[Biker Ram]

Any suggestion on replacing a damaged 'threaded type' connector on the hose?

It's an AmazonBasics inflator: https://www.amazon.in/AmazonBasics-C.../dp/B074DDJFTH



Threads are damaged so I can't screw-on the hose on to the tyre valve. I tried looking around for the exact spare but not able to find any online. This seems like a common issue but haven't come across a specific solution.

There are a clip-on chucks like this available:



But not sure how I fix this - either to the hose directly or to the connector which already has a damaged thread. I'm not confident if it can be fixed without causing air leaks.

[saket77]

Originally Posted by Biker Ram

But not sure how I fix this - either to the hose directly or to the connector which already has a damaged thread. I'm not confident if it can be fixed without causing air leaks.

This goes into the thread of the inflator pipe. If the threads have been worn, I suggest you try teflon tapes available at local hardware stores which can be a cheap solution. Wrap some tape on the thread of the adapter & then screw it in the inflator pipe's thread. That should take care of the air leak.

[RoadFiend]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

I have the Viair tyre inflator.

The Big Daddy of Tyre Inflators - VIair

Can't go wrong with whatever the TBHP veterans use!

Yesterday morning, when my Fortuner tyre went leaky, I dug out the Michelin inflator of old. Unfortunately it wasn't working, the hose had developed a leakage. Not to let a challenge go unchallenged, I unscrewed the 7 Phillips screws to reveal it's innards. Took off the broken hose, cut off a piece, and reconnected the air hose. Aka, fixed the Michelin.





Thereafter, powered on the selfsame Michelin and applied it to the empty Fortuner wheel. It almost took half an hour, phew!

That was too slow for me!

Just around noon, went off onto the internet and ordered the https://www.viaircorp.com/ Viair 87p from Swastik Fabs (their Indian Distributor https://swastikfabs.in/index.php?rou...&product_id=51). Someone contacted via WhatsApp around 6pm with the Blue Dart shipping manifest picture.

Today around 3pm Blue Dart delivered the very well packed box (even items that were 20 times costlier have arrived in much shabbier and weak packing).

When I connected the clips directly to battery terminals and turned on the Fortuner and then proceeded to inflate the completely empty tire, it hardly took more than a minute (I should have stopwatched it!). That's what I call fast!

It comes in a nifty little compact bag. And the guarantee card says "Irvine, USA"! The fit, finish and hose etc., are top notch. Well worth the Rs 6650! While the Michelin felt like a plastic toy, this feels like a heavy dumbbell!

Let some pictures speak their 1000 words...







(note: the Stanley gauge was bought separately on Amazon for Rs 848).

[libranof1987]

Originally Posted by RoadFiend

The Big Daddy of Tyre Inflators - VIair

Good stuff.

Do note the valve pin extender(s) neatly tucked as in the image. (I can't remember if there are one or two now.) I've used this pin adapter in the past to inflate everything from a bicycle tyre, to inflatable swimming floats, to inflatable toys.

Works like a charm.

[RoadFiend]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

Good stuff.

Do note the valve pin extender(s) neatly tucked as in the image. (I can't remember if there are one or two now.)

Attachment 2407784

There are two on either side. Sturdily mounted, and immune to the vibrations of the inflator when inflating. Such attention to detail, probably surpassing our steeds!!

[Jaguar]

Has anyone carried the Mi portable tyre inflater on a flight? Since it is also a power bank, it cannot be carried as checked luggage. So, wanted to know if anyone carried it in the hand baggage and faced any issues with security.

[Torque_Curve]

A word of caution to anyone buying or currently owning the Mi Air compressor. The unit I bought about 1.5 years ago suddenly stopped working. Contacted the service centre and they said we don't touch it unless it's in warranty, you'll have to get a new one. Tweeted to Mi India, who sheepishly turned the whole chat around to DMs and then confirmed the same thing.

Essentially, once the product has any issue post warranty (a joke of 3 months time that is) you're left with a Chinese paper weight worth 2.5k!
Please avoid buying them would be my honest suggestion.

[vikramvicky1984]

Originally Posted by Torque_Curve

A word of caution to anyone buying or currently owning the Mi Air compressor. The unit I bought about 1.5 years ago suddenly stopped working. Contacted the service centre and they said we don't touch it unless it's in warranty, you'll have to get a new one. Tweeted to Mi India, who sheepishly turned the whole chat around to DMs and then confirmed the same thing.

Essentially, once the product has any issue post warranty (a joke of 3 months time that is) you're left with a Chinese paper weight worth 2.5k!
Please avoid buying them would be my honest suggestion.

Attachment 2416516

Thanks for sharing
I have faced the same
Mine also went bad and was shocked to see no support and a meagre 3 month warranty
Got the analogue double barrel michelin

[_chikku]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

Has anyone carried the Mi portable tyre inflater on a flight? Since it is also a power bank, it cannot be carried as checked luggage. So, wanted to know if anyone carried it in the hand baggage and faced any issues with security.

Yes, you are allowed to carry. Indigo was allowing it last year.

[impala]

I am in hunt for a tyre inflator for my XUV700. XUV700 has a 12V socket only next to the third row. This means, one need around 4m of cable plus hose length to reach the front left tyre. Currently I use a 6year old Windek inflator along with a Maruti GA extension cord. This inflator worked well for the tyres of my Baleno and scooter but takes more than a minute to reach 31 from 30 on XUV700 tyres. Also, the pressure guage is unreliable. It shows around 5 psi high while idle and changes the reading while running.

