How to replace a leaking tire valve stem core on your car, truck, bike or ATV

Got a slow leak in your tire and can't figure out where? It is likely a worn core in your tire's valve stem. Replacing it is easy, fast and best of all, CHEAP! The local garage will likely hit you for their hourly shop charge if they do it. Your cost to do it yourself: about 3 minutes and $1.49!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement valve cores
• A valve stem tool (both items are readily available at your local farm or auto parts store)

1. 
   This is the full assembly in exploded view (uninstalled in the tire). The valve core tool is also pictured.

   Determine if the valve stem is leaking by using your finger to rub a mixture of dish soap and water over the uncapped valve stem. Form a film over the opening, and watch to see if it forms a growing bubble. If it does it is leaking and needs to be replaced! If it is not leaking but the tire still loses air, see my article on repairing punctured tires!

2. 
   The valve core tool. The thin slotted end that you need is the one facing to the left in the picture.

   Deflate the tire, and use the thin slotted end of the valve core tool to unscrew the valve core (counterclockwise) and remove it from the stem. Discard the leaking core.

3. Use the same end of the valve core tool to install the new valve stem core. Re-inflate the tire to the appropriate level (written on the side wall of the tire), and put the cap back on the valve stem to keep out dirt and moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't overtighten the valve stem core when installing the new one!
• Be sure to deflate the tire prior to removing the old valve core. If the tire is pressurized, the core will fly out at you when you remove it!

[rockinwrench]

on 8/15/2009 The outside of the rubber valve stem can get cracks when it is old

Not everyone has that tool in the photo but you can get the piece you need for free with every bottle of Slime you buy

BTW When you fill your tires/tubes with Slime, Flat Shield, etc it keeps small punctures from turning into sudden blowouts, thereby reducing your chances of getting in a wreck

[audreylove2008]

on 12/15/2008 great article!!!

[sneedc]

on 12/14/2008 We had a slow leak, and Firestone wanted us to replace the whole tire; I will save this for future leaks if/when they occur. THANKS for this info.