tire valve stem replacement By Kaveman (Read 2,644 times)

[Kaveman]

Has anyone replaced their own valve stems on their scoots tires ?
What tools did you use if you did?

Will

[Cruiser]

Here's a good video, Will.

scooterdoc.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=frame&action=display&thread=2117

[sprocket]

A big C-clamp and couple of boards, a stem puller or vise-grips and an air compressor capable of 30 psi or more

[trailheadmike]

Here's a question - I don't have a compressor capable of 30 psi. Couldn't I just use tire spoons to re-mount the tire after the stem is installed?

[Cruiser]

In a word - no. The only way you can get the tire beads to reseat on the rim is with air pressure. The compressor has to be able to deliver air fast enough to overcome any leaks along the rim until the tire bead pops back into place and seals. The rear tire on my scoots needed a little help to reseat. I used a nylon strap which is usually used for cinching down loads to seat the tires. Just wrapped around the outer circumference of the tire and tightened the belt to squeeze the tire beads against the rim.

[sprocket]

Great tip cruiser!

Many service stations have compressors that will deliver the cubic feet of air needed, but many of the new stations have tiny compressors that don't deliver the volume of air needed. So you may need to pick your station...

If they do auto repairs.. they usually have a big compressor..

[trailheadmike]

Cruiser-

Is your strap method in addition to the compressor or an alternative to the compressor? Also, I'm wondering if a 5 gallon air tank from Sears would be up to the task?? Thanks in advance.

[Cruiser]

I have always had to use a compressor to fill the tires. I use an AC powered tankless compressor from Sears. It is a heavy unit with about 3/4 hp (2.7 SCFM @ 40 PSI). The 5 gallon tank from Sears should easily handle this job.

[sprocket]

Many service stations also have what is called a 'PIG' basically a tank of air that will hold maybe 100psi at 4 or 5 CFM . If you can't bring the scooter to the station take the air to the scooter...I have done it many times...

Most places it is free.. you may have to pay a deposit on the tank

[Kaveman]

I picked up my replacement valve stem this afternoon from a local scooter shop. That ran me $6 .It is abit different that what was in the rim but is of better design . The metal stem goes into the rim and is secured on the outside by an included nut. This should hold up much better with less chance of having the rubber crack as on the old stem. Next item is to get a bigger c-clamp to get the scoot up and going . a 4" clamp will not work on my 13" rims.
will

[trailheadmike]

Thanks guys, and B'HATZlacha (good luck) on your valve job shalom. this was a great thread. Let us know how it turns out.