Scratch on wheel rim

[Markymark]

Dear experts,

After getting my 3rd puncture in 2 weeks I trawled through these pages and found some advice that it may be more than bad luck and decided to investigate. I had kept all 3 inner tubes so located the puncture - lo and behold, they were all at identical places relative to the valve.

So, I checked out on the bike what could be causing this at this place and found a tiny scratch on the wheel rim.

When I had my first puncture I only had these crappy metal bars to remove the tyre. I've since bought these really good plastic ones that get the tyre off in seconds. My guess is that the first go with the metal ones, I scratched the rim.

My question is - what do I do about it? Am I best to use a metal file and smooth it, or should I stick a small patch over it, or both?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rusky]

Is the scratch really the cause? there shouldn't be much if any metal of the rim touching the tube. Have you eliminated everything else such as a dodgy spoke or crap in the tyre?

 

[Markymark]

Yes, I looked all around and it's exactly at that point.

 

[rusky]

I would get a very fine file & smooth it. Where on the rim is it?

 

[Markymark]

Just in the inside. I have notice the tyre around the valve is not quite flush. Think maybe the wheel is not completely round there which is possibly why the rim us touching the inner tube.

 

[rusky]

If it was the scratch, I would expect it to cause a puncture pretty much every time you rode the bike.

Can you get a photo of the scratch?

 

[Markymark]

Yes, it's been everytine after I properly pump the tyre, as my hand pump immediately after the puncture doesn't pump too high.

 

[rusky]

What bike is it & what pressure are you inflating to?

 

[Markymark]

I have a sirrus sport which I inflate to around 90psi and the tyre says I can pump to 110. It's the rear tyre v

 

[trj977]

When you put the ineer tube back in, are you pushing the valve up when mounting the tyre back on. You need to ensure that the tyre is not being held high by the valve and pinching the inner tube. I usually put a small amount of air in the tube then check that the tyre is sitting correctly all the way round before fully inflating. Just a thought.

 

[Markymark]

I guess I just put the tyre in and start pumping!

I will try and put it on more carefully. I will also have a go at filing the scratch as I am certain that is cuasing the puncture.

Whether or not that part of the rim should be touching the inner tube is another matter.

 

[fossyant]

Are you sure there isn't a sharp edge in a similar position - check the rim tape. Bit of sandpaper if you are concerned of a sharp edge. Also use talc on the tube - makes fitting a doddle.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

A light rub with some flashing paper would surely even out this problem? If its (obviously) on the interior then you just need to flatten it. If, as others have implied, you don't get a puncture everytime you ride it then it may only need some gentle abrasive persuasion.

Ask at the local DIY what might be the best flashing (sandpaper) for aluminium and failing that some wire wool maybe?

 

[Markymark]

Thanks for all the advice. As the wheel is not very round after these punctures, I took it to my friendly local bike shop ave they're adjusting it and smoothing the nick for free.