Tire valve core (Schrader Valve).

[Rick Jay]

Hi All,

Just wanted to relate what I thought was an unusual problem on one of the valve cores, aka schrader valve, of my W-22. Since most W-22's don't have spare tires, it's good to be as prepared as possible should a tire problem arise. That's why I'm posting.

A few days ago I noticed my passenger front tire was getting low on air. I put the jacks down to take the weight off the tire and using some soapy water solution quickly discovered that the slow leak was from the valve core. I grabbed my valve core tool and went to tighten it up a bit. No matter what I did, I couldn't get the bubbling to stop.

I let all the air out of the tire and went to remove the valve core. It was at this time that I realized the "ears" that the valve core tool grab onto were broken off. I though, "Now I'm screwed". Fortunately, I found out what that "easy out" part of the valve core tool is for and I was able to remove the core.

Here's where I stumbled upon a surprise: the band for the valve core was red, not black like the ones I had for spares. The black ones are used for autos, bikes, tractors, etc. I've only seen the red ones when doing some air conditioning work a few years back.

I was hesitant to replace it with a black banded unit as I had been advised that the red ones were designed for higher temp. and possibly higher pressure applications.

Anyway, I went to a local Firestone store and the nice tech handed me two new valve stems w/cores...no charge. I came home, put one of the cores in and now I'm good to go.

What took me by surprise is that I've never had a schrader valve fail like that. I've had them leak, but usually a slight tightening will seal things up. This one basically fell apart on me. I suspect it might have been overtighten when it was installed or perhaps at the dealer. Interestingly, up until this time, the tire has never lost any pressure. I check tire pressure before each trip.

Although I carried some spare parts (I had the valve core tool, pressure gauges, air compressor and spare "black banded" valve core inserts in my rig) I have now added a spare "red banded" valve core insert.

As I was driving to the tire store, I thought that it was slightly humorous that my 21,000 lb. motorhome was completely incapacitated by the failure of a part that weighs a fraction of an ounce.

Just wanted to relate this experience incase it might help someone in the future.

~Rick

[Rick Jay]

Hi All,

Just wanted to relate what I thought was an unusual problem on one of the valve cores, aka schrader valve, of my W-22. Since most W-22's don't have spare tires, it's good to be as prepared as possible should a tire problem arise. That's why I'm posting.

A few days ago I noticed my passenger front tire was getting low on air. I put the jacks down to take the weight off the tire and using some soapy water solution quickly discovered that the slow leak was from the valve core. I grabbed my valve core tool and went to tighten it up a bit. No matter what I did, I couldn't get the bubbling to stop.

I let all the air out of the tire and went to remove the valve core. It was at this time that I realized the "ears" that the valve core tool grab onto were broken off. I though, "Now I'm screwed". Fortunately, I found out what that "easy out" part of the valve core tool is for and I was able to remove the core.

Here's where I stumbled upon a surprise: the band for the valve core was red, not black like the ones I had for spares. The black ones are used for autos, bikes, tractors, etc. I've only seen the red ones when doing some air conditioning work a few years back.

I was hesitant to replace it with a black banded unit as I had been advised that the red ones were designed for higher temp. and possibly higher pressure applications.

Anyway, I went to a local Firestone store and the nice tech handed me two new valve stems w/cores...no charge. I came home, put one of the cores in and now I'm good to go.

What took me by surprise is that I've never had a schrader valve fail like that. I've had them leak, but usually a slight tightening will seal things up. This one basically fell apart on me. I suspect it might have been overtighten when it was installed or perhaps at the dealer. Interestingly, up until this time, the tire has never lost any pressure. I check tire pressure before each trip.

Although I carried some spare parts (I had the valve core tool, pressure gauges, air compressor and spare "black banded" valve core inserts in my rig) I have now added a spare "red banded" valve core insert.

As I was driving to the tire store, I thought that it was slightly humorous that my 21,000 lb. motorhome was completely incapacitated by the failure of a part that weighs a fraction of an ounce.

Just wanted to relate this experience incase it might help someone in the future.

~Rick

[Bigdaddy]

One more good reason to use metal valve stem caps.

[Rick Jay]

Yes, Bigdaddy, you're absolutely correct. Funny thing is, I had picked some up about a month before but never got around to putting them on.

You can safely bet they have now been installed.

~Rick

[Captain Bud]

I experienced this same problem on an extended trip to the Florida pan handle. I tightened my valve and fortunately it stopped trhe loss of tire pressure. It does bring you back to reality that details, details, details will mke a trip pleasureble or a hassle. I appreciate your information and will certainly carry extra valves...