Leaky valve stem repair


How to fix a leaky valve stem

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“A tire only loses air if it’s punctured.” This is a common misconception that we have all had or heard and yet the reality is quite different. Indeed, a tire can lose air even without a puncture, as for example in the case of a crack in the valve that is used to inflate your tires. A punctured valve is difficult to detect, and not taking care of it in time can have real consequences for your tire, but also (and above all!) for your safety. Blackcircles Canada, your online tire specialist, offers below a complete guide to the causes and consequences of a punctured valve, and how to repair a leaking valve stem.

Wear and tear is the main cause of a leaking valve.

A valve is a pin located on the outside of the tire, through which the tire can be inflated/deflated. It has a mechanism consisting of a spring-mounted valve that closes tightly with the air pressure inside the tire. Over time, the stem valve may become brittle and cracked, which may increase the risk of air leaking through it.

When the stem valve leaks, the affected tire is no longer able to retain air. Depending on the extent of the damage, the air will leak out slowly or more quickly. In both cases, the valve must be replaced.

If the air leakage is slow, you will be subject to the problems encountered by drivers driving with underinflated tires. Internal damage that can shorten the service life of the tire by up to a quarter, increased fuel consumption due to higher rolling resistance: the tire will damage faster, and your energy-efficiency will be significantly lower. The tire will also have poorer traction and the stability of your car will be reduced when cornering, not to mention the more pronounced deformation of the tire that increases its internal temperature, which can cause it to burst. Finally, an under-inflated tire increases the risk of hydroplaning. Tire pressure is thus very important!

Repairing a leaking tire valve is therefore imperative.

Here’s how to do it!

Step 1: Make sure it’s your valve stem that’s leaking.

First of all, make sure it is the tire valve stem that is leaking. To do so, there’s a very simple trick! Apply a mixture of water and dishwashing soap to the valve with the cap removed. If bubbles start to appear, your valve is leaking. If this is not the case, and there is a definite air leak, it will be located elsewhere on the tire.

Step 2: Gather the right tools before you start!

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment to complete the replacement of the faulty valve stem.

For this, you will need the following:

  • An air compressor with the right nozzle for your tire,
  • A jack,
  • Jack stands,
  • A lug nut wrench for wheel mounting/removal,
  • Needle-nosed pliers,
  • A big hammer, preferably a sledgehammer,
  • A tire iron,
  • A valve stem removal tool,
  • A new valve stem.

You are now ready to start the process!

Step 3: Loosen the nuts on the wheel you are going to work on.

To do so, use the wrench mentioned in the previous step to loosen each of the lug nuts holding your wheel in place. Do this while the car is still on the ground.

However, for certain models of vehicles, it is possible that the wheel nuts have an anti-theft ring. If this is the case, you’ll have to use the appropriate special key to remove the locking nut(s).

Step 4: Raise your vehicle with the jack and then remove the wheel.

First and foremost, make sure the handbrake is applied so that your vehicle is completely immobilized. Then, use your jack to lift your car. Be sure to position it on the right part of the chassis so that the car is properly supported. This will prevent any damage to the car and any bodily injury. Once your car is lifted, secure it on jack stands. Unscrew the wheel bolts completely, then remove the wheel. Finally, place the wheel on the ground flat, with the outside of the wheel facing up.

Step 5: Remove the valve stem core with the removal tool and let the tire deflate.

If you have not already done so, remove the valve cap. Then remove the valve stem core using the valve stem removal tool to release the air from the wheel, which should normally deflate completely on its own.

Step 6: Separate the tire’s bead from the wheel.

For this step, use the sledgehammer in the following way: hit the tire sidewall with the sledgehammer in the same spot until you hear a crack or popping sound, and see the inside lip of the tire visibly break loose from the rim. This means that the tire has been successfully detached from the lip of the wheel.

Once the tire bead has been broken, continue hitting with the sledgehammer around the tire to detach the sidewall around the entire circumference of the wheel.

Step 7: Remove the tire from the rim.

