How to Repair a Tire Valve

Repair a tire valve in 5 easy steps. Tire safety is an important aspect of the maintenance of our car. A tire valve is responsible for maintaining the air pressure in the tire. Without a tire valve or with a faulty, malfunctioning or broken valve, air will slowly leak from the valve stem causing a loss of air pressure. A low tire or disproportionate and unbalanced tires, as it relates to the tire pressure is extremely dangerous when driving at highway speeds. Inspect your tire valve every time you replace a tire, balance or repair the tire. If the valve is cracked or damaged, replace it immediately.

Step 1 – Mount and Lift the Car

Using a couple car jacks, raise the car or the specific wheel in the air so you can comfortably move around the car and access the wheel.

Step 2 – Inspect the Tire Valve

Before beginning the tire valve repair, take a look at the hole in the rim. Look for nicks or corrosion. Either issue could damage the repair or replacement valve and prevent a leak-free seal.

Next, determine if you have a leak. Uncap the valve. Using the ends of your fingers, apply a little soapy water to the end of the uncapped valve. If bubbles form, you have a leak with the tire valve stem.

Remove the tire from the car and deflate the tire. You can replace the valve while the tire is mounted on the car, but it requires extra precaution and skill. For safety reasons, we recommend you remove the tire completely.

Step 3 – Remove the Core

Put on a pair of safety glasses or goggles to prevent dust and particles from reaching your eyes. Using a valve core tool, remove the core. As you remove the core, pressure will release. Particles may shoot into the air.

Step 4 – Insert New Core

Before you insert the new core, inspect the threads of the valve. If corroded or dirty, clean the inside of the valve (the threads particularly) with a corrosion cleaner. Screw the new core in snugly. Do not thread to tight as you may strip the threads of the tire valve. Insert a valve stem-cap to maintain the cleanliness in and around the tire valve. This will prevent any further leaking and maintain the tire valve optimally.

Step 5 – Re-mount the Tire and Lower the Car

Take the tire to the gas station and using an air machine, reinflate the tire to the recommended pounds of pressure. Mount the tire back on the car. Lower the car back onto the ground and add air pressure to the tire. Drive car for a day or two and look for any new or persistent air leakage problems. If the tire is free from any and all leaks, you have fixed the problem.