How to Replace a Leaking Tire Valve Core

By Cars & Vehicles Last updated Tuesday, April/16/2024

Checking For a Leak

1). Remove the valve cap from the valve stem.
2). Spray the valve stem with the soapy water and look for air bubbles. If the air bubbles are coming out of the core or from the inside (where the air is introduced), the core itself is bad. If the stem is rubber and the air is escaping from around the stem or from the bottom, where it meets the rim, it must also be replaced.
3). The tire does not need to be removed to replace the valve core; however, to replace the entire valve stem, the tire must be removed from the vehicle.

1). Remove the valve stem core, using the valve core removal tool.
2). Insert the tool into the valve stem and turn it counterclockwise to remove the core. Install a new valve core and tighten it by turning the tool clockwise.
3). Fill the tire with air to the appropriate recommended pressure.

1). Raise the vehicle with the floor jack and place jack stands under the frame for safety. Remove the tire, using a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts. Remove the valve core, using the valve core removal tool. The tire will deflate. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2). Place the wooden wedge between the tire and rim, directly above the valve stem. Hammer the wedge until the tire breaks loose from the rim. It may be helpful to place your knee on the tire, close to the point being separated. Applying pressure on the tire helps break it loose from the rim.
3). Push down on the tire, where it has separated from the rim, to access the bottom of the metal valve core. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the securing nut on the bottom on the stem located on the inside of the rim. Pull the valve stem out and replace it with a new stem. Make sure the O-ring is in place. Do not over-tighten it, or the O-ring will be damaged, causing another leak. Stand the tire straight up to allow the tire to stretch out and meet the rim. Fill the tire with air to the recommended pressure. Re-check for leaks by spraying the stem with soapy water.

1). Remove the tire, using the lug wrench.
2). Pull the rubber valve stem out, using the valve stem puller, which will deflate the tire. Thread the puller on the outside of the valve stem. Place the puller down on the side of the rim, and with a little force, push down further, which will pull the rubber stem out of the rim.
3). Place a new valve stem from the inside of the rim and up through the hole. Thread the valve stem puller onto the valve stem and yank the puller to seat the stem into the rim. Stand the tire up and fill it with the appropriate amount of air.