Valve Stems

[Patrolman]

When I went to put the snow tires on my car over the weekend I noticed the valve stems had serious dry rot type cracks in them! This could easily result in a tire blowout.

I believe these have only been in the wheels for 1 year, and only used during the Winter. I store them in a cool corner of the garage for the Summer, so really they only have about 6 months use which is amazing. Since I have a tire machine, I personally mounted the snow tires on the rims, and changed the valve stems when I put the tires on. Typically I try to use steel valve stems to avoid rubber defects, but these particular rims could not accommodate the steel valve stems. It is the first time I had an issue with a rubber valve stem, but reaffirms my belief in metal valve stems, and the need to change them frequently and check them often!

[The StRanger]

Whenever I do tires, I do stems.

[CS79bronco]

There was a recall on rubber valve stems a while back. Maybe couple years or more. Check with a good tire dealer. The stems did what happened to yours. Discount Tire replaced a couple sets for me, although they weren't the brand that was failing, just because they were installed in that time frame.

[Patrolman]

Yeah, these ones I bought at the local auto parts store. They were Slime brand. Since I installed them myself, they were not part of the big recall several years ago. Either way, good idea to keep an eye on them.

[Java]

got these today at Oriellys, about 9.00 for 4.

[Patrolman]

OReilly never used to carry metal stems. I have always had to buy them online. Identical product for about the same price. Good to know you can buy them locally now.

[Java]

Just finished putting them on the wheels, I used a good bit of silicon on the inside and around the gasket just to be sure. Put some blue Loctite on the nut too.