Valve stem questions October 08, 2018, 01:36:34 am Went out to check tire pressure and found the valve-stem on one of the the passenger side rear tires was "decapitated". Spent a couple days trying to "google it out", to no avail.So, ..... see attached pics.Basically, I'd like to know if anyone can tell1) if it is a simple valve pull/replace, and 2) if it needs wheel removal and extension/valve/stem replacement. And a ball-park figure of repair costs, so I don't get ripped off. (They will see me coming from a mile away on this one!).
Re: Trying to buy a clue. Reply #1 – October 08, 2018, 02:04:37 am Alice,It’s time to get rid of the braided valve extensions and move up to the best alternative-Long solid stems that are mounted directly into the rims of your dually set.Borge Valve stems are available at Your Tire Shop Supply | Supplies for Tire Shops or by giving them a call. They will ship directly to you. The Long stems cost about $125-$150 for the complete set to do all four rear wheels. If you call them directly, they can walk you through ordering the set you need. While there are other one piece steel stems available, Borge is a great, trustworthy well established company. Many on the forum use them. My brother lives in Colorado and had no problem having them walk him through the ordering process with his Jayco Class C.Installation can be done at most tire centers. Borge can often recommend someone in your area. Cost of installation is about $60.Braided valve extensions such as yours can fail at a moments notice. This can result in a very bad LD experience. Nobody wants to go through that. A quick search on LDO will lead you to the same conclusion. Ditch the braided extensions. Any valve “extension” is a nightmare waiting to happen.By the way, you didn’t mention if your tire has lost air. The picture you show seems to be the cap for the valve stem. The tip would appear to be the valve removal tool. I have no idea why anyone would want to deliberately remove the valve from the end of the valve stem. At any rate, do yourself a huge favor and upgrade your valve stems ASAP.Safe travelsKentP.S. Here’s a pic of the inside dually of my LD with the long valve stem and a pic of the set with both long solid valve stems installed. 4 Likes
Re: Trying to buy a clue. Reply #2 – October 08, 2018, 07:02:20 am Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - October 08, 2018, 02:04:37 amBy the way, you didn’t mention if your tire has lost air. I think it must be the stem for the inside tire because the outer tire looks properly "plump". Since the little pin-inside the stem was missing - (the one that gets pushed down to add air/ test pressure) - I can only say the inner tire does NOT look properly plump. The picture you show seems to be the cap for the valve stem. Which picture??The tip would appear to be the valve removal tool.You mean the tip on my tire, or the one shown in green in last photo? I have no idea why anyone would want to deliberately remove the valve from the end of the valve stem. To replace the valve?So what I'm looking at is an intentional, but incomplete valve stem replacement??? What is required to finish it, or fix the stem??P.S. Here’s a pic of the inside dually of my LD with the long valve stem and a pic of the set with both long solid valve stems installed.I must not be looking at that picture correctly because that stem sticking out like that looks like it is begging to get hooked or tangled with something!!! Like a bush or road debris or something dropped while digging around in the exterior storage bins.
