How to Install Valve Stems on Tires

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A faulty valve stem on a car's tire can cause it to slowly leak air. Sometimes it is not necessary to replace the whole tire when this is the case. Valve stems purchased separately are fairly inexpensive. If you want to install new valve stems to fix your leaking tire problem, follow these steps.

Steps

1. 1
   Park your car on a flat surface and make sure to put it in park and set the emergency brake. Place a wheel chock or other heavy object behind the tire opposite of the wheel you are removing. For example, if you are removing the front right wheel, place the wheel chock behind the left rear wheel.

   
   
2. 2
   Loosen, but do not remove, each of the lug nuts with a tire iron. Use a jack to raise the car until the wheel you want to remove is completely off the ground.
3. 3
   Remove the lug nuts with the tire iron, or by hand if they are loose enough. Set the lug nuts in a place where you can find them easily later. Slide the wheel off the wheel studs and lay it flat on the ground.
4. 4
   Unscrew the cap on the valve stem. Insert the cap in to the valve stem to push down on the small needle in the center. This will deflate the tire if there is still air in it. Hold it in place until the tire deflates completely. You can do this with a tire gauge or a small, flat screwdriver.
5. 5
   Break the bead of the tire by placing the end of a crowbar between the tire and the rim. Be sure the tapered edge of the crowbar is pointing toward the tire so you don't damage the rim. Hold the crowbar in place and hit the end of it repeatedly with a sledgehammer until you hear a popping sound. Then, using the crowbar to pry the tire loose from the rim.
6. 6
   Use a pair of pliers to pull out the old valve stem. Discard it. Then, use a lubricant like WD-40 or dish soap to coat the new valve stem. Position the stem at the hole and use your pliers to pull it through and lock it in place.
7. 7
   Put the tire back on the rim and place the wheel back onto the car, securing it with the lug nuts. Use an air compressor to fill the tire with air. Lower the car back down to the ground and tighten the lug nuts.

   
   

Tips

• Breaking the bead on a tire can be tricky and difficult for inexperienced mechanics. If you are unsure about your ability to do this yourself, it may be better to take the wheel to a professional where they have equipment and experience to do the job well.

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