I had the rim protector shift on me and I couldn't check the air PSI, ended up taking it out

 

[tattoowho]

Thats a nice write up Marty.

 

[Marty W]

Marty, I had the rim protector shift on me and I couldn't check the air PSI, ended up taking it out

Good point Charlie I was concerned about that one the first set that I did but these valve stems protrude thru the rim and beyond the sealant about 1/2" so the rim protector will not be able to slide over it.

 

[Charlie D]

Good point Charlie I was concerned about that one the first set that I did but these valve stems protrude thru the rim and beyond the sealant about 1/2" so the rim protector will not be able to slide over it.

The stem Wayne used on mine is about flush with the sealant, just wanted to toss the caution out for others

 

[Sinister_Rogue]

Did you put the sealant around the valve stem hole then install the valve stem or what?

 

[Marty W]

Did you put the sealant around the valve stem hole then install the valve stem or what?

No. I just put in the valve stem as you normally would when it is installed properly it will not leak on it own. I just put the sealant up to it to be sure that it sealed and to keep the weight spread all the way around even.

I did put a piece tape over the valve stem opening to keep any sealant out of it.

 

[jacksvtx]

Great write up and pics Marty. I've been leaning toward going darkside when it's time to replace my rear tire. Going to bookmark this for easy reference so I'll be ready to seal my spokes when it's time.

 

[On The Road Again!]

GREAT! Another winter project added to the list.. Thanks a lot
I got stranded once because I got a nail in the tire and the tire went flat. Left the nail in it and a passerby let me use their portable compressor.. Never again!

 

[Kalten]

Great write up. May have to remember that when it comes time to do the wife's shadow.

Word of advice on the wire brush though. Your angle grinder spins much too fast for a loose wire brush. A twisted wire brush would have been a better choice.

 

[BleedScarlet]

nicely done and great pictures!!

 

[Marty W]

Great write up. May have to remember that when it comes time to do the wife's shadow.

Word of advice on the wire brush though. Your angle grinder spins much too fast for a loose wire brush. A twisted wire brush would have been a better choice.

I had that same wheel laying on the bench i was kind of concerned about it getting into the corners. I will try that on the next set.
Great call!

 

[R1Mike]

Great write up with pictures!

 

[M-2]

I might have to try this some day. Been wondering how this was done for a while.

Thanks for the write up Marty!

 

[stargazer_61]

Thank you for the great write up. I love my spokes but want to go tubeless as well. Another winter project for me:cheers:

 

[classy vtx1300]

thanx 4 da info!