I installed a new inner tube three days ago. I was out for a ride today, and on mile 15, the inner tube exploded, 5 inches from the stem, on the rim side. The explosion was so violent that the very bottom part of the sidewall is completely toast.
Any idea what I did wrong? I install an inner tube the way youtube taught me. This procedure is:
- Finding out why the first inner tube went flat (there was a piece of wire that punctured the tire and tube).
- Run your hand along the tire, then along the rim. Make sure everything is smooth, and no sharp/problematic debris is inside the tire or rim.
- Popping out the bead on one side
- Partially inflating the new tube and shove it into the tire
- Reseating the stem, the rest of the inner tube, then the tire, and when reseating the tire bead, ensure you don't pinch the tube.
Anyone have any idea what I did wrong?
by Lexiplehx
5 Comments
Wire bead is exposed. Need new tire.
I should add that I reinflated to 70 PSI when the maximum is 72. I often lose a few PSI when removing the inflater because you have to screw it on. This might be the issue, but I’ve inflated to 70 PSI for years with no issue.
No idea why it exploded but, that tire should’ve been replaced 1000 miles ago.
Never trust your pressure gauge absolutely,I’ve had tubes explode like yours and it usually over inflation combined with a hot day and boom .
There’s a decent chance that what happened here, assuming you have rim brakes and not disc brakes, is that the brake pad on that side is misaligned and was rubbing on the tire sidewall at that spot, on each revolution. It tore through the tire, and the tube exploded out that hole. That explains the giant gash in the tube. If I’m right, your tire pressure and your tube were not at fault, nor was your tube install. Check the brake pads – or take your bike to a good shop and have a mechanic look at it.