Re: Trying to buy a clue. Reply #3 – October 08, 2018, 07:50:33 am Hi Alice,Here are my pics highlighted.The pic of my inside dually shows the tire without the outside dually installed. The stem looks out in the open (circled in red) only because the outside dually is missing. You wouldn’t drive anywhere without the outside wheel/tire installed.The pic with the green and blue boxes show the outside dually installed. The green box shows the inside dually long stem as it is being held in place with a rubber boot extending through the rim of the outside dually. The blue box shows the outside dually stem.The pic with the yellow box shows the stem cover used to keep dirt out of the stem valve. The pic with the two red boxes show your drivers dually intact. The pic with the green and red box show your passenger dually set. The green box is your damaged valve. What I seem to be looking at is a damaged valve stem cap (as pictured in the pic with the yellow box). The red box shows your passenger side dually without the valve stem cap.I hope this explains my concerns. By the way, it would be advisable to spend some $ on a Tire Pressure Monitor System. This would let you know for sure if you had air in your tires and warn you of a potential flat.Kent 2 Likes
Re: Trying to buy a clue. Reply #4 – October 08, 2018, 09:49:18 am Alice, if you do go to the long valve stems, make sure that the person who installs them reads and understands the instructions and uses all the parts in the kit, i.e., the rubber grommet which supports the long valve from the inside dual as it comes through the hole in the outside dual. I've seen a couple long valve installations where the rubber grommet was missing; without the support of the rubber grommet, the long valve from the inside dual is vulnerable to damage and/or loosening from vibration. 2 Likes
Re: Trying to buy a clue. Reply #5 – October 08, 2018, 02:00:55 pm Hi Alice; I've been using the flex hoses for over 25 years combined on my previous motorhome, and on my almost 19 year old TK. You should keep screw-on caps on all of your cars tire valves, all of the time, to prevent dirt and dust from getting into the schrader valve. That is the screw in valve with the pin in it. That one cap in the green circle, third picture, has the deluxe option of a removal tool built in to the cap. I carry this tool with me in the motorhome (they are small) Buy Tubes, Valves, & Accessories - Free Shipping over | Zoro.comI couldn't make out from your first picture how damaged the end was. You should be able to unscrew the remains of the schrader valve that was there, and replace the valve. If you can't, then you will need to pull the tire(s) off, to get to the other end of the flexible hose, where it is screwed onto the valve stem coming out of the wheel. These are the Alligator V2B caps that I use on most of my cars, and the motorhome especially. It makes checking your tire pressure very quick, and protects the valves inside. Amazon.com: Alligator V2B 10 Pack: Automotive. As long as you have these two tires off, if you need to, then the solid tire extensions that Kent suggested are the easiest long term solution for most people. The disadvantage being that a dual tire, after the one-piece tire valve stem is put into the wheel, can't readily be swapped onto the front or inside-to-outside wheels. (except side to side). I hope this helps. RonB 4 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #6 – October 09, 2018, 12:37:11 am Quote from: RonB - October 08, 2018, 02:00:55 pm These are the Alligator V2B caps that I use on most of my cars, and the motorhome especially. It makes checking your tire pressure very quick, and protects the valves inside. Amazon.com: Alligator V2B 10 Pack: Automotive. Or you could go crazy and get 50 of them and have them for the LD, the towd, your other vehicle, the bicycle and some left over to give to your friends as party favors. ;) 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Trying to buy a clue. Reply #7 – October 09, 2018, 02:35:13 am Quote from: RonB - October 08, 2018, 02:00:55 pmThat is the screw in valve with the pin in it. That one cap in the green circle, third picture, has the deluxe option of a removal tool built in to the cap. A HA!!! Thanks for explaining that!! I thought I was figuring out the valve/stem thing until I ran across that item looking for parts, really threw a wrench in the process because I couldn't figure out what it was!!I couldn't make out from your first picture how damaged the end was. You should be able to unscrew the remains of the schrader valve that was there, and replace the valve. If you can't, then you will need to pull the tire(s) off, to get to the other end of the flexible hose, where it is screwed onto the valve stem coming out of the wheel. EXCELLENT!!! that is exactly what I was trying to figure out!! You should be a teacher, you are good at figuring out what clueless people are asking about but don't have the vocabulary to formulate a question!! and your answers are so clear!!If you ever have a horse or dog question, bring 'em on!! I'm all about that! These are the Alligator V2B caps that I use on most of my cars, and the motorhome especially. It makes checking your tire pressure very quick, and protects the valves inside. OH I LIKE that idea!! Very cool!! RonB
