Anyone ever replaced their own valve stem? Mine broke and I can't keep air pressure. I really don't feel like paying a shop the same money it would cost to install a tire. Anyone have any advice so I don't have to spend $80?

 

I don’t think the valve stem can be replaced from the outside. The insert can be replaced but not the complete stem without removing the tyre. I small shop should be able to help you for $15 if the tyre is mounted in the same position so it doesn’t need to be re-balanced. A spin on the balancer would probably be included for a total of 20 bucks.

The complete valve should always be replaced with a new tyre.

 

If you deflate the tyre, and push one side of the tyre off the bead, you may be able to get at the valve to replace it. I had to do it years ago, and it worked for me. Balancing may stil be a problem, though.

 

I'm with Shadow1 on this. Although breaking the bead off the inside of the rim can be a challenge, it can be done. You could then use a clamp or something like that to press the tire to the opposite side and give access to the valve stem.

I also agree with R1000 that you should replace them each time you replace the tires. In fact, at a Cycle Gear they're required to replace the stems unless you have the metal ones. I upgraded to the metal ones. The look nice in chrome.

 

My ugly bead breaking tool, cheap but it works perfectly fine. And yes, I'm driving also when the roads are verydirty likethis week:-)





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I was thinking of something a little more simple like what this guy did. Just watch your rotors.

http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/beadbreaker.html

 

OUTSTANDING !! I wish the local BMW riders could see it....snooty bunch wouldn't THINK of doing that......How simple, yet effective. Shows what you can do with a little ingenuity..
Top marks, Idodirt !

 

Well, he did use a Mercedes as a counter weight...

 

Couldn't find a Porsche so had to slum it.....

 

replaced one today front valve stem on a metzger