Is it possible to replace a tire valve stem without removing the tire?

You have many choices for replacing your tire valve stem when it leaks. Determining what’s best depends on where the valve stem is leaking. If you don’t know how to replace a tire valve stem, you might wonder if it can be done without removing the tire.

We will walk you through each step so that your trip to the tire shop is unnecessary. To make it even simpler, we also cover when to use the valve core instrument. 

What if you don't have the tire to change the valve stem?

It is possible to replace the tire valve stem with no need for removing the tire from the wheel. You will need to deflate your tire, and then separate the bead of the tire from the rim where it is attached. Although it can seem difficult, this is possible.

There are two options for fixing the problem: 1) If air leaks from the stem of your valve, 2) You can spray soapy solution onto the stem to find where it's leaking. You can replace the valve core tool with a replacement part and save money if the bubbles are from the inside of the core.

Use the purchased tool to remove the core. After the core is removed, it can be easily inserted. Just don’t screw it in too tightly or the threads could become stripped. Give it another try by filling the tire with more air. 

If you have to replace the tire stem, it will be a bit more challenging. For professional tire replacement, many people opt to have their vehicle taken to a local shop. You can do the job yourself if you have the necessary tools and knowledge. 

What is the location of the Tire Valve Stem?

It is located in the steering wheel. It’s the valve where the tires get inflated. Inside the valve stem, there’s a valve core that’s spring-loaded utlizing the pressure from within the tire to seal itself. The cap on the stem prevents dirt and debris from entering the valve. This cap doesn’t help to keep the air in but is needed to keep the core and stem in good condition. 

It can become cracker or brittle with age. This can lead to leakage, which makes it more difficult to maintain the correct amount of air in the tire. It can be either slow or rapid, depending on how severe the problem is. In either case, the valve stem will have to be replaced. 

Related: Tires lose air if the tire valve cap is missing

How to Replace the Tire Valve Stem without removing The Tire

1. Get the Materials

To complete any automotive job, it’s important to have all of your tools handy. You don’t want to be searching around to find what you need. These are tools that you need in most situations.

• Air compressor/hose Optional
• Lung nut wrench
• Jack
• Jack is standing
• Iron your tires
• Sledgehammer
• Needle nose pliers (Optional)
• Optional: Valve stem removal tool

2. Loosen Lug Nuts

Before you start working on the tires, loosen your lug nuts. It’s not time to take them off yet. 

Only loosen the nuts on the tire that you are going to be working on. Turn them with your lug nuts wrench so it is easy later. 

Related: How to remove a stuck or stripped Lug Nut

3. Jack Up Car

Place the car on level ground. Set the parking brake, and perhaps put the wheel chocks on the tires. They will stay on the ground.

Lift your car enough to remove the tire. To complete the task, you can place the car on sturdy jack supports. 

4. Take off the wheel

The lug nuts were loosent earlier. This makes it easier to remove the wheel now. Remove the part of your wheel that is in need of repair.

It should be placed on a level surface. Keep the outer part of your wheel facing upward. You should also ensure that the lug nuts are not lost. 

RELATED: 5 Easy Steps to Get a Sticky Wheel Off Your Car

5. Inflate the Tire

It’s time to let all of the air out of the tire. You can do this by first removing the cap on the valve stem. 

Remove the core using your valve stem remover tool. The air will now freely escape from your tire after you have completed this step. 

6. Separate Tire Bead

The bead must be removed from the tire in order to change the valve stem. This task can be accomplished with a tire iron, sledgehammer and tire iron.

You can also use the sledgehammer for the sidewall. You can continue to work in this area until it breaks. Once it's done, you should hear a crackling or popping sound. The tire's inner lip will also be visible. 

Once the bead is broken, keep moving the tire. You will continue to do this movement until all of the bead has been removed. 

You should only remove the bead from the end where the stem is. If you accidentally remove both sides of the tire and turn it upside down, you will need to balance the wheel.

RELATED: 5 Symptoms of Unbalanced Tires (& Tire Balancing Cost)

7. Take out the stem of the valve

You can lift the tire lip off the wheel by lifting it up. To pry the tire lip upward, you can use your tire iron. This will allow you to remove the tire from the rim. However, some people do it without any problems.

The valve can be removed using needle nose pliers. To remove the valve, pull it off of your wheel. You can sometimes also use a knife and cut it to remove it easily, however, be careful so the cut part doesn’t stay inside the tire.

8. Replace Valve Stem

Find your replacement valve stem. Place it from the inside. 

To pull the needle nose pliers through, you will be required to use them. Make sure it is properly seated and use some kind of lubricant to install it more easily because you don’t want to deal with any more leaks once the job is done.

9. Reinstall/Inflate Tire

To inflate the tire, adjust its pressure. You can find the recommended psi on the driver’s side door jamb. If the tire doesn’t want to inflate by itself:  Press the tire back over the rim until the bead clears the edge. You will need to work around the tire while you inflate it until it is correctly seated.

It is necessary to balance the tires again if the tire was not properly positioned or if the valve stem of the tire has been installed incorrectly.

RELATED : How to find the correct tire pressure for your car (4 Steps).

10. Look out for Leaks

Before you mount the tire back on the vehicle, it’s best to check for leaks. Spray the soapy solution in a spray bottle and rub it around the stem of the tire valve. Your tire valve stem will be in good shape if no bubbles are visible.

Place the tires back onto the car. After the lug nuts have been secured, lower the vehicle and then put away all your equipment. 

Replacement Tire Valve Stem Cost

You can probably replace the stem of your valve yourself for $5-10. This process can take some time and you should factor that in. 

However, $25 to $35 might be required to replace a valve stem in a tire shop. It might take you longer because you have to wait to see if other customers are there.