Weird problem with Bontrager Pump
07-11-09, 06:36 PM
#1
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Weird problem with Bontrager Pump
I have a Bontrager Air Support Plus mini pump that, well, doesn't work.
It doesn't matter if I'm pushing the plunger in or out the pump basically can't get any air from the outside, if that makes sense.
If it's off the bike and I put my finger over the end, it seems to try to pump air out of the nozzle when I'm going in or out. When hooked up to the bike tire, the plunger simply can't move either direction.
Weird, I know, anyone know why it might be doing this? Getting ready for a trip and can't take my large floor pump.
It doesn't matter if I'm pushing the plunger in or out the pump basically can't get any air from the outside, if that makes sense.
If it's off the bike and I put my finger over the end, it seems to try to pump air out of the nozzle when I'm going in or out. When hooked up to the bike tire, the plunger simply can't move either direction.
Weird, I know, anyone know why it might be doing this? Getting ready for a trip and can't take my large floor pump.
07-12-09, 05:17 AM
#2
Senior Member
Never used one, but I found a picture. Are you sure the wire doohickey on the back side of the pump is in the right position?
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07-12-09, 10:20 AM
#3
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
There's the advice-to-a-noob response of, "Do the tubes use Presta valves? If so, are you unscrewing them first to open them?" But, you have a floor pump already, and you know how to use it, so that's out.
Then, whether you have the lever flipped the right way or not shouldn't be causing this problem, because if it's flipped the wrong way the air will be leaking out the sides instead of getting stuck between the pump and the valve.
The one thing I can think of is to make sure the pump is really jammed onto the valve stem. My floor pump looks like it uses a similar kind of head, and it won't pump at all if it's not on the valve far enough. It's something about the check valve inside.
Then, whether you have the lever flipped the right way or not shouldn't be causing this problem, because if it's flipped the wrong way the air will be leaking out the sides instead of getting stuck between the pump and the valve.
The one thing I can think of is to make sure the pump is really jammed onto the valve stem. My floor pump looks like it uses a similar kind of head, and it won't pump at all if it's not on the valve far enough. It's something about the check valve inside.
07-12-09, 11:14 AM
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It means the pin on the valve isn't being engaged by the pump. This could mean the pump nozzle is damaged or bent inside. It's also possible you just aren't putting it on far enough over the valve stem. With my pump you really have to jam it onto the valve stem for it to work (but mine is a different brand, and I have schrader valves).
