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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Rallyfan on October 30, 2015, 01:59:13 PM

Title: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: Rallyfan on October 30, 2015, 01:59:13 PM
Hi,

My tires are both OK in terms of tread. However, cracks have developed externally on the visible portion of the valve stems.

Is this a safety concern?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: fetor56 on October 30, 2015, 02:05:15 PM
Pics?....but my initial thought is not to worry to much about it.
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: Big Rich on October 30, 2015, 02:38:42 PM
I don't normally say this, but I don't fully agree with fetor.

Valve stems are holding the air in your tire with a simple rubber seal. If that rubber ois cracked, it's not much different than your tires being cracked. I would replace them asap.
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: fetor56 on October 30, 2015, 02:55:15 PM
Quote from: Big Rich on October 30, 2015, 02:38:42 PM
I don't normally say this, but I don't fully agree with fetor.

Valve stems are holding the air in your tire with a simple rubber seal. If that rubber ois cracked, it's not much different than your tires being cracked. I would replace them asap.

That's why i said "pics" cos the actual stem is metal with rubber overlay....of-course it depends on how pronounced the cracks are.
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: Rallyfan on October 30, 2015, 03:12:34 PM
EDIT: Uploaded pic to imgur; hope you can see it!
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: Rallyfan on October 30, 2015, 03:22:18 PM
OK here we go I uploaded to imgur:

http://imgur.com/ei1yjro
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: fetor56 on October 30, 2015, 03:43:05 PM
Looks like your exaggerating the cracks slightly,but really it's your call.
If u have the money and tire wear is down i would replace it,otherwise keep a constant check.
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: Rallyfan on October 30, 2015, 03:46:45 PM
OK that's very helpful and I appreciate it. I check pressures routinely, and will keep an eye on the cracks -- such as they are -- in addition to the treadwear indicators. I hope given the situation that I can replace both the tire and the stem at a later time, when the tread has approached the wear bars more closely.

Happy GS-ing!

Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: sledge on October 30, 2015, 04:06:27 PM
It amazes me how people depend on others to make safety critical decisions on their behalf and will value the opinion of anonymous individuals who may not have a clue WTF they are talking about and certainly wont be there to suffer the consequences if they are wrong  :dunno_black:

We all know what will happen if a valve suddenly blows off and you are obviously, and quite rightly concerned because you have the sense to realise its your ass on the line,  you are not happy with them so............... get them replaced soon as!!
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: rg500gamma on October 30, 2015, 04:43:28 PM
Quote from: sledge on October 30, 2015, 04:06:27 PM
It amazes me how people depend on others to make safety critical decisions on their behalf and will value the opinion of anonymous individuals who may not have a clue WTF they are talking about and certainly wont be there to suffer the consequences if they are wrong  :dunno_black:

We all know what will happen if a valve suddenly blows off and you are obviously, and quite rightly concerned because you have the sense to realise its your ass on the line,  you are not happy with them so............... get them replaced soon as!!
yes replacement is needed , I  would  ,   I  hit a brick ,   new rim from partzilla  $  460.00  plus   new valve stem  oem   Suzuki   and  a new   tire   to be sure ,  because   you only  have one life  to live  , plus   doctors  cost   $$$$$$$$    to put you back together  ...............    :bowdown:
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: fetor56 on October 30, 2015, 05:01:48 PM
Quote from: sledge on October 30, 2015, 04:06:27 PM
It amazes me how people depend on others to make safety critical decisions on their behalf and will value the opinion of anonymous individuals who may not have a clue WTF they are talking about and certainly wont be there to suffer the consequences if they are wrong  :dunno_black:

We all know what will happen if a valve suddenly blows off and you are obviously, and quite rightly concerned because you have the sense to realise its your ass on the line,  you are not happy with them so............... get them replaced soon as!!
No one is MAKING "safety critical decisions on their behalf"....Rallyfan is autonomous so therefore quite capeable of making his own decisions.
We only offer advice on what we would do given the same circumstances.....safety opposed to money is always a balancing trick.
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: sledge on October 30, 2015, 05:03:58 PM
Chill bro.....I aint having a pop at you
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: Rallyfan on October 30, 2015, 05:11:10 PM
Thanks again everyone; it is not my intention to start an argument. I appreciate the input from all responders.
Title: Re: Valve stems cracked?
Post by: twocool on October 31, 2015, 07:38:31 AM
I had a valve stem shear right off, on my Honda Scooter...front tire...I was in a hairpin turn, which I usually take kinda fast...for some reason I slowed way down that time...

Front end went all squishy...   I was  in the middle of nowhere!  Rode 15 miles to get home on the flat, at 6 MPH....

Scooter was 1984...probably the valve stem too...

Don't take chances!

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