Hey guys,
so I'm making a pretty large order from bikebandit today (gaskets, screws, etc) and I remember reading that whenever you do a tire change, using metal valve stems is a very good idea. Sounds good to me, because I think my front stem may be a bit leaky.

Now, I'm really not sure which one to pick, since they stock a ton. I did a bit of forum searching and couldn't really find anything conclusive. It would be great if someone could recommend me a pair on bikebandit for my order.


Thanks in advance.

I use rubber stems and replace them at every tire change. Never had a problem. I buy them in bulk from a dealer, 10 per bag for $10.

Quote from: dgyver on February 13, 2010, 07:16:31 PM
I use rubber stems and replace them at every tire change. Never had a problem. I buy them in bulk from a dealer, 10 per bag for $10.

+1

Never had a problem out of rubber ones.  No different than the ones used on just about ever car on the road.

-Jessie

Then would something like this fit? http://www.bikebandit.com/k-l-rubber-valve-stem-6-pack
I'm not sure what the diameter rim hole the GS has.

That's the stuff.  It's good practice to change your valve stem each time you change your tire.  There is an installation tool that you can get at any decent auto parts store for under $10.

-Jessie

Yup, got the motionPro tool a while ago.

Now, is that the correct diameter for the hole in the rim? I'm about to place my order.

The hole in the rim is a standard size as far as I know.  The ones that fit all Toyota cars and trucks fit my Suzuki and Honda aluminum motorcycle wheels.

-Jessie

Sounds good, thanks.

and if you ever have a problem with a stem its a pretty easy fix.  i have replaced ones on cars when they leak in about 20 mins. (including taking the rim off car)  and if you dont have the tool good set of pliers and something to set under them so u can pry

I'll probably buy some of these:


Click here or the image to see more info



They seal the valve stem unlike the plastic ones you normally use.

If your valve inside the stem is leaking, this prevents air loss.  It won't do anything for the seal around the rim where the base of the stem fits, obviously.

I personally think metal valve stem caps are a BAD idea.  In my years as a mechanic I have seen lots of metal valve stem caps corrode onto the valve stem's metal threads leaving no way to put air into the tire.  At that point your only option is to break the tire down and replace the valve stem.  Very expensive on newer cars that have active tire pressure monitoring system where the valve stem alone costs over $100.  When Toyota came out with their active tire pressure systems they came with metal valve stem caps from the factory.  After a lot of warranty costs and customer complaints they switched them to plastic valve stem caps.  If anyone has a Toyota from '05-'07 with metal valve stem caps I would highly recomend ditching them for plastic ones.  They are only covered by the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.

-Jessie

And an after thought:  When you add air to your tires it is good practice to quickly press and release ("blip") the valve core with the pointy thing on the back side of a normal pressure stick gauge to make sure the core has seated/sealed properly.

-Jessie

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on February 14, 2010, 11:00:46 AM
I personally think metal valve stem caps are a BAD idea.  In my years as a mechanic I have seen lots of metal valve stem caps corrode onto the valve stem's metal threads leaving no way to put air into the tire.  At that point your only option is to break the tire down and replace the valve stem.  Very expensive on newer cars that have active tire pressure monitoring system where the valve stem alone costs over $100.  When Toyota came out with their active tire pressure systems they came with metal valve stem caps from the factory.  After a lot of warranty costs and customer complaints they switched them to plastic valve stem caps.  If anyone has a Toyota from '05-'07 with metal valve stem caps I would highly recomend ditching them for plastic ones.  They are only covered by the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.

-Jessie

I think I agree with you for cars (where it's not so critical to check your pressure frequently), but if you're checking tire pressure every time you ride (or at least frequently) like you should be, you'll never have a corrosion problem.  You can also spray a little anti-corrosion on them if you're still worried.

I maintain they're a good idea and might prevent valve failure (not stem failure) from causing an accident.

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on February 14, 2010, 11:05:19 AM
And an after thought:  When you add air to your tires it is good practice to quickly press and release ("blip") the valve core with the pointy thing on the back side of a normal pressure stick gauge to make sure the core has seated/sealed properly.

-Jessie

Good idea -- probably should also check that the core is tight occasionally with a core wrench.