Most blogs teach you that you should remove tire before changing a leaky tubeless tire valve stem, but it’s very tedious. Today I want to show you a new better way to replace a leaky tire valve stem without removing the tire. It’s much easier, you can save 2/3 of your time. And trust me even your 10-year old son can do this, very easy.
Tools needed
You need to get the right tools if you are changing your tire valve stem yourself. Bellowing are the simplest tools list I prepare for you.
- Soapy water
- 4-way valve core remover
- Crowbar
- Blade
- Valve stem puller
- Air compressor with the hose
The function of these tools will be known as we go deeper into the steps needed in changing the valve stem. Let’s go.
Preparing the tire
Test the valve stem for a leak
You should always first check for a leak before you change the valve stem. Tire valve stems do not get worn out quickly, so be sure the valve stem is the source of the leak first. I took some liquid soap and water, which I rubbed over the uncapped valve stem. As I saw bubbles forming at the base of the stem, I realized it was the source of the leak. If you can see no bubbles forming, the leak is most likely not a faulty valve stem.
Park the car, the valve side at the top
It is easier to fix the valve stem when the valve side is at the top. You can easily assess the valve from here and do all you need to do without hiccups. So, get into your car and park the vehicle such that the leaking tire you want to change has the valve side at the top.
Deflate the tires
After you pack the car with the valve side at the top, you will deflate the tire. Locate the air valve; it is either rubber or metallic. The valve has a cap. Take it off by twisting the cap anti-clockwise, after which you will see the valve core. Use the valve core remover to remove the core from the valve.
Put the end of the valve core removal into the valve and twist anti-clockwise again to release the air. While loosening the core, be careful; try to catch the core as you loosen the tire because it will fall out.
Separate the tire from the rim
After defeating the tire, detach one side of the tire’s bead from the rim. The edge of the tire which is attached to the rim is the bead. If the air pressure is enough, the bead stays attached to the rim, which is why you have to deflate the tire. Bust the bead on one side using the tire iron to pry it. To make it easier, apply lubricant, soap to the edge of the rim. Let the lubricant get under the rim also. Keep prying; take your time; it won’t just pop out.
Cut the bottom of the valve inside
When the rim pops out, you will see the inner end of the valve stem. Use the knife to cut the end of this inner end and break it. Take off the bottom rubber and throw it. Remove the valve stem with the valve stem puller and pop it.
Installing the new tubeless valves
You are done with more than half of the work now. To install the new tubeless valve, take the threaded part out – the valve stem cap. Add lube or soap on the rubber part to slip in easily and put it through the rim’s valve hole from the inside. Use your valve stem puller screw into the valve stem 1/8 thread and use it for popping the tire valve stem out. Do this gently with increasing force until it pops out. Now, you are done installing the valve.
Inflate the tire
To inflate the tire, the beads have to push up towards the rim, which should occur on its own. If you apply pressure on the tire, it should air up. If you can’t air it up, then the tire is leaking around the bead. You will need your core remover to remove the core itself, after which you will need the pressure valve to put some air in. The air is not to inflate the tire but to set the beads.
Keep inflating the tire until it pops into place on the rim. Avoid keeping your hands near the beads as the force of it popping back can lead to amputation of the fingers. When the tire pops, remove the pressure valve, replace the valve stem core inside the valve, and pump in the proper air. The recommended pressure for most tires is 32-35psi. You can check your car tire specification for the recommended pressure.
Check for leaks of new valves
Checking for leaks is just the same way as before. Rub soapy water over the uncapped valve stem and check for bubbles. If there is none, then the valve is well inserted and not leaking. Check the tire as a whole too.
Cost
The cost of replacing a valve is the price, time, and energy expended, which is not costly in the end. A new valve stem costs about 10 dollars if you repair it yourself. If you are fixing it at a tire shop, it will cost you about 25 to 30 dollars without the price of the valve stem included. In terms of time, the whole procedure should take about 10 minutes. The drive to the tire shop and the wait should take almost the same time, plus it is fun to do so yourself. The steps are straightforward, and you can watch online videos for more clarifications.
Bottom line
Changing a tire valve stem is not hard, and it is profitable and fun. Why not give it a go? It does not require dexterity, training, or expertise. If you want more tips about tire valve stems, why not contact us?
