Problems with new valve stems

[lawncareguy]

Alright, this is for my truck, not a tractor, but I figured you guys might be able to help.

I was recently changing some tires and I decided to change the valve stems at the same time. A few weeks after, I noticed they were slowly leaking from the new stems- air was seeping between the rubber and the brass tube inside the stem and could be heard when I wiggled it. I attempted to replace them again, but I had even more trouble after that- the next ones pulled apart even worse and I could see the brass tube pushing out of the rubber before I even put them back on the truck.

I had this trouble with two different brands, Slime and Xtra Seal. They look nearly identical except for what I presume is a date or mold code, so I'm wondering if I just got unlucky and bought the same low quality product from two different stores. However, I wanted to ask you guys if my installation technique is acceptable.

I install the valve stems by pulling then through from the inside of the rim- I thread my 4-way valve tool into the cap threads and use that as a handle to pull or pry it until it pops into place. I seat the tire bead using starting fluid and I take the valve core out while doing that to help avoid dangerous pressure spikes.

So my question is, did I just get unlucky to get a bad product from two different places or do you think my tools and techniques are the problem? Is there a way to be more gentle pulling the stems into place? Is this damage from hot gases rushing through when I seat the bead?

 

[mrmikey]

I've had the same problem a couple times. Twice now I've had the brass leak around the supposed bond to the rubber and third time it pulled right out. I don't think it's your method, just cheap offshore crap. Mine was a brand name manufacturer but I thought the rubber looked more like vinyl when I opened the package. Quite awhile ago I had an old one break on me and the brass was actually knurled for a grip to the rubber, not smooth like they are now. You using a good rubber lube?
I know the four way tool you mean but you may find this easier:

 

[AntiqueIron]

Alright, this is for my truck, not a tractor, but I figured you guys might be able to help.

I was recently changing some tires and I decided to change the valve stems at the same time. A few weeks after, I noticed they were slowly leaking from the new stems- air was seeping between the rubber and the brass tube inside the stem and could be heard when I wiggled it. I attempted to replace them again, but I had even more trouble after that- the next ones pulled apart even worse and I could see the brass tube pushing out of the rubber before I even put them back on the truck.

I had this trouble with two different brands, Slime and Xtra Seal. They look nearly identical except for what I presume is a date or mold code, so I'm wondering if I just got unlucky and bought the same low quality product from two different stores. However, I wanted to ask you guys if my installation technique is acceptable.

I install the valve stems by pulling then through from the inside of the rim- I thread my 4-way valve tool into the cap threads and use that as a handle to pull or pry it until it pops into place. I seat the tire bead using starting fluid and I take the valve core out while doing that to help avoid dangerous pressure spikes.

So my question is, did I just get unlucky to get a bad product from two different places or do you think my tools and techniques are the problem? Is there a way to be more gentle pulling the stems into place? Is this damage from hot gases rushing through when I seat the bead?

Only thing I’d change is lubing the stem during install.

I’d get ahold of a good tire shop and see if they’d sell you some better quality stems