Valve stems recalled

[chiph]

If you've bought new tires in the past 3 years, you need to check your valve stems for cracks.

As many as thirty million potentially defective valve stems were imported over the past few years. The base of the rubber stem can crack, causing a sudden loss in pressure.

Here is how to spot them:

http://www.dillaircontrols.com/files...r%20Cracks.pdf

NHTSA has opened an investigation:

http://safetyresearch.net/Library/PE08036.pdf

Chip H.

[D_E_Davis]

Not only that, but when you buy replacement tires you need to make sure the shop replaces the stem then. Old stems get hard and brittle with age.

[Eric]

If you've bought new tires in the past 3 years, you need to check your valve stems for cracks.

As many as thirty million potentially defective valve stems were imported over the past few years. The base of the rubber stem can crack, causing a sudden loss in pressure.

Here is how to spot them:

http://www.dillaircontrols.com/files...r%20Cracks.pdf

NHTSA has opened an investigation:

http://safetyresearch.net/Library/PE08036.pdf

Chip H.

Great info, Chip - thanks for posting this!

[Ken]

Not only that, but when you buy replacement tires you need to make sure the shop replaces the stem then. Old stems get hard and brittle with age.

In all the years I've been driving and riding in the UK I have never known a tyre shop fit a tyre without fitting a new valve stem. It just seems to be a generally accepted policy.

Ken.

[grouch]

Not only that, but when you buy replacement tires you need to make sure the shop replaces the stem then. Old stems get hard and brittle with age.

In all the years I've been driving and riding in the UK I have never known a tyre shop fit a tyre without fitting a new valve stem. It just seems to be a generally accepted policy.

Ken.

I rarely remove the valve from a valve stem. Considering how inexpensive they are, I just knock the old stem off the rim and let the air out quicker. A quick jab with the wedge on a tire iron and off it comes. About 30 seconds to replace it with a stem installation tool.

[D_E_Davis]

In all the years I've been driving and riding in the UK I have never known a tyre shop fit a tyre without fitting a new valve stem. It just seems to be a generally accepted policy.Ken.

It is here also. But, it's in your best interest to check.

[Ken]

In all the years I've been driving and riding in the UK I have never known a tyre shop fit a tyre without fitting a new valve stem. It just seems to be a generally accepted policy.Ken.

It is here also. But, it's in your best interest to check.

Where my safety is concerned I take NOTHING on trust.

Ken.

[J. ZIMM]

I caught one tire shop replacing a valve stem with a used one that survived a pullout from an old wheel. He told me their was NOTHING ILLEGAL about it. Bet me, he will find out how illegal it is when my attorney knocks on his door. Either by me or my family. Guess who's not going back. I can't give out the name of the shop, but if you're over this way and want to know, I'll oblige. But all and all, most shops will replace stems. it's the safest thing to do. I have also found that when people put on the little light up FIRE FLY"S on their valve stems, they can also pull the stem out of the wheel. Happened to my kid. I have metal stems put into my wheels.(my classic) cause i do put "STUFF" on my wheels for car shows, cruises,and so on. And they must be balanced with these toys on. I did quit putting rubber type stems on a long time ago. 'course metal stems do not like being slammed up against a curb. But the trick is not to hit the curb in the first place. Could be rough on tires... :

[DonTom]

"As many as thirty million potentially defective valve stems were imported over the past few years. "

Let me guess . . .They all came from China, right?



-Don-

[chiph]

"As many as thirty million potentially defective valve stems were imported over the past few years. "

Let me guess . . .They all came from China, right?

-Don-

They were made by the Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation, so I assume so, yes.

Chip H.

[misterdecibel]

My car has metal valve stems.

One out of four doesn't like the nozzles on the cheap coin-op air machines.

[jdm124]

My car has metal valve stems.

One out of four doesn't like the nozzles on the cheap coin-op air machines.

Get thyself an air pump, a decent one that runs off house current.

[jdm124]

All new cars delivered in the past year have pressure sensing valve stems and it will be cheaper to keep the things than to change them out at maybe 100 bucks per. And with some cars recognition following a tire change may not be automatic and a trip to the dealer will be required.

Yet another useless expense mandated by the airheads who oppress us.

[J. ZIMM]

I do carry a portable air pump (12v), in all my cars, just in case. Yes, I do test fit and operate before I need one in each. No use putting in a new screen after the flies have moved in. So far, I haven't need to use one. So when I do, they will all be frozen up.... :

[misterdecibel]

My car has metal valve stems.

One out of four doesn't like the nozzles on the cheap coin-op air machines.

Get thyself an air pump, a decent one that runs off house current.

...and a 200-foot extension cord, since I can't get my car anywhere near a source of AC.

[jdm124]

My car has metal valve stems.

One out of four doesn't like the nozzles on the cheap coin-op air machines.

Get thyself an air pump, a decent one that runs off house current.

...and a 200-foot extension cord, since I can't get my car anywhere near a source of AC.

Not if you get a Porter Cable C2002

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...ssor&x=12&y=19

[J. ZIMM]

I just remembered that there are always the type that do not need any electricity of any type. They're called hand pumps, or foot pumps. That was all there was out there a very few years ago. I remembered that I still have two of them. I can't work them anymore, Physically Challenged now, but they were quite handy on the dirt track. I gave one to one of my kids a while back, and he wanted to know what in the hell this was. I told and showed, That was enough for him. I still have two hand air pumps...... :

[swamprat]

Dill Air Products needs to be put out of business unless they relocate their plant back into the USA and start making decent valve stems again.

[chiph]

Not going to happen, unless you mandate the same thing for all their competitors, too.

Once one firm in an industry finds a lower manufacturing cost, the others have to follow if they want to stay in business.

Chip H.