How to Change a Valve Stem
The valve stem on a tire is a small rubber tube extending out from the rim. It has a spring-loaded metal air valve that is released by a push pin in the center. A ball-shaped end with a ring slot fits into the steel rim and is held in place by pressure. Mechanics recommend replacing the tire valve whenever you buy a new tire, as valve stems tend to wear out. A faulty air valve can cause a slow leak or a total loss of air pressure.
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Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Tire iron
- Pressure gauge
- Rubber mallet
- Air compressor or air pump
- Soapy water
- Pliers
- Valve stem inserter tool (optional)
Instructions
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1
Remove the tire and set the parking brake. Use the wrench fitting on a tire iron to loosen the lug nuts of the tire in need of a new valve stem. Use the jack made for your model to lift the corner of the car holding the affected tire. Twist off the lug nuts completely, and take the tire and rim off.
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2
Break the bead, or seal, around the edge of the tire that fits against the rim. Deflate the tire by holding the valve stem pin in with the release tab on a tire pressure gauge. Pound on the edge of the tire near the rim with a rubber mallet to break the seal. This will require considerable force.
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3
Take out the old tire valve. Grip the existing valve stem from either side of the rim firmly with pliers and pull it through the hole. It does not matter if the old stem is destroyed in the removal process.
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4
Insert the new valve stem. Remove the cap from the new valve stem. Lubricate the outside of the stem with soapy water. Push the threaded end through the hole in the rim from the inside. Grip the top with pliers and pull the stem through the hole until the ring slot is seated in the hole. Use a valve stem inserter instead of pliers (see Resources). Twist a valve stem puller around the threads of the air valve, and use it to pull the stem through the hole and get it into place.
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5
Seat the tire in the rim and inflate to the proper pressure. Use an air compressor or air pump to fill the tire.
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Tips & Warnings
Visit an auto shop to have the balance of the tire checked after inflating the tire to proper pressure and remounting it on the car.
