Nitrogen vs Air

CO2 could be a viable alternative provided its dry. However, I suppose one could be charged with an environmental regulation violation for transporting a banned substance.

Maybe your 31st year will be the charm ;). This from Nigeria 2120. One of many examples.

"As the aircraft was taxiing, the transfer of the load from the under-inflated No. 2 tire to the No. 1 tire on the same portside axle resulted "in overdeflection, over-heating and structural weakening of the No. 1 tyre."[1] "The No. 1 tyre failed very early on the take-off roll", followed almost immediately by the No. 2.[1] The latter stopped rotating "for reasons not established", and the subsequent friction of the wheel assembly with the runway generated sufficient heat to start a self-sustaining fire."

I never said a blown tire causes a fire (even though that is apparently exactly what happened in the above example). I said brake and tire fires happen quite often, and when the heat build up blows the fuse plugs, you don't want O2 blowing across red hot brakes, or brakes that are already on fire. You are right though...."explode" wasn't the correct term. "Let loose"? Although to a layperson I would argue that a 400psi fuse plug going would seem like an explosion.

Looks more than structural damage to me. Now when those 400psi fuse plugs go would you rather have non combustible nitrogen blow into that fire or air with oxygen that will accelerate the combustion?

http://profemery.info/aviation/A340_600_brake_test.jpg




Other reasons for nitrogen are less corrosion on the hubs, and moisture, and potentially a slower leak rate depending on the rubber compound among other factors.

Back to the main point N2 is generally a waste of money for trailer tires, unless you only have access to moisture laden service air or are doing high speed aborts from 150mph with your trailer.

bluepost wrote:

Leroy2u wrote:

bluepost wrote:


Airplane brakes and tires get VERY hot and it is not uncommon for them to catch fire and explode. When they do, you don't want a rush of O2 sweeping over the already burning brakes/tire material.

Incorrect statement

Correct statement. There are other factors for nitrogen, but those could be overcome (ie moisture).

Been working on Commercial aircraft (727 through 787) for over 30 years including accident recovery and I have never seen or heard of landing gear components catching fire from a tire giving out. I "see" tires let go on a regular basis with only structure damage to be had.

So again this statement is incorrect.

If you want a large molecule to hold pressure better why not C02?

Leroy2u wrote:

bluepost wrote:


Airplane brakes and tires get VERY hot and it is not uncommon for them to catch fire and explode. When they do, you don't want a rush of O2 sweeping over the already burning brakes/tire material.

Incorrect statement

Correct statement. There are other factors for nitrogen, but those could be overcome (ie moisture).

Gonzo42 wrote:
I was joking about the helium, already.

Lol. I know you were kidding. I just thought it was an interesting fact.

The only advantage I have ever heard about nitrogen is due to less leakage you don't have to check them as often. I have my doubts since the same service man that told me this also told me if they do get down just to top them off with air from a compressor. Most dealers that I know of are filling their used cars with nitrogen, sales gimmick maybe I'd bet on it.

I was joking about the helium, already.


I find no advantage to nitrogen in our tires whatsoever for cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, motorhomes, trailers, etc.

However, having said that, DRY nitrogen is a pretty good thing. My experience is mostly with what is called a nitrogen receiver, a high pressure bottle used in aircraft to launch missiles. In that application it can be pure nitrogen or pure compressed air but it absolutely has to be dry.

Helium is one of the smallest gas molecules and leaks out of pretty much anything
they contain it in

Funny thing, the US cycling team tried this at the '84 Olympics. Since Helium is a great heat conductor they thought it would help keep the thin tires cool. They didn't save any weight and it leaked out so quickly that they could only use it for short track events.