How to Fix a Tire Valve Stem Leak

Flat tires frustrate everyone. Your first reaction might be to change the tire and have it repaired, but that might not be necessary. Your tire might just have a bad valve stem. The valve stem provides the means to fill the tire with air. If it fails, it can begin to leak, allowing the tire to go flat. Checking and replacing a valve stem is a relatively easy process you can do at home, saving you time and money.

Things You'll Need

• Valve core tool
• Valve core
• Goggles
• Soapy water in a spray bottle

Instructions

Replacing a leaky valve stem

1. Jack up the wheel. Put on goggles to prevent possible injury. Fill the tire with air again. Spray soapy water into the valve stem. The valve has a leak if you see soap bubbles forming at the end of the stem. Press the valve stem in to let all of the air out of the tire.

2. Insert the forked removal tip of the valve core tool into the valve stem. Rotate the valve core tool counterclockwise to remove the valve core from the valve stem.

3. Use the threaded tip of the valve core tool to clean the interior threads in the valve stem.

4. Insert a new valve core into the valve stem. Insert the removal tip of the valve core tool and screw the valve core into the stem. Fill the tire with air.

5. Place a valve cover on the valve stem. Lower the tire and remove the jack.

References

• Reader's Digest, The Family Hanyman: Fix a Leaking Tire Valve Stem