Valve stem question

[beerhiker]

I got new tires about 2 weeks ago, out washing truck today noticed when I touched or bent valve stems air would release from base at rim. 3 of 4 do it but not losing pressure on a daily basis. What's going on here? Hopefully can get taken care of tomorrow but would liked to be informed before I go in. Stock alum Tacoma rims.

 

[off-roader]

I got new tires about 2 weeks ago, out washing truck today noticed when I touched or bent valve stems air would release from base at rim. 3 of 4 do it but not losing pressure on a daily basis. What's going on here? Hopefully can get taken care of tomorrow but would liked to be informed before I go in. Stock alum Tacoma rims.

When they put on the new tires, did they also replace the valve stems? They should have since they will eventually decompose & fail. If they did, then I suggest you get them to replace them again.

 

[southpier]

hate to start new threads ...

but are metal stems "better" than rubber?

 

[I Leak Oil]

hate to start new threads ...

but are metal stems "better" than rubber?

No. At some point it needs to have rubber to create the seal. They don't take rock impacts very well either.

Chances are there is some corrosion between the aluminum and the stem so when you bend it, it leaks. Or they didn't replace them and they're cracked. Usually they leak down pretty fast if they're that bad though.

 

[ExploringNH]

I just put a new set of wheels on my truck. I don't know what brand valve stems they sent with the tires, but I used them and they did the same thing you describe. I replaced them with another set that I had in my garage.

The ones that I had that leaked were style #3. I replaced them with style #4. I have always used style #4 and have never had an issue.

 

[corax]

The ones that I had that leaked were style #3. I replaced them with style #4. I have always used style #4 and have never had an issue.

#1 and #2 are Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors, not much you can do about them unless you want to ditch the TPMS system (and don't use fix-a-flat with these or you just killed a $150 sensor)

#3 is a truck tire valve stem (the squared off part that stays inside the tire/wheel is the tell tale on this style) - think anything over 50psi like box vans, RVs or tractor trailers, not recommended for lower pressures since it won't seal properly

 

[I Leak Oil]

That's a great and obvious point! Perhaps the OP's tire installer just plain installed the wrong valve stem for the wheel.

 

[Squatchout]

Even a lot of the newer valve stems are junk. Like so much else. Cheap imported dog doo. There was a massive recall on one brand in particular made in China. Don't remember the brand but read about it in a mag. I've been replacing relatively new valve stems in lawn equipment and my trailers like crazy. 2 year old stuff all cracked around the seal. Just found the ones on my boat trailer were bad over the weekend. They were new 3 years ago.