How to Fix a Tubeless Tire With a Crack on the Side

Tubeless tires reduce the rolling and actual weight of mountain bicycle wheels because there is no inner tube under the tire. As a general rule, a tubeless tire is harder to puncture, rip or crack than the inner tube-equipped counterparts. While stout, these tires do crack or rip after hard use and big hits from jumps or stunts. If you have a tubeless tire with a crack or tear, use a tested method of repair to give your tire further life on the trails.

Things You'll Need

  • Tire levers
  • Rag
  • Tubeless tire patch kit (epoxy, sandpaper, patch and clippers)
  • Air pump
  • Sealant (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unscrew the air nozzle and deflate the tire. Unscrew any quick release lever and remove the entire wheel from the bicycle. Take care when deflating the tire if you use tire sealant with the tubeless set-up. Sealant is sticky and may glob out.

    • 2

      Pinch the tire and get a tire lever under the rubber lip or the tire and the rim. Run the lever around the outer edge of the tire lip to pop the seal. Again, if you use sealant be prepared for the gunk and accumulation the sealant adds to the process. Keep a rag handy and wipe off the sealant as it seeps out while you remove the tire.

    • 3

      Isolate the crack or cracks on the tire. Make sure that area of the tire is dry and has no sealant. Lightly sand the inside of the tire within the crack. Only sand the inside of the tire, and if the tire's crack goes through the tire entirely. If the crack is only on the outside, do not sand. Sanding on the inside of the tire gives the surface extra ability to absorb the epoxy.

    • 4

      Apply the tubeless tire epoxy over the cracks, on the inside and outside of the rubber tire. Hold the crack together for approximately five minutes to give the epoxy time to seal and cure. If the crack goes through the entirety of the tire, use a patch on the inside of the tire. Cut a patch out that's slightly larger than the crack, apply epoxy to the back of the patch and then apply it to the crack. Pinch the crack together as you place the patch on the tire. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

    • 5

      Push the tire back onto the rim using the tire levers. This is a difficult task as tubeless tires are designed to fit on the rim very tight. Once the tire is back on the rim, pump it back with air, place it back onto the bicycle and go ride. If you use sealant, fill the tire with the goo and then inflate.