If a valve is bad you’ll have a constant and very slow leak through the base or the valve body. The other possibility is that the mounting surface of the wheel where the bead of the tire seats has become damaged by corrosion or dented from hitting a pothole.

Replacing your valve stem is an easy task to do, even if you aren’t a mechanic. New valve stems cost about $10 dollars to repair if you do it yourself. If you bring it to the shop, it will cost about $30.

Are all Valve Stems the Same? No they are not. A rim with TPMS will have a different stem than a rim without one. The TPMS ones are usually compatible with the system, either a snap in rubber version or sometimes an aluminum one.

In most cases the the fastest way to replace a valve stem is to take it to a tire shop and have them remove the tire and replace the valve stem using aid of a tire machine. However, for instances where this is not an option, a tire can be removed and the valve stem changed manually.

Valve Stem Sizes Depending on the application, valve stems holes in wheels will be typically 0.453” for cars / light duty trucks and 0.625” for heavy duty / commercial truck applications. Based on application, valve stems are available to fit 0.453” or 0.625” holes.

Here are some symptoms of a bad valve seal that may need to be replaced:

1. Performing the Cold Engine Test. One sure-fire way to tell if you have a faulty valve seal is to perform a cold engine test.
2. Idling.
3. High Levels of Oil Consumption.
4. High Levels of Smoke.
5. Engine Braking Test.
6. Acceleration Power is Compromised.

The QVC Quick Valve Change Tool allows the user to replace the valve stem without removing the tire from the wheel. Save yourself time, money, and the headache of replacing valve stems the hard way.

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The rubber components of a tire valve stem can dry out and crack over time, causing air leaks or total air loss. We recommend replacing your valve stem every time you replace your tires, at least.

Inserting a drill bit into the valve stem hole on your wheel and matching the drill size to the hole size is a route that a lot of people go, so it’s certainly a fine method. If you have a digital caliper handy you could also just go the old fashioned route and measure the valve hole.

Valve stem damage – New tires typically come with new valve stems, because the old ones tend to wear out. If you have older valve stems, they may go bad over time, due to use, dislocation, and exposure to chemicals on the road, such as road salt. They may corrode and go bad.

Valve stems consist of a body and cap that protect the core and prevent air pressure loss. Replace these parts if rubber components become cracked, or whenever you change the tires on a vehicle. We offer the lowest prices on tire valve stems and make it easy to find the components and tools you need.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Most vehicles after the year 2007 come equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), which monitor your tire air pressure. While most TPMS sensors also use valve stems to add/remove air, the valve stem portion of the TPMS sensor is different from a standard valve stem.

Valve stems are made up of a body, core, and a cap. The valve core is the inner sealing portion of the valve stem that prevents air loss. The valve core should be tightened into the valve body for a proper seal.

Insert a valve stem into the hole on a wheel rim from the inside of the wheel so that the nozzle sticks out of the wheel. Screw the valve stem tool over the stem and turn the tool clockwise to tighten. Maintain pressure on the valve stem from the inner side and prevent the stem from rotating with the tool.