Re: Trying to buy a clue. Reply #8 – October 09, 2018, 02:41:55 am Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - October 08, 2018, 07:50:33 amThe pic of my inside dually shows the tire without the outside dually installed. The stem looks out in the open (circled in red) only because the outside dually is missing. You wouldn’t drive anywhere without the outside wheel/tire installed.I knew I wasn't understanding that picture!!! I could not imagine having anything sticking that far out from the tires!! I should have realized the other tire was off by how much of the hub wash showing. 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #9 – October 26, 2018, 03:51:18 pm Welp, finally solved the valve stem question/problem. 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #10 – October 26, 2018, 04:14:41 pm Alice, I'm not laughing; I've seen these "valve core" caps before, and understand why someone would make this choice to use as a handy, readily accessible valve cap. I wouldn't use one of the caps as a valve core tool because with old, arthritic fingers, the thing would end up under the rig or inside the wheel cover or lost forever, but if you can hang on to it, use it to check the tightness of the valve cores. (Tighten gently; don't overtighten.) Valve cores do loosen, particularly if the valve cores are cheap, and loose valve cores can cause slow leaks. A valve core tool is one little gadget that should be in everyone's "tire stuff bag"; the things are small, inexpensive, and very useful. Check your local auto store or Amazon. 3 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #11 – October 26, 2018, 05:42:03 pm Alice,(not laughing either) Mother always said ALL lessons cost money thank god for the cheap ones. 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #12 – October 26, 2018, 07:05:42 pm Alice,That’s great news. It’s good to have someone come out to you. Much better than potentially running the tire flat driving into town.With a couple of small upgrades, your tire worries will be a thing of the past.Kent 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #13 – October 26, 2018, 11:04:03 pm I have never been so embarrassed in my life..............................
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #14 – October 27, 2018, 05:27:29 pm Alice, it's done and fixed. Consider using this phrase "The next time I do that, it will be a mistake"and let it go. 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #15 – October 27, 2018, 10:16:30 pm "...finally solved the valve stem question/problem."AliceNot quite! I would be far less concerned for your safety (and your purse) if you would trade out those braided flexible valve stems for the more dependable 'ridged' stems such as those from Borg or Tireman. The flexible stems are noted for failure while I have never heard of a failure with the ridged types.
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #16 – October 28, 2018, 09:37:00 am Chuck Carvitto, the "Tireman" (in Ridgecrest, CA), passed away a while back. (His website is still up, but not functional.) If I were looking for a dually valve kit, I'd go to this source:Dually valve kits for Motor-homes, Busses and 6-wheeled chassisYMMV, of course. 2 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #17 – October 28, 2018, 11:03:56 am "Chuck Carvitto, the "Tireman"..."Joan, the wellspring of all knowledge Lazy Daze, has spoken... once more!Of course I knew of Chuck's demise as most of us here have but I was just too lazy to document the particulars. The style of Chuck's valve stems have taken on a life of their own. 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #18 – October 28, 2018, 11:56:07 am Hardly a “wellspring”! There are new people on the board every day who may not be aware that dual valve kits from Chuck are no longer available; just posting a FYI. 😉 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #19 – October 29, 2018, 11:43:09 pm "I have never heard of a failure with the ridged types"It depends on what you mean by failure. If they aren't installed correctly, they can rub against the wheel simulators and in the worst case shear off. I was lucky that I noticed the deep ridge in mine before it cut all the way through. I bought a replacement, but it took two additional trips to the tire shop to get the replacement installed correctly.In contrast, I had braided extenders that I used through two sets of tires with no issues.On my new rig I still haven't installed any extenders. All the truck shops encourage you not to. However, IMHO it seems that the risk of extenders may be less than the risk of driving with under inflated tires because checking the pressure is too much of a pain. 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #20 – October 30, 2018, 09:43:38 am Quote from: nw_owner - October 29, 2018, 11:43:09 pmOn my new rig I still haven't installed any extenders. All the truck shops encourage you not to. However, IMHO it seems that the risk of extenders may be less than the risk of driving with under inflated tires because checking the pressure is too much of a pain.<smile> this debate is right up there with when to replace tires in opinions. I'm the type that likes to remove as many points of failure as possible in my life. To me tire extenders of any type are just one more point of failure. Others with just as valid a point of view disagree. I use a TPMS system to check pressure. If any inner rear tire needs more air I know I'll have to remove the wheel-cover to get to the inner rear tires. 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #21 – October 31, 2018, 12:41:38 pm Quote from: colddog - October 30, 2018, 09:43:38 am<smile> this debate is right up there with when to replace tires in opinions. I'm the type that likes to remove as many points of failure as possible in my life. To me tire extenders of any type are just one more point of failure. Others with just as valid a point of view disagree. I use a TPMS system to check pressure. If any inner rear tire needs more air I know I'll have to remove the wheel-cover to get to the inner rear tires.Agree 100%, I like to keep things simple for that very reason and I never fix what is not yet broken.
