Changing Valve Stems?

Last year, I bought a set of trailer tires online. I suspect that they came from China and they have terrible, cracking valve stems on them.

Since I'm not comfortable hauling a car around like this, I want to change out the stems for some higher quality items. A friend has a manual tire mounting rig at his shop, and, since I don't actually need to remove the tire, I thought I'd try using it to separate the bead and gain access to the inside of the rim.

My question: Do you just pull the new stems through the hole in the rim with a pair of pliers or is there a more elegant way of going about it? I don't want to do any damage to them.

Thanks.

There is a tool that threads onto the valve stem and pulls it through the hole if you feel the need to own another tool (Who doesn't) otherwise any method that doesn't damage the valvestem should be fine. A little dish soap can help it pop into place

Thanks, Wally.

If you can't find the tool, my method (when the proper tool wasn't around) was to use a metal cap and clamp vise-grips to the cap and pull it through. And yes, soap helps quite a bit.

Funny...I find myself in need of one of these now too. I've used them before working in shops...but can't figure out where a good place to buy one might be. I guess I'll check NAPA or something.

Clem

I would guess that harbour freight sells them.

Yeah, for a rubber valve stem, just lube it up and cram it in. With enough lube, you won't do any damage to to either party. Work it around in little circles, go slowly, and Bob's your uncle.

Any of this sound familiar?

mw wrote: I would guess that harbour freight sells them.

Not on their website...that I could find (but that was my first thought too).

To me, it's one of those things that's not worth mail ordering even if they're twice the price locally (shipping, convenience, etc)

Thanks, Clem

I stand corrected. I picked up the valve stem installer tool at my local HF last night for $3.99. It's The lever type tool that has notches and registers on the wheel's rim to help pull the stem in place.

Local O'reilly stores have the type that has a cable and a t-bar to pull them into place. I've never used that type.

Clem

FYI. Most vale core removal tools have a thread cleaner for the cap threads you can use it to pull the stem. I used to do it that way but now have the lever type tool.

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In reply to alex:

Yeah, That's MY technique! Lots of lube! Pushing, grunting, sweating and grunting.

Or you can get the correct tool for the job.

But I perfer the grunting sloppy way! Swearing and terms like

"Who's your daddy? " Always help