Lexus: How to Fix a Tire Leak
The Lexus' tire pressure monitor is very sensitive. If there is a leak in the tire, the warning light will come on right when the leak starts. Here is how to fix the leak yourself.
This article applies to the Lexus IS, RX, GS, LS, and ES (2005-2013).
Tire leaks can not only be a nuisance, but can also endanger everyone in your car as well as other vehicles on the road. There are several reasons for a tire to be leaking air, including nails or screws in the tire, corroded beads, faulty stems, or sidewall damage. When a tire leak is obvious, many people simply take their car to an auto repair shop. This solution is quick, professional, and generally done right; however, you can fix certain tire leaks yourself without the heavy equipment typically seen in an auto repair garage.
Materials Needed
- Tire plug kit
- Spray bottle filled with soapy water
- Diagonal pliers
- Rubber cement (If not included in tire repair kit)
Step 1 - Remove tire from car and spray it with soapy water
After you have removed the tire from the car, spray it with soapy water. Bubbles will appear wherever there are leaks in the tire. If bubbles come from the sidewall, get a new tire, as this one is not safe and can't be repaired. If the bubbles come from the bead, which is where the rim meets the tire, take the tire to a shop and have them smooth out the bead so the tire will seat properly and not leak. If bubbles come from the stem, a shop can replace it quickly. When bubbles come from the tread, that's when you can fix it yourself. Usually there is a nail or screw where the bubbles are coming from.
(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Lexus - ClubLexus.com
Step 2 - Remove the screw or nail with the pliers
Using pliers, remove the screw or nail. Ream the hole out with the tire kit reamer in a circular motion to roughen it up.
Figure 2. Using pliers to remove nail. 
Figure 3. Reaming the hole.
Step 3 - Thread sticky plug and apply generously
Thread sticky plug half way into the eyelet until the plug and the tool form a "T." Then, spread rubber cement generously on the plug.
Step 4 - Remove reamer from tire hole
Push the plug tool with the plug into the tire hole about two-thirds of the way into the tire. Then, quickly pull the tire plug tool out of the hole; the plug will stay behind, plugging the hole.
Step 5 - Trim excess plug to make it flush with tread
Trim the plug you've inserted to make it even with the tire tread. Fill the tire with air and spray soapy water on the tire, checking for bubbles. If no bubbles are seen, fill the tire with air.
Related Discussions
- Rim Corrosion - ClubLexus.com
- Tire With Slow Air Leak - ClubLexus.com
