request help with valve stem replacement on 10x16.5 skid steer tire.

disney · May 20, 2023

Hi. Went to use tractor, and found it leaning to one side. front tire flat... leak from rubber valve stem... I have two main questions: is this likely to be a standard automotive valve stem, or would it use a larger diameter hole at the rim? It's an 8 ply tire, does anyone know if a standard automotive/pickup truck tire machine can break the bead just enough for me to install a new valve stem?

It's not critical I get this fixed before monday, but any suggestions on where I can get a valve stem if they are larger than the automotive size? I will certainly pay more for quality as I don't want this to happen again for another 20 years. Yes I will replace the other one, but may not do both at the same time, unless I have to take to an equipment shop. I apologize for not doing any research on this, but I figured I could post this, and hope for a reply, while I do my homework. Thank you. Hope everyone is doing well

jaxs · May 20, 2023

There's two standard diameter stems for cars and this is likely one of the two. A regular tire machine will break the bead down without a problem.

disney · May 21, 2023

jaxs said:
There's two standard diameter stems for cars and this is likely one of the two. A regular tire machine will break the bead down without a problem.

Thank you for letting me know that an automotive machine will work. I learned far more than I ever wanted to know about valve stems last night, including a product where you install it from the outside and then tighten to seal. They are not cheap, but I think I will buy them just to have in an emergency.

fruitcakesa · May 21, 2023

disney said:
Thank you for letting me know that an automotive machine will work. I learned far more than I ever wanted to know about valve stems last night, including a product where you install it from the outside and then tighten to seal. They are not cheap, but I think I will buy them just to have in an emergency.

I used one of those "quick stems" when the valve failed on one of the loaded rear tires on my M.
Literally took 5 minutes to fix. Well worth the price as the tire weighs 700 # so moving it to repair is not an option.

Rustyiron · May 21, 2023

The metal valve stems with an O ring on the inside with a nut threaded down on the outside is the most rugged type and not subject to the rubber / sun problem.

Get the shortest one you can find. It's easier for it to hide or dodge the obstacles that tractor use can throw at it.

disney · May 22, 2023

Rustyiron said:
The metal valve stems with an O ring on the inside with a nut threaded down on the outside is the most rugged type and not subject to the rubber / sun problem.
Get the shortest one you can find. It's easier for it to hide or dodge the obstacles that tractor use can throw at it.

Unfortunately the Florida sun may disagree with that. I recently had a metal trailer valve stem had the little bit of rubber exposed between the rim and the washer (under the nut) crack and leak. But yes this is a case where shorter is better.