Written by: Howmuchisit.org Staff
Last Updated: August 15, 2018
Lately, if you’re noticing your tire is slowly leaking and you cannot find the culprit, it could be time to repair the tire valve, the part located inside of a vehicle’s wheel where the tires are inflated. Inside, they have a spring-loaded valve which seals itself by using the tire’s air pressure.
Over time, as the part grows old, the part will start to become brittle, often cracking, causing the unwanted leaks.
When the part starts to leak, it will not be able to hold air, and depending on the severity of the leak, it may be slower or in some cases, the tire will not hold air at all.
Regardless, in most scenarios, your best bet is to replace the valve stem to avoid a dangerous driving situation.
“IMG_1490” (CC BY 2.0) by GSEC
The cost of a tire valve stem replacement will all depend on the professional you use and the type of system your car uses.
If your car uses a tire pressure monitoring system (all vehicles after 2007 have this part), for example, some of these systems will use a sensor that is all part of the valve stem, making the part much more expensive, about $75 to $125 per wheel if you needed the sensor replaced as well.
However, for a simple, straightforward valve replacement, without any sensors or computer components, the costs should be less than $5 to $30 per tire at most mechanics and tire franchises. Some mechanics may charge a shop minimum, depending on the shop policy, but most are happy to offer a quote over the phone.
As for just the parts and no professional repairs factored in, a higher-quality four-pack will cost a pinch less than $10.
According to members on this RedFlagDeals.com forum thread, they stated you should be prepared to spend $12 to $25 per tire, with one member, in particular, claiming he paid $20 to $25 per tire at his local Walmart.
If you take your car into a mechanic, the first thing he or she will do is confirm that the valve stem is the part responsible for the leak, and this is often done by rubbing soapy water around the valve stem to see if any bubbles form.
Once the valve stem is confirmed as the faulty part, the next step will require the mechanic to deflate the tire, and depending on the mechanic’s preference, he or she may remove the tire off of the vehicle as well to make the repair easier. However, the repair can be performed with the tire intact as long as the car is hoisted on a car jack.
Once the tire is deflated, a valve stem tool will be used to help unscrew the valve from the tire to remove the old core from the tire.
Next, while using the tapered end of the valve core tool, he or she will clean the valve stem and will make sure any obstructions from around the valve stem and inside the tire are removed.
Lastly, the new core will be installed using the valve stem tool, the same end that was used to remove the older core. The new valve is then tightened by hand, the tire is inflated and the valve cap is replaced.
The entire process, from start to finish, will only take an experienced mechanic less than 15 minutes to perform YourMechanic.
com has a nice illustration as to how the entire process works.
Standard: As the name implies, a standard valve stem can operate at an air pressure of 65psi or below and is commonly found on all passenger vehicles, according to Discount Tire.
Chrome-Sleeve rubber: Similar to that of a standard valve stem, this valve stem can also operate at an air pressure of 65psi or below, but unlike a standard valve stem, it will have a chrome sleeve covering the valve, along with a chrome valve cap, primarily for cosmetic reasons.
High-pressure: Commonly found on trucks and trailers, this type of valve stem is recommended when air pressures surpass 65psi.
High-pressure metal: As per Discount Tire, this type of valve stem will be recommended for high-performance purposes since a rubber grommet will be used to help seal the metal performance valve to the wheel.
This stem, unlike the others, will be attached with a nut and rubber grommet, and as the nut will need to be tightened over time, it’s recommended it’s tightened occasionally to prevent any air loss.
To determine if your valve stem is leaking or not, CarsDirect.com recommends you rub a mixture of dish soap and water over the uncapped valve stem with your finger. If you see bubbles starting to form, then this means air is escaping and the valve is, indeed, leaking. However, if you see no bubbles around the valve stem, you will have to look elsewhere as the leak does not exist here.
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Average Reported Cost: $0The price range for a valve stem replacement is based on the national average for all vehicle makes and models.
