Help...I pulled the tire off of the rim in my Hawk during an off the runway excursion. I have replaced it but it will not hold air. The air is leaking out of the brass fill nipple after I remove the fill line. What do I need to do to fix it?

You must have cracked the brass nipple. Sounds like you will need a new rim unless you can find a replacement nipple. I think they are just screwed in but if you need parts contact your local SM dealer or Jeff at Skymaster USA.

If there is no damage to the wheel, check the o-ring that goes between the to two halves of the wheel it might need to be replaced; it acts as a check valve for the brass nipple.

If the tires are like my SM F-86 there is a machined alum spacer inside the tire where each rim half attaches to. Mine has a machined groove in the spacer with an oring set in it. When you fill air thru the brass nipple the oring expands out of the groove and then reseats when you stop pumping air in which acts like a one way check valve. I am not a big fan of this system and with SM would go to a solid tire like all the other mfg`s. The tire is not very beefy and will wear down quickly.
V..

Tom.

We have replacement tires and wheel parts.

Please give me a call so we can get you what you need.


818-994-4598

I think the o ring is moved from the proper groove. I'm on the road again but will check it when I get home and try again. If that dont work I will call you.