Things You'll Need:
- Replacement valve cores
- A valve stem tool (both items are readily available at your local farm or auto parts store)
-
Step 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!
-
Step 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.
-
Step 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.











Comments
audreylove2008 said
on 12/15/2008 great article!!!
sneedc said
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.