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Toyota Camry: How to Repair a Tire Leak

Got a leaky tire? Here's how to fix it yourself in the comfort of your own garage or driveway.

By Brett Foote - August 7, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry 4th, 5th, and 6th generation (1997-2011).

Tire leaks are annoying, and for the most part, inevitable. At some point every driver runs over a piece of glass, a nail, or some other sharp object without a moment's notice. The result is usually a slow release of air from your tire, or sometimes a very quick release, that can leave you stranded on the side of the road. Getting a tire repaired by a professional usually isn't too expensive, but it's also a simple process that any person can do at home if he or she wants to save some time and money.

Materials Needed

  • Tire repair kit
  • Hydraulic jack and jack stands
  • Spray bottle with soap and water mixture
  • Tire iron
  • Needle nose pliers

Step 1 – Remove the wheel and tire

  • Use a tire iron to break the wheel's lug nuts free while the car is on the ground.
  • Jack up the car and set it down on jack stands.
  • Then completely remove the lug nuts and dismount the wheel.
Figure 1. Break lug nuts free while the wheel is grounded.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Car - CamryForums.com)

Step 2 – Find source of the leak

  • First visually inspect the tire for the source of the leak. A nail or other sharp object that has punctured the tire will be easy to spot.
  • Remove the nail or sharp object with a pair of needle nose pliers.
  • If you can't find the source of the leak, you can locate it using a spray bottle filled with a soap and water mixture. Spray the tire one section at a time and look for any air bubbles that form.
Figure 2. Spray with soap and water mixture to locate the leak source.

Step 3 – Prep the tire for repair

  • Insert the reamer tool from your tire repair kit into the punctured area.
  • Twist and push the tool in until it has reached the inside of the tire.
  • Then repeatedly lift the tool up and down in a sawing motion. This will smooth out the hole and ensure a better seal.
Figure 3. Insert reamer tool into the punctured area.

Step 4 – Plug the tire

  • Pull the reamer tool out of the tire.
  • Feed a repair cord through the eyelet of the T-handle tool.
  • Insert the cord into the hole in the tire, and then pull it out until about a quarter of the cord is sticking out.
  • Cut off the portion of the cord that is sticking out.
  • Apply the rubber cement from your repair kit around the hole and let it fully dry.
  • Once dry, spray the area with soapy water again to make sure there is no more air leaking.
  • Inflate the tire to manufacturer's specs.
  • Remount the tire and tighten the lug nuts.
  • Lower the car and torque the lug nuts to manufacturer's specs.
Figure 4. Feed repair cord through the T-handle tool and plug the hole.

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