#Installing valve stem how to
#Installing valve stem install

Most valve stem caps made of hard plastic or metal of high quality also have a rubber washer or seal to prevent leaks. A leak in the system could be caused by debris or contamination on the sealing surfaces. The Schrader valve, which controls the quantity of air or nitrogen in your tyres, has a valve stem into which a valve stem core is threaded, and this mechanism is designed to keep the core safe.ĭust and moisture can enter a Schrader valve if the stem cap is not properly installed. While it does sit atop the valve stem, the valve stem cap is more than simply a little metal or plastic piece. For example, a tyre's valve stem cap may seem unimportant, but it's actually responsible for a vital part of the system. Your car's maker designed each component, no matter how big or little, to perform a particular function. Maybe you just didn't give it much thought. Perhaps, though, you were concerned about it and therefore purchased a replacement cap from a nearby car parts store. Have you ever checked the tyre pressure of your car and found that one or more of the caps that normally screw into the valve stem were missing? Maybe you were pleased with yourself for being able to simply access the valve stem and pump up your tyres.

#Installing valve stem how to

Fortunately, you've found a blog post that will instruct you on how to change your valve stem and maintain optimal tyre performance. Conversely, if this is not an option, the tyre can be removed and the valve stem changed by hand. The most time-efficient way to replace a valve stem is to take the tyre to a tyre shop and have the staff there remove the tyre and replace the valve stem using a tyre machine. The rate at which the tyre loses air is directly related to the size of the hole. Eventually, the tyre may be unable to hold any air at all, at which point the valve stem will need to be replaced. If the valve stems leak, the tyre will quickly lose its ability to maintain air pressure.

Tires and driving experiences can be negatively impacted by valve stems that have deteriorated due to age, cracking, brittleness, or leakage. They feature a self-sealing valve core that is actuated by the tyre's internal air pressure and a spring mechanism. Tires can be inflated by inserting the valve stems into the wheel wells of the vehicle. Service Body Mechanical Trade Solutions.Service Body Electrical Trade Solutions.Service Body Canopy Tech Trade Solutions.Why? On some stems, the sensor could come in contact with the wheel as the stem is pulled with the sensor attached. The second method is to attach the sensor to the valve stem and then insert it into the wheel. The first method is installing the valve stem in the rim and then attaching the sensor. There are two installation methods depending on the type of snap-in valve stem you are installing. These valves have a longer cap than a non-TPMS valve stem.īehind the stem is a mounting point for a self-tapping screw that holds the sensor to the stem. The difference is that the molded rubber on the snap-in valve stem does not reach the threads and there is a tapered shoulder. Snap-in sensors can look like regular rubber valve stems. Sealing grommets are engineered to work at a specific torque. Leaks cannot be eliminated by tightening the nut more. Some TPMS service kits include the torque spec in the package. Don’t guess on the torque for the nut – look up the torque specifications for the vehicle you are servicing to make sure you use the correct figures. The typical torque values for the base nuts on a TPMS valve stem range from as low as 35 in.-lbs. The new nut may have coatings on the threads that prevent corrosion and leaks. The material of choice is typically aluminum. The nut is made of a softer metal than the stem, so it can be damaged or develop hairline cracks if it is over-tightened. If the seal is reused, it could cause a slow leak. The instant the nut is torqued, the seal/grommet starts to take on the shape of the surfaces it is sealing against. Grommets conform to the mating surface of the wheel. Mounting the sensor upside-down can cause relearn and transmission problems. The potted side of the sensor is to be positioned toward the wheel. When inserting the sensor through the wheel, keep pressure against the rear of the metal valve stem. This can change the torque values and cause you to snap the stem. Do not lubricate or use a sealant in this area. Pieces of the old seal can cause a slow leak.

#Installing valve stem install

Anytime a clamp-on TPMS sensor is reused or replaced on a wheel, it is necessary to install new seals and valve stem nuts to ensure proper sealing around the sensor valve stem.