How to Install Valve Stem Seals in a Toyota Tercel

Your Toyota Tercel's valve stem seal is easy to replace if you have the right tools.

The valve stem seal, more commonly called a valve stem, is a tube-like piece of rubber that is fitted into your Toyota Tercel's tire rim. The valve stem is where air hoses are inserted to fill your tire with air. The valve stem is comprised of three basic pieces: the valve stem cap, a threaded metal valve stem core and the valve stem itself. Over time, valve stems can split or become damaged. When the valve stem is split or otherwise damaged, it needs to be replaced.

Things You'll Need

• Valve stem core remover
• Tire changing machine
• Utility knife
• Needle-nose pliers
• Grease
• Replacement valve stem

Instructions

1. Remove the tire from your Tercel and place it on a tire changing machine with the rim facing upward.

2. Screw the tire changing machine's fastening bolt down onto the metal rod that juts through the middle of the rim.

3. Remove the plastic valve stem cap and set it aside.

4. Insert the end of a tire valve stem core remover into the valve stem and twist it counterclockwise. This will remove the valve stem core. Once the valve stem core is out, allow any further air trapped inside the tire to rush out.

5. Lift the control arm of the tire changing machine and seat it at the seam of the tire and the rim. Push down with your foot on the tire changing machine's pedal. This will engage the machine's hydraulics and will ultimately "break" the tire's beaded seal from the rim.

6. Allow the tire to lay flat inside the rim then use a utility knife to cut the bottom rounded end off of the valve stem. This bulbous end sits underneath the inside of the rim. If you have difficulty cutting it all off with the utility knife, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the rubber bottom out.

7. Place a small dab of grease onto the bottom bulbous end of the replacement valve stem seal. Push the new valve stem through the hole in the rim. Push it from the backside out until it fits into the rim's hole securely.

8. Attach the tire changing machine's air hose to the end of the new valve stem. Pull up on the tire and hit the air pump foot pedal. Fill the tire with air until you hear the tire's edges pop and form the seal. Remove the air hose. Make sure the valve stem core in the new valve stem is tight then replace the valve stem cap.

9. Remove the tire from the tire changing machine and remount it onto your Tercel.

References

• "Toyota Tercel, 1987-1994 Haynes Manuals"; John H. Haynes; 1995
• "Auto Repair for Dummies"; Deanna Sclar; 2008