I ruled out Michelin models due to low cable length and due to mixed reviews for a unduly high price point. Felt that I would be paying for the brand. Avoided Tusa, Agaro and a few similar brands as all of them seems to be the same product branded with different names. Too many brands with same form factor and specs. That's a rule I apply to weed off rebranded imports across product categories.

Didn't consider any lithium battery ones as I didn't want to find it not working or out of charge during an emergency. Also, not comfortable having one of it in the boot while parked outdoors on a hot day.

Shortlisted Black+Decker and VIAIR due to excellent reviews but had to skip them too due to low cable length. Only brands with good cable length were Tusa (3.6m) and Agaro (4m).

That's when I stumbled upon AstroAI which has excellent reviews on some automobile review sites, Amazon.com and uk; and found it on Amazon.in with some crazy offers. It had a 3.6m cable. The discount and the seller profile were not confidence inspiring but took a leap of faith. In general, accessories in India are significantly costlier than the same in US.

The product looked fabulous to look and hold but found the cable to be too crammed in the space for it, and kind of low quality. Refilled back tyre from 30-32 in under 30s. To my surprise, the pump didn't reach the front left tyre. The guage was accurate and matched the TPMS. Measured the cable to find it be only 3.05m! It is very unlikely to find a product with such high rating to to have the cable short by around 2ft than the specs. Returned the product due to the short cable length and the suspicions I had around it.

Nevertheless, a great inflator to consider if one can get hold of it without the suspicious specs. Relatively silent, sufficiently fast for a 100w motor, clear display, easy controls and bright LED lamp. The build looks sturdy and classy too.

Now I am back to square one looking for a good inflator that I can use for my XUV700!

[batish]

Originally Posted by impala

Now I am back to square one looking for a good inflator that I can use for my XUV700!

What exactly is the issue with using extension cord? Usually you need thicker wire if the length is more, you won't find many compressors with thick wires.

IMO, extension cord is the safest bet as it already has inbuilt fuse. Just get a reliable one which doesn't leave you stranded on a rainy day.

Also have you tried routing wire from inside, that is from last row to front row inside and then to left front tyre after opening door?

[RoadFiend]

Originally Posted by impala

but takes more than a minute to reach 31 from 30 on XUV700 tyres.

The ViAir inflates from 0 to 32 PSI in about a minute (I just did that last weekend on my Fortuner when one of the tyres fully deflated overnight, when on an outstation vacation trip). And the cord is long enough too.

Anecdote - At the resort, when we were checking out, the valet rushed back with horror in his eyes and related how one of the tyres was fully deflated. I instructed him not to move the Fortuner and calmly settled my bills and sauntered over to the parking lot. Indeed the right-rear Michelin was fully flat. Politely declined the valet's suggestion that he'll call for a puncture repair guy to come over from town. Brought out the small tiffin-carrier sized bag housing the ViAir. Brought it out, attached the crocodile clips to the battery terminals and started to inflate the tyre. The valet skeptically looked on. A short minute later, when the PSI read 32, the selfsame valet collected his jaw up from the ground and weakly uttered that he's never seen a tyre inflated so fast.

If interested, please do peruse my review above for details.

[joshtronic]

Originally Posted by impala

Now I am back to square one looking for a good inflator that I can use for my XUV700!

I initially had a Li-Ion Mi pump, battery life was never a problem but power was, extremely slow and unable to handle high PSI. I then picked up an Eastman heavy duty air compressor. It has an analogue dial but I've found those to be more accurate than LED ones because they show you the exact value unlike an LED which gives you a value to the nearest whole or 0.5 PSI. It's also fast and can handle high PSI's more easily. One of the main positives is the ability to connect it directly to the battery with an adapter with black and red crocodile clamps that's included. Cable length is also pretty good. I use this on my jeep and cars.

[impala]

Originally Posted by batish

What exactly is the issue with using extension cord? Just get a reliable one which doesn't leave you stranded on a rainy day.

It is primarily about convenience. If I do not find a good one with long cord, I would go with the extension cord. Currently I am using Maruti Genuine Accessory one which I hope is a good one.

Originally Posted by batish

Also have you tried routing wire from inside, that is from last row to front row inside and then to left front tyre after opening door?

I did it through the back door. While I did think about sending the wire through the front door, I didn't try that as anyway I had made up my mind to return it. The cord quality, the discrepancy in length of a cord for a pump of a popular brand, and the steep discounts had convinced that it is a refurbished one, a factory second, or fake.

Originally Posted by RoadFiend

The ViAir inflates from 0 to 32 PSI in about a minute (I just did that last weekend on my Fortuner when one of the tyres fully deflated overnight, when on an outstation vacation trip). And the cord is long enough too.

Thanks for the details! Are you using the 85P model? I was looking only at the 10ft cord and was considering it short. How long a hose did your pump has? VIAIR site says 8ft but Amazon.com and customer reviews say 3 ft.

I am strongly considering this now. I would have loved to have auto-cutoff but I think I need to compromise somewhere.

[RoadFiend]

Originally Posted by impala

Are you using the 85P model? I was looking only at the 10ft cord and was considering it short. How long a hose did your pump has? VIAIR site says 8ft but Amazon.com and customer reviews say 3 ft.

I'll let the pictures do the talking, hope it suffices.