Ballast Rim Guard (beet juice) tire ballast - caution

Buddy123 · Mar 25, 2019

Here's some info regarding Rim Guard that may save you some time and money. I found out the hard way that Rim Guard may dissolve the adhesive that is used in some wheel valve stems. Fortunately, I didn't lose much of the beet juice, but what a sticky mess! Here's a statement from the Rim Guard web site's FAQ section:

"It is important when installing liquid tire ballast that you consult a tire professional to ensure that you have industry standard valve stems capable of handling air AND liquid. Many rubber valve stems are air only and therefore the adhesive holding the core in place is subject to dissolving. This can potentially lead to a catastrophic failure and loss of all liquid in the tire."

So, when installing Rim Guard, check your valve stems. If you think they have any adhesive in them, you should probably replace them with a different kind.

I've ordered some Quik Stems to replace my existing stems.

Rustyiron · Mar 25, 2019

dbl post

Rustyiron · Mar 25, 2019

Good info Buddy :thumbsup:
Never gave it a thought before. Hopefully the tire guy's putting in the ballast know this as well. And welcome to TBN.

Industrial Toys · Mar 25, 2019

Are you sure you didn't use Beetle Juice by accident?

oosik · Mar 25, 2019

Well - somebody must have got it right on mine. Ten years and not a drip.

Ford850 · Mar 25, 2019

RG recommends using metal valve stems. I’ve posted this reminder on here several times in RG discussions, but it should be done with any liquid ballast due to the lower quality rubber cement used on modern rubber valve stems. Otherwise you’ll find out someday when you try to add air and the core slides out followed by a steady stream of liquid.

oosik · Mar 25, 2019

Ah, Ha Just checked and my rear tires DO have metal valve stems. The fronts - wiggly, jiggly rubber.

PILOON · Mar 25, 2019

Well my fronts were once CaCl filled and the valves simply corroded away as those stems were never designed for CaCl.
Rears never failed.

crazyal · Mar 27, 2019

I don't think I've ever seen a rubber valve stem with the brass insert glued in place. They all have been molded around the brass insert. Maybe "How it's Made" will do a show on making one.