Wheel & Tire Valve Stems Parts

Purchasing and installing a new tire valve stem provides a leak-free connection that will give you trouble-free operation for a long time. This will allow you to maintain proper tire pressure and prevent damage due to deflation if not noticed in time, requiring tire repair.

For vehicles that are factory-equipped with a tire pressuring monitoring system (TPMS) or for aftermarket add-on tire pressure monitoring systems, the TPMS sensor and valve stem are integrated into one unit. This handy technology lets you know while you drive the pressure of each tire, eliminating any guesswork or having to manually check each tire with a tire pressure gauge.

There are three main parts of a tire valve stem. The first is the tire valve body, either pulled through or bolted to the wheel to create a seal. The core is the valve that allows air to enter or exit the body and is threaded inside the stem. Valve stem caps are designed to screw onto the top of the body and protect the core from dust, dirt, and other debris that could prevent air pressure from being changed. Additional tire valve parts include a valve stem extension, which allows more room for filling or checking the air pressure in tight applications.

The valve stem core (sometimes referred to as "tire control valves") is a small metal valve that threads inside the tire valve stem body. An O ring stem seal (designs can have more than one) around the core body prevents air from entering or exiting in the resting position. When the spring-controlled core "pin" actuator is depressed, it opens and allows air to either enter or exit the valve body.

The first step in tire valve stem replacement for tubeless valve applications is to remove the tire from the wheel. There are various methods to separate the wheel and tire. However, a tire changer is the most preferred method with the slightest chance of causing damage to the wheel or tire. Once the tire has been separated from the wheel, the old valve stem can be pulled out from the inside or unbolted (if applicable) from the wheel. Because there are multiple valve stem sizes, the correct size needs to be confirmed for a proper seal and installation. Inspect the wheel and valve to determine if additional tire stem valve repair parts may be required. Next, the replacement valve is installed in the reverse order as installation. If only the valve core needs to be removed, a core valve stem tool (also available in a stainless steel design) is used to remove the core from the valve stem body. In some applications, a tire bead-sealer is needed to complete installation and ensure an air-tight seal.

A set of four tire valve stems can run as low as around $5 to over $30 per set. TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) sensors, including the valve stem, can start at over $25 each and reach over $100 or more per sensor. The manual labor to change a tire valve stem can vary, depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle, tire and wheel size, and the labor rate changed by the shop.