Liquid ballast works on the rim from the inside
Many farm tractors carry liquid ballast in their rear tires. Adding weight that way improves traction, and it is a common practice. Some ballast solutions, particularly ones based on calcium chloride, are corrosive to steel.
The trouble is that the corrosion happens where nobody can see it. The liquid sits inside the tire against the rim, and the damage builds from the inside out. The outside of the wheel can look sound while the rim underneath the tire is thinning, pitting or rusting around the valve.
The first sign is often a slow leak at the valve stem, or rust-colored liquid weeping from around it. By then the corrosion has been going on for some time.
What to do about it
Know which tires are ballasted. Many owners inherit a tractor without knowing. Ask, or have it checked when the tires are next serviced.
Watch the valve area. Weeping, crusting or rust staining around a valve stem on a ballasted tire is a reason to look inside.
Inspect at tire changes. When a ballasted tire comes off, that is the only easy chance to see the inside of the rim. Have it looked at before the new tire goes on.
A rim caught early can often be cleaned back to sound metal and refinished. One left until it fails may not be saveable.
A crack ends the wheel and it is replaced.
Other wheels, same principle
Truck and trailer wheels suffer from impact, mounting wear and corrosion at the bead seat, and a wheel that keeps losing air or will not hold a balance should be looked at. Equipment wheels serviced under OTR services can be assessed at the same time. The national wheel refurbishing page covers the process.
Other stores nearby
Ogden also refurbishes wheels, and so does the Salt Lake City Truck Tire Center.
About this store
The Tremonton store carries all nine Purcell tire categories, including agricultural, and is managed by Ryan Smith.
See the national wheel refurbishing page for all 42 locations.