If you have a leaking tire valve stem, here are your options for replacing it, depending on the leak’s location. If you don’t know how to replace a tire valve stem, you may be wondering if you can replace it without removing the tire.
This guide has all the steps so you don’t have to go to a tire shop, and when you can use the valve core tool to simplify the process further.
Can You Replace a Tire Valve Stem Without Removing the Tire?
Yes, you can change a tire valve stem without taking off the tire from the rim. You will have to deflate the tire and detach the tire bead from the rim on the side of the tire valve stem. It can be a little complicated, but it can be done.
If the air is leaking out of the core of the valve stem at the top, you have an easier fix. Spray some soapy solution on the valve stem to see where it is leaking.
If the air bubbles are coming from inside the core itself, you can buy a valve core replacement tool and new core for not a lot of money.
You jack up the appropriate wheel and use the core tool you purchased to remove the old core. When you remove it, simply screw in a new core. Just do not tighten it too tightly or you will strip the threads. Refill the tire with air and you are back in business.
Replacing a tire valve stem is a little harder. A lot of people just take it to the tire shop to have them do it. You can do it yourself, though, if you have the tools and are proficient enough.
Where is the Tire Valve Stem Located?
The tire valve stem is located on the wheel. This is where the air goes in when the tires are inflated. Inside the valve stem is a spring-loaded valve core that uses the tire’s internal pressure to create a seal.
One the valve stem is a cap that prevents debris and dirt from getting inside. This cap does not help keep the air in, but is necessary to keep the core and stem functioning properly.
The valve stem can wear out over time and become brittle or crack. When this happens, it will leak air, making it impossible to keep the tire inflated adequately.
Depending on how badly worn it is, it may leak slow or fast. Either way, the core or stem will need to be replaced.
How To Replace a Tire Valve Stem Without Removing The Tire
#1. Gather Materials.
Having all of your tools available when undertaking any car work is important. You don’t want to have to look for them. In many cases, here are the tools you will want to have available:
- Air compressor/hose (Optional)
- Lug nut wrench
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Tire iron
- Sledgehammer
- Needle nose pliers (Optional)
- Valve stem removal tool (Optional)
#2. Loosen Lug Nuts.
Before sufficiently working on the tire, first, you will want to loosen up the lug nuts, but not take them off yet.
Loosen them slightly all around the tire that you will be working on with your lug nut wrench, which will make the job a little easier when you go to take off the lug nuts.
#3. Jack Up Car.
You want to make sure the vehicle is sitting on level ground. And, you may want to set the parking brake and possibly have wheel chocks on the tires that will remain on the ground.
Then, safely and carefully jack your vehicle up high enough to easily get the tire off, or if you like you can set your jack stands and jack it up higher to off it off.
#4. Remove Wheel.
At this point, you loosened the lug nuts and this will make getting the wheel off very easy. Go ahead and take your tire off the vehicle.
Set it down on a flat surface while making sure that the outside face of the wheel stays sitting up. Make sure to also put the lug nuts to a safe place so you do not lose any of them.
#5. Deflate Tire.
Now you will want to let all the air out of the tire. First you will take the cap off of the valve stem.
Then, take your valve stem removal tool and take the core off the valve stem. Once that is done, the air will flow out of the tire.
#6. Separate Tire Bead.
To replace the valve stem, you’ll need to separate the bead from the tire. A tire iron and sledgehammer are tools you can use.
As you pry the tire apart, you will hit the sidewall with the sledgehammer. Repeat this movement in the same location until the bead breaks. You should hear a pop or crack as the bead breaks and the inside lip of the tire will be visible.
Once you have broken the bead, you want to continue working around the tire. Repeat the process until you break both beads all the way around the tire.
Only break the bead on the side with the stem valve. If you allow both sides to break and mistakenly rotate the tire, you will have to rebalance the entire wheel.
#7. Remove Valve Stem.
Lift the tire lip away from the wheel. You can use your tire iron to pry it and pull the lip over the wheel. You can do this to take the tire off the rim, if not some people can safely skip this step.
With your needle nose pliers, remove the valve. Pull it off the wheel. Sometimes you can use a knife to cut it off for easy removal but be sure not to leave the cut piece inside the tire.
#8. Install New Valve Stem.
Use your new valve stem. Put it into the wheel from the inside.
You need to pull it through with your needle nose pliers. Make sure it is seated and lubricate it as you install to avoid leaks.
#9. Reinstall/Inflate Tire.
Inflate to the pressure appropriate for your tire which can generally be found in the driver side door jamb.
If the tire is not going to inflate itself: Push the tire back over the rim until the bead clears the edge and use the air to work it on the rim until it is seated correctly.
If you’ve rotate the tire on the wheel or installed a heavier or lighter tire valve stem, you need to rebalance.
#10. Check For Leaks.
Finally, before you mount it back onto the vehicle, check for leaks. Spray your sudsy water all around the tire valve stem. If none comes out, you’re good to go.
Mount the tire. Tighten the lug nuts so it is secure and lower it from the jack stands and put all your stuff away.
Tire Valve Stem Replacement Cost
If you’re willing to do the work, you can often find valve stems for $5-$10. This will only factor in your time and some added labor costs.
However, if you go to a local tire shop to get a valve stem replaced, you will end up paying about $25 or more to get it done.
If there are other customers ahead of you in line, it would be considerably more time-consuming to get the tire fixed than if you simply did the valve stem replacement yourself.