Things You'll Need:
- Used rubber glove, or any thin rubber sheeting
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Sink
- Extra-strength adhesive
- Screwdriver
- Bicycle pump
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Step 1
Make sure the tire is entirely deflated.
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Step 2
Use the screwdriver to pop one edge of the tire out of the wheel frame, all the way around the wheel (360 degrees).
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Step 3
Remove the inner tube, pulling it between the wheel frame and the lip of the tire you have popped free of the wheel.
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Step 4
Inflate the inner tube, and submerge it in the sink. Rotate the tube until you have located the leak by watching the bubbles.
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Step 5
Dry the inner tube completely and carefully. If the tube is not dry, the adhesive will not hold.
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Step 6
Sand the area around the leak on the inner tube lightly with the sandpaper to produce a rough patch, which will help the adhesive.
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Step 7
Cut out an area of rubber from the glove or thin rubber sheet large enough to cover the leak with a half inch of clearance on all sides.
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Step 8
Sand the rubber patch on one side like you did the inner tube.
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Step 9
Apply adhesive to the patch, all over the sanded surface, and press it firmly onto the inner tube at the site of the leak. Wait for the glue to dry.
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Step 10
Inflate the tire and hold the newly patched part under water to be sure that the leak is completely sealed, then deflate the tire again.
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Step 11
Put the inner tube back inside the tire and pop the rim of the tire back inside the wheel frame using the screwdriver.
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Step 12
Inflate the newly patched tire.
