I like tubeless tires like most folks. Fixing them however is a messy pain in the ass.
When a tire get’s a puncture in it, it needs to be repaired.
I get a little rough on my tires sometimes (VIDEO), so I have to repair tires a lot. My fancy Maxxis CrossMark 29×2.10 UST tire is getting worked and making me look into better methods. Thus this post.
I had already done some work to the tire for an older hit at the tire bead. The patch at the bead here is a Rema Tip Top red edge vulcanizing patch (F1-p, 25mm, 0.042″ thick), bonded using Rema Tip Top cold vulcanizing fluid (PDS). It was trimmed to optimize the situation. I wasn’t sure if this would hold well but it’s been fine.
With the latest issue, a slash on the tread, a patch with more substance is needed. It’s easy to have issues later if merely air-tight is the goal. Material needs to be added.
I recommend using paint pens to mark tires to locate repair areas. Marks on the sidewall will remain and tell you if it’s a repair failing or something new. Info helps when making trail and shop decisions. It’s also handy to have a loop to look close to the tire. Some problems are hard to see openly.
These 2.25″ patches are KEX KX-4102, rubber reinforced universal patches. Essentially, commodity grade patches for auto use and commonly available through many suppliers. They are 0.100″ thick with a bond layer and a rubber layer and can be trimmed to size as needed.
I want to get some of the KEX KX-5102, cord reinforced universal patches. They have fabric in the patch to provide even greater strength. Strangely, they are hard to find. I’m continuing to look.
Here’s a fancy patch fixing a slash at the bead and crown. These are very hearty patches that hold the tire together fine.
One of the nastier parts of this job is thoroughly cleaning the inside of the tire in the area of repair. A strong chemical cleaner is needed. Carb cleaner, brake cleaner, or some other high VOC solution will do. The surface can then be cleaned with alcohol then scuffed with emery cloth to open up the surface.
Vulcanizing fluid or rubber cement are essentially interchangeable when bonding the patch. Whichever you have should work.
These links will help for more ideas.
http://www.techtirerepairs.com/
http://www.31inc.com/
http://www.kextirerepair.com/