Once the sidewall of the tire is separated from the outer edge of the rim around the entire circumference of the wheel, insert your tire iron between the edge of the rim and the inside lip of the tire, and then pry upward to pull the lip of the tire over the edge of the wheel. Once you have pulled the lip of the tire over the edge of the wheel, work the tire iron around the rim until the entire lip of the tire is off the rim.

Once the sidewall of the tire is completely above the wheel, grab it by its removed lip and pull it upward so that the opposite lip that was at the bottom of the wheel is now touching the top edge of the rim. Use your tire iron again by inserting it between the tire’s lip and the edge of the wheel and pry upwards to pull the lip over the edge of the rim. As before, work the tire iron around the edge of the wheel until the tire is removed from the wheel.

Step 8: Remove the defective valve stem and replace it with the new one.

Once the tire is separated from the rim, it is time to remove the valve stem. To do this, first pull out the valve stem free from the wheel using the needle-nose pliers. Once this has been done, install the replacement valve stem from the inside of the wheel. Once it is in position, use the needle-nose pliers again to pull it through into its right place on the wheel.

Step 9: Reinstall the tire on the wheel and inflate it.

Once the stem is in place, it is time to put the tire back on its rim. To do this, start by pressing the tire down over the rim until the bottom bead clears the edge of the rim. The aim here is to return the lower sidewall of the tire to its original position on the wheel.

Then press the upper sidewall of the tire down underneath the edge of the wheel. Then tuck your tire iron between the tire sidewall and the rim edge and use it to make the opposite movement to the one you used to pull the tire sidewall out of the rim. Once the bead clears the lip of the wheel, use the tire iron to work your way round the entire wheel until the tire is completely installed on the wheel. Then inflate it to the correct pressure using the air compressor.

Step 10: Make sure there are no other leaks, and mount your wheel back on!

Once the tire is inflated to the correct pressure, check for other leaks. If all is well, mount the wheel on your vehicle and bring it down by lowering the level of the jack stands until the repaired wheel touches the ground and you can safely remove them.

Ultimately, it is very important to make sure your tires are free of air leaks to maintain proper air pressure at all times. In the case of a slow air leak, the consequences can be dramatic. If the air leak is due to a faulty tire valve, you will definitely need to replace it. You can either follow the above procedure on how to repair a leaking tire valve or take it directly to a specialist. If, on the other hand, you need to change the entire tire, consult our selection of tires adapted for your car directly online on our website!

Tire Installation 101: When and how to change your tires?

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Similar articles

How do I fix a tire valve stem leak?

I just filled up my tires and, two days later, my right tire is losing pressure. I’ve checked the tire for leaks and don’t think the tire itself needs replacing, so my next guess is the tire valve stem is leaking. How do I fix a tire valve stem leak?

Rachel Juillerat · Answered on Feb 18, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Fortunately for you, fixing a tire valve stem leak is both easy and cheap. You just need to purchase a replacement tire valve stem and a valve core tool. A pack containing both of these items is on Amazon for less than $5!

To replace the leaking tire valve stem, do the following:

  • Wear goggles (in case dirt or the tire valve stem go flying into your face).
  • Use the core valve tool to pull out the old stem and replace it with the new one.
  • Use the core valve tool to tighten the stem until it’s snug (it’s easy to strip the threading, so don’t over tighten the new stem).
  • Make sure you put the stem’s cover back on to prevent dirt from getting in!

Note: If you notice corrosion on the old stem, be sure to clean the interior threads of the tire stem on the tire.

While this is an easy and cheap fix, there are some car fixes you may need assistance with, so it’s always a good idea to invest in a solid car insurance policy.

Jerry makes finding the right policy for you easy. Jerry compares personalized rates from more than 50 top providers and delivers the best deals to your phone in minutes for free. The average Jerry driver saves $887 a year on car insurance.

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    GEA Aseptomag LVBS Leakage Indication Valves

    • Pumps & Valves
      • Valves & Components for Aseptic Liquid Handling
    • Valves & components for aseptic liquid handling
    • Tank bottom valves
    Aseptomag® 9 valve range0017

    Aseptomag® Leak Indicating Valves are primarily used as mixproof shut-off valves for diverting incompatible products at tank and product piping connections in UltraClean process plants. In addition, the valve can be used in pipeline connections where one pipeline is purgeable to provide protection against mixing with product in another pipeline.

