replace valve stem without removing the wheel

[stuo]

Today I replaced a leaking tubeless valve stem without removing the wheel on my GV 250.

I used a c-clamp to squeeze the tire enough to break the tire free from the rim, then pushed the tire to one side, reached inside the rim and removed the broken remains of the stem, then wet the new stem with WD-40 to lube it and popped it in place pulling it gently with a vise grips clamped onto a metal stem cap so as to not mess up the threads on the stem.

Inflating the tire took a little jockeying of the tire bead to get it to seal on the rim, moving the tire around until it starts to hold air.

I use a Pep Boys 12-volt pump to inflate my tires, powered by my battery charger.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Good tip.
I always give the tech a new valve stem to install with my new tire. Never had one go bad. I used to ask at the serv desk....but sometimes the tech decides it's not necessary. ....so now I hand them one with the tire.
Stig

[CROSSBOLT]

You a genius, Stuo! Workin'smart, not hard!

[hypophthalmus]

I'm surprised that you were actually able to break the bead with a c-clamp. Was it a particularly large one?

I think I tried bar clamps on my first tire change, but figured out that was never going to work.

[stuo]

I have to confess: I got the clamp idea from a Youtube video. You need a fairly beefy c-clamp and you put the clamp as close to the rim/bead as possible and slowly crank that mother down.

Not "smart", Karl: cheap! I resented paying the shop charge for a new stem installed so I buy them on ebay for 50 cents and bada bing!

Soapy water is a good lube, probably better then WD-40.

[CROSSBOLT]

Yeah, I use dish detergent inna squirting bottle.