Do track pumps wear out?

rodgers73
rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
edited August 2014 in Road general
I've got a 4 year old Topeak Joe Blow track pump and lately I've not been able to get any air into the tyres with it.

When attached to the valve head no air goes into the tyre and the pressure within the tube builds up into the red zone with the first pump - i.e. the gauge is measuring the pressure in the pump's tube not the inner tube.

I had thought this was due to a poor quality valve on the inner tube but it seems to be happening with all valves now.

Do I need to buy a new pump or is something else at fault? If it is the pump can I just buy a new pump head?

Comments

  • navrig2
    navrig2 Posts: 1,851
    I find that on about 80% of the occassions I check the pressure on my tyres I get the same issue as you. It doesn't seem to relate to the quality of the tubes, the presta valve just sticks.

    Before using the pump you should give the valve a blip and release some air from the tube that should sort it.

    Track pumps will wear out but unless you are using it all day everyday not within 4 years.
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    Yeah, I've been doing the same as you have with the valve but today was the first day that it just didn't work come what may!
  • Zerotails99
    Zerotails99 Posts: 127
    try it on a different tube? Happens often with seized valves.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,558
    is something in the pump head fouling the valve so that it doesn't open? a torn rubber washer for instance

    worst case you can get a new head for it
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    Zerotails99 wrote:
    try it on a different tube? Happens often with seized valves.


    No, its the same for front and rear wheels, so it isnt the tube itself.
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    sungod wrote:
    is something in the pump head fouling the valve so that it doesn't open? a torn rubber washer for instance

    worst case you can get a new head for it


    Yes, I've since seen rpair kits for these head with washer and so on in them - didnt realise they were serviceable items. I'll unscrew it all tonight and see whats going on!
  • djhermer
    djhermer Posts: 328
    rodgers73 wrote:
    I've got a 4 year old Topeak Joe Blow track pump and lately I've not been able to get any air into the tyres with it.

    When attached to the valve head no air goes into the tyre and the pressure within the tube builds up into the red zone with the first pump - i.e. the gauge is measuring the pressure in the pump's tube not the inner tube.

    I had thought this was due to a poor quality valve on the inner tube but it seems to be happening with all valves now.

    Do I need to buy a new pump or is something else at fault? If it is the pump can I just buy a new pump head?

    I have exactly the same issue with the same pump. It's about 3 years old. It's been happening on all my tubes for about a month now. I find that sometimes, by fluke, i can get it to work. But i was about to bin it and buy a new one. Let me know how you get on with the 'fix'.
  • rc856
    rc856 Posts: 1,144
    Sorry to hijack, but while we're on track pumps......I might be going mad, but recently when I pump up tyres and the gauge says 100PSI, the tyres feel rock solid compared to how 100 PSI felt before...I'm sure :?
    Anyone else? Just a faulty gauge?
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    madasahattersley wrote:
    Of course track pumps wear out, everything does!

    +1 on that. :roll:
  • Moominman2
    Moominman2 Posts: 389
    When buying my track pump from my lbs, I was told not to buy a new one when/ if performance dropped. They can usually replace the part causing the issue for cheap.
  • stueys
    stueys Posts: 1,332
    Track pumps wear out and the accuracy of the pressure gauge also detoriates with age. I find mine last 2-3 years, but I'm using latex tubes so the pump is out every ride. I also use a seperate pressure gauge every few weeks to see where the track pump is tracking. Worth getting one.
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    I took it apart last night, no obvious issues. Reassembled and it worked fine. Weird!
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    FWIW I've had a Silca since the late 70's. Just recently put a new Park locking head on it. Don't remember if I have replaced the leather washer on the pump itself, maybe. I'd say that's a pretty good life span and it shows no signs of giving up yet. I remember when I bought it there weren't more than a couple of companies making good bike pumps. Now? Bunches.
  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    I have one from the 70's

    It's had 3 new handles
    7 new heads
    4 new barrels
    6 new washers

    It's like new.
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    SloppySchleckonds wrote:
    I have one from the 70's

    It's had 3 new handles
    7 new heads
    4 new barrels
    6 new washers

    It's like new.

    Jeez, I hope so. :wink:
    Never had problems with mine.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    madasahattersley wrote:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUl6PooveJE

    That will put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. :lol::lol:
  • paul64
    paul64 Posts: 278
    I remember once thinking I had the same problem as the OP with the same model of pump until I realised that the valve at the foot of the main tube needed a slight adjustment. Worth a check if not already done so.
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    paul64 wrote:
    I remember once thinking I had the same problem as the OP with the same model of pump until I realised that the valve at the foot of the main tube needed a slight adjustment. Worth a check if not already done so.


    Thanks - will check that!
  • Dandelionclock30
    Dandelionclock30 Posts: 306
    Mine has just worn out after at least 10+ years. The nozzel had to be held on and it as hard at the higher pressures pumping it with one hand and holding it on the valve with another. I've bought a new one and I cant believe how much faster my bike is! because of the tyres being pumped up properly.
  • damocles10
    damocles10 Posts: 340
    Is the valve bent slightly. I had damaged the valve a while back using the hand pump on the road. Using the track pump was problematic afterwards. A very gentle twist with pliers fixed the issues...
  • Bordersroadie
    Bordersroadie Posts: 1,052
    dennisn wrote:
    FWIW I've had a Silca since the late 70's.

    I use my 1980 Silca track pump weekly.

    I've never replaced a seal or any other part. The steel tube (Columbus!) is getting a bit of surface rust but I'm actually quite attached to it so have resisted getting a shiny new one since the Silca still works fine.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    Bordersroadie wrote:
    dennisn wrote:
    FWIW I've had a Silca since the late 70's.

    I use my 1980 Silca track pump weekly.

    I've never replaced a seal or any other part. The steel tube (Columbus!) is getting a bit of surface rust but I'm actually quite attached to it so have resisted getting a shiny new one since the Silca still works fine.

    I know what you mean. I might buy another pump IF my Silca EVER broke.

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