    Contact us Get Quote

    Contact us Get a commercial offer

    Aseptomag® Leak Indicating Valves are primarily used as mixproof shut-off valves for diverting incompatible products at tank and product piping connections in UltraClean process plants. In addition, the valve can be used in pipeline connections where one pipeline is purgeable to provide protection against mixing with product in another pipeline.

    Aseptomag® LVBS Leakage Indication Valves

    Contact Us Get a commercial offer

    Aseptomag® LVBS Leak Indication Valve - Standard Version with Independent Seat Lift and T.VIS® Control System, Sectional View

    Aseptomag® LVBS Leak Indication Valve - Displacement Version with Four Ports and Independent Seat Lift A

    Aseptomag® LVBS Leak Indication Valve - Standard with independent seat lift and T. VIS® 9 control0019

    • Overview
    • Aseptomag®
    • valve range

    OverviewAseptomag®

    valve range

    Valve design features stainless steel bellows sealing of moving valve stems and a leak chamber that vents to atmosphere. With these two features, the valve provides a simpler process than in true aseptic applications, but still guarantees improved product protection by hermetically sealing the valve stems. This valve is therefore ideal for UltraClean applications in the food, dairy and beverage industries.

    Main components

    Housing
    Bottom valve bodies with leakage indication have two, three or four connection ports. The valves are standard butt welded. In addition to the standard foot valves, LVBS valves are also available with welded or threaded flange connections.

    Internal node
    As standard, the internal assembly is equipped with a rigid TEFASEP® seal for the axial valve seat and an EPDM seal for the radial valve seat. In addition to the standard sealing material for the axial valve seat seal, a PTFE O-ring is also available.

    Drive
    The pneumatic actuator for LVBS leakage indication valves is spring-closing/air-opening (normally closed, NC). In addition to full stroke, the standard design allows both valve seats to be lifted independently of each other (EA). Optionally the valve can be configured with an actuator where only the radial valve seat A can lift independently (AZ).

    Clamp
    Thanks to its robust design, the GEA Aseptomag ensures a stable and secure connection of the main pressurized components. The special three-segment design ensures easy maintenance of the component even in tight spaces.

    Feedback modules
    UltraClean leak control valves can be equipped with either open feedback modules or T.VIS® feedback systems as standard. Feedback modules can also be purchased from third party vendors and installed via specially designed adapters.

    Options
    Aseptomag® leak-indicating valves can be fitted with an optional steam port (DA) that allows intermediate steaming of the leak chamber independent of seat lift.

    Alternatively, a mechanical backstop (RSS) can be mounted on top of the pneumatic actuator. This block interacts with the radial valve seat A and is used as an additional safety feature to keep the mixproof valves functioning even in the event of pressure surges up to 50 bar.

    Standard specification

    Item Size
    Valve pressure rating 10 bar
    Closing pressure 6 bar
    Control air pressure 6 bar
    Sealing element Stainless steel bellows
    Valve seat seal material TEFASEP® / EPDM
    Body seal EPDM
    Surface quality in product area R a ≤ 0. 8
    Material quality in product area AISI 316L / AISI 316Ti
    Maximum operating temperature 135°C (275°F)
    Maximum sterilization temperature 150°C (302°F), duration 30 minutes or less.

    For more information on the use of this valve type, see the Aseptomag® valve range tab.

    Aseptomag® 9 valve technology0019

    Aseptomag® AXV Dual Chamber Valve - Manifold

    Aseptomag® DK Dual Chamber Valve - Manifold with T.VIS® Control Modules

    Aseptomag® DK Dual Chamber Valve - Manifold

    The LV and LVBS leak-indicating valves are based on the Aseptomag® valve line design philosophy and meet the highest requirements of sensitive manufacturing industries, mainly in the food, dairy and beverage industries.

