Valve stem replacement
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 77
Likes: 3
From: Rockville MD
Valve stem replacement
Question for the group: Is it normal for a shop to leave the old valve stems in when the tires are replaced? The reason I am asking is that my local shop left the old ones in. I had a slow leak in the rear and since the tires were nearly worn out I just had them replaced. Needless to say it's the valve stem and not the tire itself as I found out the hard way. I mentioned it in passing when I dropped the bike off but didn't make much of it since I assumed they would install new valve stems anyway. Thanks to all in advance
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 20
From: Reno
Your local shop should have replaced the valve stems :-( Perhaps you should call the local shop and ask if it is common practice to leave the old valve stems in... if not... explain your situation and see what they intend to do to remedy the situation.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 27
From: Bothell, WA
Indeed. I have the same 90 degree valves on my ride. So much easier to check the pressure.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 405
From: Cedar BC
If a shop is that cheap they won't change a valve stem on a tire change,I would be really concerned about what else they are cutting corners on...
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
I know in the automotive field it's common to replace valve stems during a tire change. I'd assume it's the same for bikes.
That said, I change my own tires and have NEVER replaced a valve stem on either of my bikes and they both have 75,000 + on them. Regardless of what the standard industry practice is I feel that replacing valve stems is completely unnecessary unless the stem exhibits some form of damage.
That said, I change my own tires and have NEVER replaced a valve stem on either of my bikes and they both have 75,000 + on them. Regardless of what the standard industry practice is I feel that replacing valve stems is completely unnecessary unless the stem exhibits some form of damage.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,535
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I go with new tubes and liner at each tire replace. (Spokes)
On autos, many people look at the condition and age of the stems. High mileage driven tires in a relatively short time that the stems still look good, heck, run 'em some more.
Generally, as a rule, quality tire shops will replace the stems EVERY TIME.
May I suggest to the OP: YOU MAKE THE CALL. If you want them replaced, tell them. Some keep up with them, and have them replaced every other time. On vehicles, getting the right length stems are very important, to ease access and/or reduce bending the stems over for checks which will lead to cracks some times.
Check the stems over as part of your regular tire inspections, and ride safe!
On autos, many people look at the condition and age of the stems. High mileage driven tires in a relatively short time that the stems still look good, heck, run 'em some more.
Generally, as a rule, quality tire shops will replace the stems EVERY TIME.
May I suggest to the OP: YOU MAKE THE CALL. If you want them replaced, tell them. Some keep up with them, and have them replaced every other time. On vehicles, getting the right length stems are very important, to ease access and/or reduce bending the stems over for checks which will lead to cracks some times.
Check the stems over as part of your regular tire inspections, and ride safe!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,321
Likes: 56,881
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I go with new tubes and liner at each tire replace. (Spokes)
On autos, many people look at the condition and age of the stems. High mileage driven tires in a relatively short time that the stems still look good, heck, run 'em some more.
Generally, as a rule, quality tire shops will replace the stems EVERY TIME.
May I suggest to the OP: YOU MAKE THE CALL. If you want them replaced, tell them. Some keep up with them, and have them replaced every other time. On vehicles, getting the right length stems are very important, to ease access and/or reduce bending the stems over for checks which will lead to cracks some times.
Check the stems over as part of your regular tire inspections, and ride safe!
On autos, many people look at the condition and age of the stems. High mileage driven tires in a relatively short time that the stems still look good, heck, run 'em some more.
Generally, as a rule, quality tire shops will replace the stems EVERY TIME.
May I suggest to the OP: YOU MAKE THE CALL. If you want them replaced, tell them. Some keep up with them, and have them replaced every other time. On vehicles, getting the right length stems are very important, to ease access and/or reduce bending the stems over for checks which will lead to cracks some times.
Check the stems over as part of your regular tire inspections, and ride safe!