How to Change the Car Tire Valve Stem

The valve stem is one of the most overlooked and important pieces of equipment on a wheel. It keeps the air in the tire and takes a lot of abuse. If the valve stem becomes damaged, air will leak out. This can be a major safety issue for you and other drivers if your tire goes flat while you're driving. Replacing the valve stem yourself takes 15 minutes and saves you money.

Things You'll Need

• Valve stem tool
• Bead breaker
• Rubber mallet
• Dish-washing soap
• Tire Iron
• New valve stem
• Water

Instructions

1. Remove the core from the tire stem with a valve stem tool. Turn it counterclockwise. If there is still air in the tire, be careful not to lose the core as you remove it from the stem. Let the tire deflate.

2. Place the bead breaker between the tire and the rim in the area of the valve stem. Using a rubber mallet, drive the bead breaker downward until you hear popping sounds and the tire sidewall separates from the wheel rim.

3. Push the tire down to access the inside of the wheel. Remove the old valve stem. Replace it with a new one by pulling the new one through the wheel from the inside with the valve stem tool.

4. Remove the core of the new valve stem by turning it counterclockwise with the valve stem tool.

5. Inflate the tire and reinsert the core with the valve stem tool.

6. Drip small amounts of water around the valve stem to check for leaks.

References

• Techno-Fandom: Valve Stems
• Gemplers: Instructions for Valve Stem Insertion