Replacing valve stems

[Constant Mesh]

How often should the valve stems on motorcycle and car wheels be replaced?

 

[Silent]

When they leak.

I've got 90 deg valve stems on mine and they will stay in place until they start to leak. Some car places will change the stem every tire change. That turns out to be about every 50k miles. If your stem is checking, replace it. if it looks good and holds air I wouldn't bother.

YMMV

 

[johnny80s]

If you use a rubber stem change them every time you change your tires. If you use the metal kind they don't wear out. They do have rubber washers that might need to be replaced every once in a while. You might also want to pick a tire core tightening tool. Many times the the cores are not put all the way back in and can develop a slow leak.

 

[Zorlac]

If you bend the rubber ones back and forth sometimes you'll notice dry rot cracking which is not in your best interest.

FWIW, TR-412 snap in valves are the size you want for a bike.

I put short metal jobs on the rear wheel but they weigh quite a bit more which requires that much more balance weight opposite them to balance the wheel which seems tolerable on the rear wheel due to its larger mass.

I stick with the rubber ones on the front and change them every other tire change barring any observed cracking.

 

[Patriot]

rubber stems on cars - everytime a new tire is mounted

bikes - get these Ultimate Machined Aluminum Valve Stems which are good for a lifetime

bikes - rubber stems - every time a new tire is mounted

Cheers,

Mike in Nawlins'

 

[Bokerfork]

Per MamaYama, the valve stems and valve cores for your Feej must be of a particular type. Check owners manual.

This is for safety's sake in case you decide to take the bike to triple digits. The centrifugal force could force a lesser stem to pop out, giving you one hell of a pucker moment; if you survive.

 

[Patriot]

Per MamaYama, the valve stems and valve cores for your Feej must be of a particular type. Check owners manual.
This is for safety's sake in case you decide to take the bike to triple digits. The centrifugal force could force a lesser stem to pop out, giving you one hell of a pucker moment; if you survive.

Per MamaYama -> who dat ??? :blink:

 

[Geezer]

I asked about valve stem failures once before in this thread because of this thread. Then I bought a pair of shorty metal valve stems from Kurveygirl. They will go on with my next tire change, at which time I will have over 65k miles on the originals.

 

[Zorlac]

Per MamaYama, the valve stems and valve cores for your Feej must be of a particular type. Check owners manual.
This is for safety's sake in case you decide to take the bike to triple digits. The centrifugal force could force a lesser stem to pop out, giving you one hell of a pucker moment; if you survive.

So do you buy your stems from a dealer?

 

[Bounce]

Long ago I started the practice of always changing standard (rubberized) stems with each tire change. The cost is minimal compared to an interrupted trip.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I get the 90 degree stems from BikeEffects.

They will do 150 + with no ill effects...

...on a closed course of course.

 

[Silent]

I get the 90 degree stems from BikeEffects.
They will do 150 + with no ill effects...

...on a closed course of course.

+1

Speed tested to 145 mph fully loaded h34r:

*insert generic disclaimer here*

 

[Bike Effects]

Per MamaYama, the valve stems and valve cores for your Feej must be of a particular type. Check owners manual.
This is for safety's sake in case you decide to take the bike to triple digits. The centrifugal force could force a lesser stem to pop out, giving you one hell of a pucker moment; if you survive.

For what it's worth, the angled valve stems that I sell have been used by AMA teams for a few years in racing applications. I currently have three teams running these valve stems on their race bikes. A pretty good testimony to their reliability.

Valve Stems at Bike Effects