It does not factor in fees, taxes, or your specific vehicle make and model. Related repairs or maintenance typically performed during this service include replacing the tire pressure monitoring sensors. For a more accurate check based on your location and vehicle make and model, visit RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
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When you take your car in to have the valve stem replaced, the mechanic will first check to ensure that your tire leak is caused by a valve stem that needs to be replaced. If a faulty valve stem is indeed the culprit, the tire will need to be deflated and possibly removed from the wheel to make the repair easier to perform. A valve stem tool is then used to remove the valve stem from the tire so that it can be cleaned and a new replacement put in its place.
An experienced mechanic should be able to replace a standard valve stem in less than 15 minutes; a valve stem with a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) sensor could take more time to install and program.
If you need a valve stem replacement but are worried about the cost, you can easily save money by doing the job yourself. As long as you have the parts recommended above, you should be able to complete the task yourself in less than 30 minutes.
Keep in mind that are many different types of valve stems on the market, and not every valve stem will fit your vehicle. If you plan to order and receive your valve stems yourself, it’s essential to be sure that you choose the right parts for your vehicle.
Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re ever in doubt.
The valve stem is what makes it possible to add air to a tire and hold that pressure. If this one-way valve becomes damaged (either to the rubber outer portion or the inner valve itself), it can cause slow air loss or even a flat tire. If your tire has a slow leak and you’re unsure why, it could be anything from a damaged or faulty valve stem to a puncture in the tire.
Valve stems can go bad for a number of reasons, but the most common reason is deteriorated rubber due to physical damage, age, or exposure to chemicals on the road. Other possible reasons include a damaged valve (which can be caused by water that has gotten inside and frozen) or the rubber seal may have become separated. A valve stem replacement is when you remove the damaged valve stem and replace it with a new one.
A valve stem replacement is a task that beginners can do in less than 30 minutes at home if they have the right tools.
In order to complete a valve stem replacement, you’ll have to deflate the tire, partially separate the tire from the wheel, remove the old valve, and replace it with a clean new one. If the tire pressure management sensors (TPMS) have been damaged, they may need to be replaced as well, which will take additional time and money but will still be more affordable to complete yourself than by taking to a mechanic.
Like any other part of your vehicle, your valve stems tend to break down as your car ages. This can cause leaks in your tire and even develop into more serious tire problems, which means you’ll need a new tire. It can also result in uneven or premature wear on your tires. Flat tires may also occur as a result of a broken valve stem. Even a slow leak can lead to more serious problems, resulting in a more expensive repair if you don’t replace your valve stems.
Unless damaged, valve stems (including those with TPMS sensors) are usually able to last beyond the life of the tires, but it’s a good idea to perform a valve stem replacement whenever you have new tires installed.
The valve stem typically isn’t replaced at any consistent interval, only if something breaks or doesn’t function as it should. A good test to check for valve stem damage is to so spray soapy water on the stem while gently flexing it, and see if any air bubbles are present. If bubbles are present, that means air is leaking out.
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The most significant indicators that you need to replace your valve stems are either a tire pressure light or a slow leak. You may notice that you need to put air in your tires more than usual. If this is the case, it’s crucial to replace your valve stems as soon as possible to prevent further tire or TPMS damage or even a flat tire that can leave you stranded.
Sometimes things go wrong when you go to replace your valve stem.
If a valve stem breaks entirely, it can damage the TPMS. Replacing a TPMS will cost you more than replacing the valve stem itself but can be done at home to save money.
Download the FIXD Sensor and free app today and never miss important maintenance again. FIXD will provide you with a customized maintenance schedule based on your vehicle’s make, model, and current mileage. You’ll get automated alerts sent to your phone to remind you when it’s time for an oil change, brake pad replacement, tire rotation, etc. FIXD will even keep track of your car’s battery, wiper, and tire life to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Get FIXD today, and you can take the stress out of car care. It’s that simple.
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At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
We’re here to help you simplify car care and save, so this post may contain affiliate links to help you do just that. If you click on a link and take action, we may earn a commission. However, the analysis and opinions expressed are our own.
