I recently bought a used 2003 NH TC-29 with R4 tires. While attempting to check the tire pressure I discovered the rears were filled with what I assume is calcium chloride. I had to drain about four or five gallons out of each tire in order to get the level to the proper point with the valve stem at the 12:00 position. The fluid that came out was sort of milky white but also had a definite brownish-rust color to it. I also noticed some light suface corrosion around the valve stems. I don't know if there are tubes installed, the valve stems are metal with a retaining nut. How concerned should I be?
Rim corrosion
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crazyal
Super Member
You can usually tell the difference between a tube and a regular valve stem if you look closely. If you don't have tubes the valve stem will be wider at the base to seal around the wheel. Tube will have more of a straight tapered look and sometimes even grooves to allow air to escape from between the tube and tire as it's being filled.
If you don't have tubes it's going to be messy but if it was me I would drain them, pull the tires off the wheels and then clean them up with a wire wheel, prime and paint them with good quality paint. You'll also find out what shape the inside of the tires are in. Otherwise sooner or later the wheels will rust out and start leaking. At that point you have to buy new ones.
If you don't have tubes it's going to be messy but if it was me I would drain them, pull the tires off the wheels and then clean them up with a wire wheel, prime and paint them with good quality paint. You'll also find out what shape the inside of the tires are in. Otherwise sooner or later the wheels will rust out and start leaking. At that point you have to buy new ones.
whistlepig
Elite Member
Calcium Chloride will eventually eat through the rims. Tube or not. On my 1964 135 Massey with tubes it took 40 years before the Calcium Chloride damaged the rims to the point that I had take the tires off, fill weld the damaged areas, and grind them smooth.
pat32rf
Veteran Member
Not clear on why you had to drain the liquid out, unless someone bumped the pressure too high after they were loaded?
Don87
Elite Member
I would be conerned
SPYDERLK
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In the case of tube equipped for liquid fill you cannot tell this for sure w/o taking a pretty close look at the nut holding the valve stem to the rim. Is it clamping it tight using a washer and nut or just holding it in place? Usually you can wiggle the tube stems.
larry
It is my understanding that tires should only be filled to about 75% capacity which is to the top of the rim with the valve at the 12:00 position. (correct me if I'm wrong) These tires were definitly overfilled, so I wanted to not only set the proper level but also make sure that both tires were equal.
crazyal
Super Member
I have also read that but I have been told some people like to fill them a little more so the rim is always in fluid to help reduce oxidation/ corrosion.