    Aseptic bellows valves feature an impeccable valve stem seal that minimizes the risk of contamination and maximizes detection. The Aseptomag® valve range is equivalent in sensitive process applications to the VARIVENT® hygienic valve range and covers everything from shut-off and bottom valves to mixproof and sampling valves. The valves comply with the highest established hygienic and design standards such as EHEDG and 3-A. Thanks to its modular design, the Aseptomag® valve range also offers customized valve solutions for specific process requirements (high closing pressures, special materials, special designs, etc.). Aseptomag® valves can be equipped with T.VIS® control modules, which allows them to be seamlessly integrated into an automated process plant.

    UltraClean Applications

    Unlike other valves in the Aseptomag® series, the main purpose of the LV and LVBS leak-indicating valves is not purely aseptic systems, but ultraclean (UltraClean) process units. The most relevant product parameter in ultra clean (UltraClean) applications is the expiration date. Basically, it is determined by the pH value and the a w value of the product. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the organoleptic properties and the supply chain of distribution. One of the benefits of UltraClean processing is the reduction in the amount of preservatives needed to maintain product shelf life.

    Application examples

    • Dairy - Dairy and lactic fermentation products (e.g. milk with a long shelf life, desserts, crystallizing products such as lactose)
    • Manufacture of beverages - drinks based on water, fruits and plants (e.g. soft drinks, fruit juice, soy milk)
    • Food industry - Sauces and delicacies
    • Brewing industry - Beer and beer drinks (e.g. cultivation of pure yeast)

    Product brief Aseptomag® LV / LVBS

    • Hermetic seal with stainless steel bellows
    • Perfect detection capabilities
    • Easy and safe maintenance
    • Ideal for ultra clean (UltraClean) applications with mixing protection

    Types and sizes of Aseptomag® 9 valves0027

    Valve type Metric Outside diameter in inches (OD)
    Shut-off valves Aseptomag® AV DN 15 - DN 150 0. 75” - 6”
    Shut-off valves Aseptomag® AVBS DN 15 - DN 150 0.75” - 6”
    Change-over valve Aseptomag® UV DN 15 - DN 100 0.75” - 4”
    Shut-off valves Aseptomag® AF DN 25 - DN 100 1” – 4”
    Aseptomag® RV control valves DN 15 - DN 100 0.75” - 4”
    Control valves Aseptomag® RVIN DN 25 - DN 65 1" - 2.5"
    Back pressure valves Aseptomag® GD DN 15 - DN 150 0.75” - 6”
    Shut-off valves Aseptomag® AMV DN 6 - DN 10 0.25” - 0.5”
    Leakage valves Aseptomag® LV DN 25 - DN 100 1“ – 4“
    Leakage valves Aseptomag® LVBS DN 25 - DN 100 1“ – 4“
    Leakage valves Aseptomag® ADV DN 25 - DN 100 1” – 4”
    Double chamber valves Aseptomag® DK DN 25 - DN 150 1" - 6"
    Double chamber valves Aseptomag® DKBS DN 25 - DN 150 1" - 6"
    Aseptomag® Double Chamber Valves DDK DN 25 - DN 150 1" - 6"
    Double chamber Aseptomag® AXV DN 25 - DN 150 1" - 6"
    Aseptomag® PV 9 Sampling Valves0090 DN 10 - DN 15 0. 5” - 0.75”
    Steam inlets Aseptomag® DE DN 25 - DN 40 1" - 1.5"
    *Other valve sizes and connections to other standards (i.e. ISO) are available on request

    Related products

    Aseptomag® AXV 9 double chamber valves0017

    The double chamber valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by the impeccable design of their stainless steel bellows. The Type AXV valve includes three integrated sterile barriers (ISB).

    Aseptomag® Double Chamber Valves DDK

    The double chamber valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by the impeccable design of their stainless steel bellows. Valve type DDK includes two integrated sterile barriers (ISB)

    Double chamber valves Aseptomag® DK

    The double chamber valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by the impeccable design of their stainless steel bellows. Type DK valve includes one integrated sterile barrier (ISB)

    Aseptomag® DKBS
    double chamber valves

    The double chamber tank bottom valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by their impeccable stainless steel bellows design. The type DK valve includes one integrated sterile barrier (ISB).

