DesertRoller

There have been a couple times while fixing flats that while I'm inflating the repaired tube, that I hear a loud popping sound, almost like a crack. The tire doesn't go flat. It's a rather scary sound. Could it be that the tube is setting inside the tire? I've checked the spokes and they all feel tight. I do think that when it has happened, I've used a tube that ends up being fatter in some spots than other & looks kinda wierd when it's inflated. So I wondered if that is the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

schang

It sounds like maybe your inner tube is crimped or twisted a little inside the tire; the popping sound you are hearing is, as you suggest, probably the inner tube trying to straighten out as you inflate it. Although it might not go flat right away, uneven inflation isn't good and if you can, you should probably deflate, reseat the inner tube and try again.

Mentor58

It's probably excessive, but I've gotten into the habit of pumping the tire up about 1/2 way, taking a look at it, deflate it, check to make sure that everything is centered and nothing's pinched, then pump it up to full pressure.

Takes a whopping extra minute, and makes me feel better about things in general.

Steve W.

neil0502

Nothing wrong with that added caution.

The usual drill--that the OP may be missing--is to inflate the tube to just a few PSI before putting it back in the tire (on the rim). This helps prevent crimps, pinch flats, and other nasty stuff. Also makes it easier to reinsert the tube (as does--some would argue--powdering your tubes).

I do something similar, Mentor: seat the bead with a few psi in, then pump a bit more, using both thumbs, go all the way around the tire on both sides, manually seating the bead all the way around, then pump up to desired pressure. I just skip the deflate part.

We're only talking about a few extra seconds either way.