Tubeless Troubleshooting: What to Do When Your Setup Fails

Tubeless tire systems have become increasingly popular among road and gravel cyclists due to their lower rolling resistance, better puncture protection, and ability to run lower pressures. However, even the best tubeless setup isn’t immune to problems. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden air loss or a stubborn sealant leak, knowing how to diagnose and fix common issues can save your ride. Here's your go-to guide for tubeless troubleshooting.

1. Sudden Air Loss: Did the Tire Burp or Puncture?

When your tubeless tire loses air quickly, it’s important to determine the cause. Two common scenarios:

Burping: This happens when the tire bead momentarily loses contact with the rim—often after a hard corner or impact—causing air to escape.

Fix: Stop riding immediately to prevent further damage. Reinflate the tire with a mini pump or CO₂ and rotate it to allow sealant to reseal the bead. If burping happens often, you may need to increase tire pressure or use tighter-fitting tires.

Puncture: If sealant can’t close a puncture fast enough, air loss will continue.

Fix: Spin the wheel to let sealant flow into the hole. For larger punctures, insert a tubeless plug. If that fails, you may need to install an inner tube to get home.

2. Persistent Air Leaks: Invisible Holes or Bead Issues

Sometimes your tire loses air slowly even when no puncture is visible.

Check Valve Core: Loose valve cores are a common culprit. Use a valve core tool to tighten.

Inspect the Bead Seal: Improper bead seating can cause microscopic leaks. Deflate and re-seat the tire, ensuring both beads are properly locked into the rim.

Sealant Aging: Old or dried sealant loses effectiveness. Check the tire for dried clumps and refresh your sealant every 2–3 months.

3. Sealant Leaking from Sidewalls or Beads

This usually happens with brand-new tires or porous sidewalls.

Solution: Add more sealant and shake or rotate the wheel horizontally to coat the sidewalls. Some riders let the wheel lie flat for a few hours on each side to help seal.

Preventive Tip: Before mounting, pre-seal the tire with a thin coat of sealant or use tires with better tubeless compatibility.

4. Difficult Inflation: The Tire Won’t Seat

If the tire won’t "pop" into the rim bead:

Use a Tubeless Booster or Air Compressor: Rapid airflow helps push the tire onto the rim.

Remove the Valve Core: This allows faster air entry and improves the chance of initial bead seating.

Soapy Water Technique: Apply a soap-and-water mixture to the bead to reduce friction.

5. Emergency On-the-Road Fixes

If everything fails mid-ride:

Install an Inner Tube: Carefully remove one bead, pull out any sealant, and insert a tube. You can still use your tubeless tire as a clincher in a pinch.

Carry Essentials: A tubeless repair kit (plugs, CO₂, valve core tool), mini pump, and a spare tube are must-haves on any ride.

Final Thoughts

Tubeless systems are robust, but they're not set-and-forget. Regular checks on tire pressure, sealant level, and bead integrity can prevent most issues before they start. With a little know-how and preparation, you can keep your rides rolling—no matter what the road throws at you.