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KOLOBOX valve installation service for all tire sizes (radius from R13 and below to R20 and above).
A popular service for which drivers turn to a tire shop is checking and adjusting the pressure of car tires. At the same time, only a few ask about the condition of the valve on wheels. Professional car tire service centers, after pumping tires, be sure to check the valve, but the car enthusiast needs to know why this is so important.
Prompt and timely monitoring of vehicle tire pressure is useless if the valve is out of order and needs to be replaced.
It will let air through, which will make the steering of the car not comfortable, and the tires will experience increased wear and tear, even from the inside.
What is the valve made of?
The valve has the following parts:
The materials used for their production are metal, plastic and rubber.
When the wheel rotates, the valve experiences heavy loads (if, for example, the car accelerates to 100 km per hour, the valve will feel almost 2 kg of weight). If this element is selected incorrectly in tire fitting, then it will not fit the performance characteristics of the car and its tires, which will lead to its rapid failure. This will be expressed in the frequent need to adjust the pressure in the rubber, cracks on the surface of the rubber part of the valve and the oxidation of the metal component.
What is the function of the valve stem and cap?
The spool valve is the part of the valve that directs the gas flows by moving the element in its displacement tank.
The spool wears out over time and requires periodic replacement with a new one. Most often, its change occurs as a result of replacing the valve.
The following categories of valves are distinguished:
Cap - part of the valve, which performs a protective function, protecting the spool valve from dirt and moisture getting into its cavity.
It is recommended to use black rubber caps, because these elements, made of metal, can be welded to the spool due to temperature differences or the action of chemically active substances. This will lead to difficulty in removing this part or the forced need to replace the valve.
For valve installation, contact the KOLOBOX tire fitting center!
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Drivers often ask for pressure checks or for its adjustment.
At the same time, only a few ask to check the condition of valve . Even taking into account the fact that in professional tire centers the valve is changed at every seasonal tire change, the driver himself should not forget about the importance of this, at first glance, small element of the wheel. After all a damaged valve can lead to a decrease in pressure, which in turn can lead to a slow and irreversible destruction of the tire from the inside. Timely inspection will help to avoid such problems.
The valve consists of the valve body, spool and cap. The materials used in these parts are rubber, metal and some plastic.
Unfortunately, over time, rubber dries out, cracks, and metal can be damaged by chemicals. In addition, do not forget about the harsh operating conditions. So, during the rotation of the wheel, a serious load acts on the valve - about 1.7 kg at a speed of 100 km / h.
It is therefore important to choose the valve that best suits both the disc and the vehicle.
Most common tire shops offer TR414 valves (for steel rims) or TR414C (for alloy rims).
It is this type of sale of valves that is widely practiced. And there are two reasons for this. The first is the similarity in color, so chrome is not offered for stamped wheels (no one takes white metal to black), but only for cast ones (there are very few forged ones on sale). The second is the difference in price, chrome is more expensive, and stamped buyers take everything at a minimum.
Discs fit both types of valves, but the difference is how they are sold.
Attention! Many mistakenly believe that C is a commercial valve (C-commercial), but in fact, C means that the valve has a chrome lining (C-chromium). This valve has no other differences from the standard one. The TR414C can handle a maximum of 4.5 bar just like a conventional valve.
However, there are also TR413 for alloy wheels.
This valve is smaller and, unlike the TR414, is less prone to buckling, meaning it does not cause slow loss of pressure during high-speed driving.
In addition to the above types of valves, there are several more varieties of valves :
Attention! The use of standard valves on vehicles carrying people and goods may result in tire failure.
This valve is specially designed for intensive use and reduces possible pressure loss. Attention! The metal valve is much stronger than the standard one, however, and will need to be replaced over time.
Spool is a device that directs air by moving the moving part relative to the body in which it slides.
Spool types
Given the load and intensity of work, the spools are also subject to aging and various damage. Therefore, it is necessary to change them regularly as well (as a rule, when you change the valve, you get a new spool).
