Is my valve stem suppose to leak?

[VEGASRIDER]

Meaning that whenever I wiggle my valve stem on my front tire, I start to lose tire pressure, as I can hear the air leaking out.

Is this normal? As long as you don't touch it, it won't hiss. I don't think it's an issue riding, as the centrifical force should not bend the stem.

 

[Motogiro]

Replace it Kenny. It's bad...

A vendor on our forum sells these cool 83 deg. valves that I'm putting on when I get new donuts. http://www.600riders.com/forum/vend...46-90-degree-angled-aluminum-valve-stems.html

You can get them also at a Cycle gear store near you if you need them yesterday!

 

[VEGASRIDER]

Will I make it to LA? Kind of late now to take care of the problem.

 

[Motogiro]

It may leak slowly and be okay if you watch it but I would get a new one. Centrifugal force may play havoc and make it leak or tear completely off. You should be able to go to a dealer/ tire place and break the bead with out even removing the wheel. They can just install a new valve and re-fill the tire which will reset the bead.

 

[Jblk9695]

+1 on what Motogiro said, just do it and don't take a chance. That being said I did ride my C10 for a while with about the same kind of valve stem but my stem didn't leak when I wiggled it, it just showed signs of cracking.

Jerry

 

[VEGASRIDER]

Send out a search party if I don't post up tommorow night. Taking ACH to Newcombs and coming out at Sunland.

 

[VEGASRIDER]

The shops around here won't open up before I roll, but there is a Yamaha dealership in Victorville right off the 15. I'll probably stop in and see what they can do. It's about 185 miles from Vegas.

 

[Motogiro]

Send out a search party if I don't post up tommorow night. Taking ACH to Newcombs and coming out at Sunland.

You better ping me on the mobile by noon or we're coming after you!
Just pay attention to your air pressure....

 

[TampaFZ6]

You could try removing the stem, checking the seal and reinserting the stem until it's tight, not to tight.

then fill up the tire and check for leakage.

 

[Hellgate]

Nope, it's toast. I'd have to imagine with heat and sun of Vas rubber dies quickly.

 

[Erci]

Agree with all.. it needs to be replaced ASAP. Be mindful of it if you must ride the bike as is.

 

[Motogiro]

Agree with all.. it needs to be replaced ASAP. Be mindful of it if you must ride the bike as is.

Reminds me! I have to call him right now!

 

[Erci]

Replace it Kenny. It's bad...

A vendor on our forum sells these cool 83 deg. valves that I'm putting on when I get new donuts. http://www.600riders.com/forum/vend...46-90-degree-angled-aluminum-valve-stems.html

You can get them also at a Cycle gear store near you if you need them yesterday!

Those are sweet!! Wish I'd known about'em before I swapped my tires
Of course this now gives me a reason to invest in tire tools this season :sinister:

 

[TampaFZ6]

Hellgate, stick it in your ear, if he is not going to replace it before the trip at least check the stem and make sure it's tight.

 

[Andz]

Replace it Kenny. It's bad...

A vendor on our forum sells these cool 83 deg. valves that I'm putting on when I get new donuts. http://www.600riders.com/forum/vend...46-90-degree-angled-aluminum-valve-stems.html

You can get them also at a Cycle gear store near you if you need them yesterday!

I have similar ones on my bike, apart from anything else the usual inflation device you get at a garage won't fit on a straight bike valve, especially the back.

 

[Motogiro]

Hellgate, stick it in your ear, if he is not going to replace it before the trip at least check the stem and make sure it's tight.

Huh?????????????

Generally those type valve inserts are a one time deal. They are replaced by most reputable tire installation facilities each time a new tire is installed because replacement insures a better chance of success as apposed to not changing them. It's really simple to see that a wheel failure can be more severe on a bike and most would agree that it is much safer to eliminate as many possibilities of failure and for not just the possibility of going down.
Kenny is doing a long haul in desert territories with lots of time and miles between getting help. So your on a bike and exposed to more severe elements when you have a break down.

If the valve is leaking when he bends it sideways it has already failed and centrifugal force of the wheel spinning can cause it to totally fail at any time.
The rubber is damaged in the valve where it inserts through the hole in the wheel.
In my book this is a done deal and it should be replace at the nearest convenience!

 

[CHEMIKER]

Hellgate, stick it in your ear, if he is not going to replace it before the trip at least check the stem and make sure it's tight.

What's up with your tone dude?

Like Motogiro said, you're assuming he has reusable valve stems. He probably has the disposable kind, like I do. There is no such thing as tightening those.

 

[Motogiro]

I called Kenny at about 2:50 PM pst. His phone answered but he was talking to some girl and didn't know his phone answered.LOL! So I'm yelling into my phone hoping he'll hear me but all I heard was his motor start and off he went.

At least we know he's rolling! :rockon:

 

[pkoosa]

Valve stems are available at major auto parts stores like Pep Boys. They come in a pack of 4 usually and the tool to remove them are available as well. Remove the valve stem with an air source near by, replace stem and refill air. Pretty simple to do.

 

[Motogiro]

Update:

Kenny just called me and he's in north LA area. He went to a steelership and they told him it would be $100 to fix! He said it's holding up and he has to replace that tire soon anyway so maybe when we see him tomorrow afternoon we can figure something out....:rockon: