1

I have a new-used MTB and I don't know what kind of sealant is in its tires. Does anyone know what this may be, or have a good resource for figuring it out?

The liquid sealant in the tire is a light brown, like coffee with milk. The dried sealant is a slightly darker brown.

Liquid sealant in tire, light brown

Improve this question
10
  • Hi, welcome to bicycles. I've never used tire sealant, but assuming the make matters, what is the brand of bike? If it's the OEM product it might be possible to tell from the original specs. Although I suspect it doesn't really matter that much...
    – DavidW
    Dec 23, 2019 at 23:32
  • 2
    Why do you need to know? You don't need to use the exact same sealant when remounting the tires. It's likely contaminated with something that affected the color.
    – Argenti Apparatus
    Dec 23, 2019 at 23:52
  • 5
    Just clean out the tire with paper towels and a bit of elbow grease and put new sealant in.
    – Batman
    Dec 24, 2019 at 1:00
  • 1
    @nate clean out the old stuff, use fresh sealant if your choice. Isopropyl alcohol works to remove the dried bits.
    – Argenti Apparatus
    Dec 24, 2019 at 1:07
  • 1
    Ok, I'll try cleaning the insides with isopropyl alcohol as recommended by @ArgentiApparatus and then use the Stan's sealant that I've already got. Christmas is slowing me down on this now, but assuming that works I'll follow up with the answer, as y'all have suggested, being "don't worry about it, clean it good and pick a sealant". Thanks all.
    – nate
    Dec 24, 2019 at 17:31

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

The final result was "don't do that" (where "that" was to try to identify and match the existing sealant). Per advice in the comments I cleaned out the remaining liquid sealant (and the crud where the sealant had pooled and hardened during non-use), cleaned the inside with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free towel, and then set the tires up with the sealant I have on hand (Stans). They have been holding pressure and riding great.

Improve this answer
-2

The tyre manufacturer would hopefully recommend a sealant for use with their tyres - that's the case with my tubeless tyres.

Looking up the brand & model is probably a good place to start.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.