Problems with new valve stems

[lawncareguy]

Alright, this is for my truck, not a tractor, but I figured you guys might be able to help.

I was recently changing some tires and I decided to change the valve stems at the same time. A few weeks after, I noticed they were slowly leaking from the new stems- air was seeping between the rubber and the brass tube inside the stem and could be heard when I wiggled it. I attempted to replace them again, but I had even more trouble after that- the next ones pulled apart even worse and I could see the brass tube pushing out of the rubber before I even put them back on the truck.

I had this trouble with two different brands, Slime and Xtra Seal. They look nearly identical except for what I presume is a date or mold code, so I'm wondering if I just got unlucky and bought the same low quality product from two different stores. However, I wanted to ask you guys if my installation technique is acceptable.

I install the valve stems by pulling then through from the inside of the rim- I thread my 4-way valve tool into the cap threads and use that as a handle to pull or pry it until it pops into place. I seat the tire bead using starting fluid and I take the valve core out while doing that to help avoid dangerous pressure spikes.

So my question is, did I just get unlucky to get a bad product from two different places or do you think my tools and techniques are the problem? Is there a way to be more gentle pulling the stems into place? Is this damage from hot gases rushing through when I seat the bead?

 

[mrmikey]

I've had the same problem a couple times. Twice now I've had the brass leak around the supposed bond to the rubber and third time it pulled right out. I don't think it's your method, just cheap offshore crap. Mine was a brand name manufacturer but I thought the rubber looked more like vinyl when I opened the package. Quite awhile ago I had an old one break on me and the brass was actually knurled for a grip to the rubber, not smooth like they are now. You using a good rubber lube?
I know the four way tool you mean but you may find this easier:

 

[AntiqueIron]

Alright, this is for my truck, not a tractor, but I figured you guys might be able to help.

I was recently changing some tires and I decided to change the valve stems at the same time. A few weeks after, I noticed they were slowly leaking from the new stems- air was seeping between the rubber and the brass tube inside the stem and could be heard when I wiggled it. I attempted to replace them again, but I had even more trouble after that- the next ones pulled apart even worse and I could see the brass tube pushing out of the rubber before I even put them back on the truck.

I had this trouble with two different brands, Slime and Xtra Seal. They look nearly identical except for what I presume is a date or mold code, so I'm wondering if I just got unlucky and bought the same low quality product from two different stores. However, I wanted to ask you guys if my installation technique is acceptable.

I install the valve stems by pulling then through from the inside of the rim- I thread my 4-way valve tool into the cap threads and use that as a handle to pull or pry it until it pops into place. I seat the tire bead using starting fluid and I take the valve core out while doing that to help avoid dangerous pressure spikes.

So my question is, did I just get unlucky to get a bad product from two different places or do you think my tools and techniques are the problem? Is there a way to be more gentle pulling the stems into place? Is this damage from hot gases rushing through when I seat the bead?

Only thing I’d change is lubing the stem during install.

I’d get ahold of a good tire shop and see if they’d sell you some better quality stems

 

[404nouser]

Also you mentioned truck, if it's a half ton that style is ok but 3/4-1 ton us a high pressure rated one.

 

[flyerdan]

Looks like low rent stems, not knurling them to grip the rubber saves a labor step. Use some of the Armor-All lubricant, with the blue label and the installer tool shown above. Make sure there is no rust or other contaminants in the hole, or on the backside of the rim where it seats to ease installing and minimize air leak potential.