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #22 – October 31, 2018, 01:34:41 pm Quote from: nw_owner - October 29, 2018, 11:43:09 pmthey can rub against the wheel simulators and in the worst case shear off. I was lucky that I noticed the deep ridge in mine before it cut all the way through. I bought a replacement, but it took two additional trips to the tire shop to get the replacement installed correctly.On my new rig I still haven't installed any extenders. All the truck shops encourage you not to. However, IMHO it seems that the risk of extenders may be less than the risk of driving with under inflated tires because checking the pressure is too much of a pain.Not all truck tire shops discourage extended stems, they are noting new and have probably been around since the dual, pneumatic tire first appeared. I have used both hoses and extended stems successfully but prefer the extended stems. When installing either, making sure they do not rub is crucial, many times requiring opening up the holes in the chrome covers where the stem passes through.Duallyvalve InformationExtended stem kits come with a plastic bushing that keep the inner, long stem stable and protected from moving or rubbing on the wheels.When using hoses, clear, I use short pieces of plastic tubing, that fits over the hoses, to protect them where they pass through the sharp covers.A feature extended stems or hoses provide is the ability to use a TPMS. Whatever style, adding a TPMS is recommenced for both the safety aspect and convenience. It only takes a few seconds to check the air pressure each day and no air is lost testing while reading the pressure.Newer LDs come with a tire pressure warning system but it does not indicate the actual pressure of each tire .Larry 2 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #23 – October 31, 2018, 04:06:21 pm "....many times requiring opening up the holes in the chrome covers where the stem passes through."----The 8-hole "bolt on" wheel covers (for LDs up to 2007) will usually need the two holes enlarged/elongated where the long valve stems come through the cover. This can be done with a Dremel, but stainless steel is hard, and the process takes a while. (Better is a plasma cutter; my little brother had a good time with that. )The pre-late 2006/2007 wheel covers don't shift or rotate because they're attached to the wheel lugs with lug extenders. Wheels for 2007 (don't recall exactly when the wheel "hole" change came about) and later Ford E450s are 4 hole, as are the wheel covers; the wheel covers snap on to the wheel, and these can and do rotate on the wheel. The edge of the hole in the wheel cover is sharp and will eventually score or cut through the valve stems. Slipping a length of plastic tubing over the valve will buy a little extra protection, but, if one has an LD with the wandering wheel covers, I suggest that frequent "position" checks (and removing and re-positioning the wheel cover, if necessary) will save a lot of hassle, frustration, and expense of having to replace sawn-through valve stems.YMMV, yet again..... 1 Likes
Re: Valve stem questions Reply #24 – November 01, 2018, 05:07:59 pm "Wheels for 2007 (don't recall exactly when the wheel "hole" change came about) and later Ford E450s are 4 hole"As a point of reference, our 2007 TK with a chassis build date of 2/14/07 amd a LD build date of 8/01/07 has 8-hole wheels and covers.Charles
Topic: Valve stem questions (Read 749 times)
previous topic - next topic
Topic: Valve stem questions (Read 749 times)
previous topic - next topic