What is a tubeless Tyre
Tubeless tyres, are tyres without the tube. The tyre is built in such a way that it can contain the air by itself. It does not require a tube within it.
Advantages of Tubeless Tyres Use
-Improved fuel efficiency, less vibrations , less heat generation and better comfort. No tube tyre Friction/heating
-Safety
-In case a nail or other sharp object penetrate a tubeless tyre , the air loss is not sudden. The tyre wheel assembly continues to perform its function for some time before going flat.
Difference Between Tubeless and Tube type Tyres
Tubeless :In case of a puncture, loss of air is very slow, since air can escape only through the narrow gap made by the penetration of a nail.
Tubed:Instant air leakage after getting punctured. The air under pressure finds a way between the tube, tyre and through the rim hole.
Repairing methods of tubeless tyres
3 repairing methods are available
1.PLUG (MUSHROOM) METHOD
Tools and Material used
Hand DrillUsed for cleaning and making the hole proper.
InserterUsed for inserting the plug stem into puncture hole.
SolutionAdhersive used for applying the plug.
BladesUsed for trimming the extra repair compound above puncture surface.
AdvantageThis method is the proper and effective method of tubeless repair. The repair from tyre inside gives a permanent, strong and airtight repairing.
2.PATCH METHOD -Tools and Material used
File
For roughening the surface of the area to be repaired.
Patched
Readymade patches are available in the market, price depending upon the size used. Some repairers use their own patches made out of damaged tubes.
Solution
Adhesive used for applying the patch.
Disadvantage
Applying a patch inside the tyre stops air leakage due to puncture, however the steel belts get exposed to water, moisture, dew, etc. from outside which might lead to cut separation damage
3.FILLER METHOD Tools and Material used
ProbeUsed for displacing the steel cords for easy applications of repair compound, without enlarging the hole or removing any rubber from the tyre.
Repairing Tool (Allen Wrench)Used for placing the repair compound in place perfectly.
Repair compoundUsed for filling the puncture. It forms bond with the tyre compound after application.
SolutionAdhesive used for applying the filler material.
BladesUsed for trimming the extra compound above puncture surface outside the tyre.
AdvantagesIn this method it is not necessary to de-mount the tyre from rim, thus there is no need to do the balancing again and also there is no chance of bead damage.
DisadvantagesStiff ridges are formed on the inner liner of the tyre due to hardening of the repair compound which prohibits further use of tubes with the tyre. (If tube has to be used, then proper grinding of tyre inner surface has to be done, to remove the hardened repairing compound).
Source: http://www.bridgestone.co.in/