    Back pressure valves Aseptomag® GD

    The back pressure valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by the impeccable design of their stainless steel bellows.

    Aseptomag® ADV
    Leakage Indication Valves

    The leak-indicating valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by their flawless stainless steel bellows design. Type ADV valves use one integrated vapor barrier (ISB) and non-Aseptomag® DK valves, with one valve seat sealed with a radial seal.

    Aseptomag® LV Leakage Indication Valves

    The leak-indicating valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by their flawless stainless steel bellows design. The leakage chamber between the two valve seats is vented to the atmosphere, making it ideal for ultra clean (UltraClean) applications that do not require mixing.

    Shut-off valves Aseptomag® AF

    Shut-off valves in the Aseptomag® range of valves are characterized by their impeccable stainless steel bellows design. The long type AF bellows design is ideal for applications with high activation rates.

    Shut-off valves Aseptomag® AMV

    Shut-off valves in the Aseptomag® range of valves are characterized by their impeccable stainless steel bellows design. The compact design of the AMV type is ideal for applications with fractional dimensions.

    Shut-off valves Aseptomag® AV

    Shut-off valves in the Aseptomag® range of valves are characterized by their impeccable stainless steel bellows design.

    Shut-off valves Aseptomag® AVBS

    Tank bottom shut-off valves in the Aseptomag® range of valves are characterized by their impeccable stainless steel bellows design.

    Change-over valves Aseptomag® UV

    The bellows of the changeover valves in the Aseptomag® range has a flawless stainless steel design.

    Aseptomag® PV sampling valves

    Sampling valves from the Aseptomag® range of valves are characterized by their impeccable stainless steel bellows design and modular design.

    Aseptomag® RV control valves

    The control valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by their impeccable stainless steel bellows design.

    Control valves Aseptomag® RVIN

    The control valves in the Aseptomag® valve range are characterized by their impeccable stainless steel bellows design. The check valve is specially designed for installations where the product enters the valve from the bellows side.

    Service products

    GEA SAFEXPERT®

    Food safety and product quality are fundamental to your company's operations. You are sure to meet this challenge and protect your brand with GEA's SAFEXPERT®.

    Learn more about service from GEA

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    GEA Insights

    History

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    Atoll LeakStop filter leak protection valve (Leak Detector)

    Connects to the 1/4" filter water supply hose. The leak valve mechanism contains a special replaceable disposable "tablet" made of a fibrous moisture-absorbing material that instantly reacts to the presence of water on the surface of the valve (e.g. on the floor in the kitchen cabinet under the sink where the filter is located). In the event of a water filter leak, the tablet immediately swells and the valve stem shuts off the water supply to the cleaning system.

    Such an inexpensive valve will protect your property, repair your home (and neighbors) and reduce possible damage in the following cases:

  • low-quality water filter: many cheap filters leak already at installation or already in the first months of operation
  • unskilled installation or service of filter
  • long-term operation of water tanks and tank leaks as a result of its rusting
  • normal wear and tear of gaskets, abrasion of hoses and filter quick-releases
  • use of low-quality, non-certified cartridges and spare parts purchased from chain stores and markets
  • unqualified independent modification of the design of the cleaning system.


LeakStop (Leak Detector) equipment:

  • Leak protection valve - 1 pc.
  • double-sided adhesive tape for fixing the valve to the floor (2 pcs.)
  • self-tapping screws - 2 pcs.
  • installation and operation manual -1 pc.

Material : High strength plastic, NSF certified

You can immediately purchase a set of replacement "pills" for this valve (pack of 5)

See Specifications for more information.

ATTENTION!!! The presence of a valve does not exclude the possibility of leakage. The valve LIMITS the amount of damage caused by stopping the flow of water from the main to the filter when the spilled water reaches the valve body and starts the trigger mechanism. DESIGN AND OPERATING PRINCIPLE: The atoll LEAK STOP (Leak Detector) anti-leak valve is a plastic shut-off valve with JG (John Guest) 1/4" quick-detachable connections. Under the valve stem there is a polymer pad that swells when wet.


Learn more