I think I have a leaky valve - any fixes?

[Joebob]

I ride a Fazer 600 and the rear tyre is in really good nick so I would rather not change it (plus a bit skint at the mo!) - it should be 36psi but I have to inflate every week or so when it will usually have gone down to below 20psi... I think I have a leaky valve!

I have seen tins of tyre repair which you can squirt into the tyre to fix slow leaks etc. Any one here used this? is it any good?

 

[Fireskull]

A decent tyre place can change the valve for you for about £10

 

[Dogbreath]

If it really is the valve that's leaking (and it isn't very likely IMO) then simply replace the valve. Wipe some soapy water over the top of the valve, you'll get a bubble if it's leaking. In any case with a properly fitting valve cap it shouldn't be losing pressure.

More likely it's just a slow puncture or possibly corrosion on the rim - filling your bath and dunking the wheel in should find the source (do it when other half is away!). Not a big fan of the stuff you squirt into tyres, and I know tyres fitters are even less keen on it.