How To Repair Valve Stem Leak

How to Plug an Air Leak in a Tire Valve Stalk

by John Walker

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Tires oftentimes leak because of a leaky valve stem, which can release a small amount of air -- a condition that worsens in cold atmospheric condition. You may discover that one of your tires loses air faster than the others but shows no visible signs of damage, such as from a nail or spiral. Repairing or plugging a leaky valve stem is not e'er possible. The best manner to set up a valve stem is to replace it.

Footstep 1

Remove the valve cap and spray the area with window cleaner. Ensure that the window cleaner surrounds the base of operations of the valve stem and pools up in the valve stalk opening and then that whatsoever leaking air will cause bubbles. Bubbling come up out of the opening of a damaged valve core; bubbles also may be present around the base or along the condom of the valve stem.

Step 2

Replace the valve core by removing it with a valve core removal tool and inserting a new valve core. Tighten the core until it is firmly in place. Respray it to brand certain it no longer leaks. This footstep applies to replacing a damaged valve core only.

Step iii

Raise the vehicle with a jack and remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Prepare the lug nuts to the side. Remove the tire from vehicle and set it on a flat surface. Remove the valve cadre to release the air pressure level.

Step iv

Suspension the seal betwixt the bead and the rim. Place a pry bar between the lip of the rim and the bead and utilize substantial downward pressure. Push the bead down until you take sufficient room to access the other side of the valve stem.

Step 5

Prune the rubber base of the valve stalk to make information technology easier to remove. Firmly grasp the valve stalk exterior of the rim with pliers and pull it free. Insert a new valve stem into the pigsty and pull it through in the same manner until it is fully seated on the rim.

Step half dozen

Employ an air pump to inflate the tire to manufactory specifications. Install the valve core if it was removed using the valve core removal tool. Spray the valve with window cleaner to ensure that it no longer leaks.

Install the tire on the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts. Slowly lower the vehicle to the basis and remove the jack. Tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench to manufacturing plant-recommended torque.

Things You'll Need