Author Topic: replace valve stem without removing the wheel  (Read 503 times)

stuo

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replace valve stem without removing the wheel
« on: May 17, 2018, 12:10:37 AM »
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.
2009 GV 250

Stig / Major Tom

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Re: replace valve stem without removing the wheel
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2018, 11:04:52 AM »
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
« Last Edit: May 17, 2018, 11:06:27 AM by Stig »
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CROSSBOLT

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Re: replace valve stem without removing the wheel
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2018, 01:35:05 PM »
You a genius, Stuo! Workin'smart, not hard!
Karl

Three motorcycles 1960-1977 (restored a 1955 BSA)
Agility 50
Yager 200i
Downtown 300i
Navy tech, Ships Engineer, pilot and aircraft mechanic

hypophthalmus

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Re: replace valve stem without removing the wheel
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2018, 03:55:03 PM »
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

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Re: replace valve stem without removing the wheel
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2018, 09:49:46 PM »
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.
2009 GV 250

CROSSBOLT

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Re: replace valve stem without removing the wheel
« Reply #5 on: May 18, 2018, 09:51:29 PM »
Yeah, I use dish detergent inna squirting bottle.
Karl

Three motorcycles 1960-1977 (restored a 1955 BSA)
Agility 50
Yager 200i
Downtown 300i
Navy tech, Ships Engineer, pilot and aircraft mechanic

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