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Topic: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve? (Read 604 times) previous topic - next topic

Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

I think there's air leak at a tire valve on one of the rear duals.  Will do a bubble test to confirm.  If it is leaking at the valve, can I just purge the air from the tire, R/R with a new valve without having to get the weight off the tire?

I'm assuming its a Schrader valve and a size I get from an auto supply.

Thanks,
Larry
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #1 –
I usually change them when they still have pressure.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #2 –
I'm with craneman.
Just keep a firm hold of the insertion tool or the valve will launch a lot further than you might imagine and you will have a heck of a time finding it. I would recommend having a valve tool that has a screw driver type handle over the very small T handle style.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #3 –
Are these valve replacements a universal size? I have a slow leak and suspect the valve.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #4 –
Yes, though they do come in different lengths both work.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #5 –
Why no check to see if the valve is leaking. I like using kids bubble mix an put it over the valve stem
and check if it is leaking. If it is the outside dual you might need a mirror.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #6 –
A little spit will also identify a leaking Schrader valve.

May just be a little loose, or perhaps someone may have bent it and it will need replacement.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #7 –
Yes attempt to recheck the install torque. It may of just relaxed. Yes i change pressurized. The rear inboard are a pain and i actually got a long removal tool to accommodate the change. Also shown is a tool to catch removed valve stem
Scott

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: dsd –
Yes attempt to recheck the install torque. It may of just relaxed. Yes i change pressurized. The rear inboard are a pain and i actually got a long removal tool to accommodate the change. Also shown is a tool to catch removed valve stem
Scott
I asked several tire shops why the outside dual valves were always pointed inwards. Just the way it's always been done was the answer. So I asked if there was a technical reason to point it inwards. No, Just the way it's been done was the answer by all the shops.

SOOOO.  Last time my tires were dismounted from the wheels. I had them put it new valve stems and gaskets then turn the outside valve 180 degrees so it points outward. And it works and has not had any leak down issue from the redirection.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #9 –
Jerry Kinda bugs me having them stick out worried rad trash could damage them. You could go to the TR542 stems.  Straight out and short. I may even order them for my front wheels. (TR542) Alcoa O-Ring Seal Valve Stem | Tire Supply Network
Scott

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: bigdog –
I asked several tire shops why the outside dual valves were always pointed inwards. Just the way it's always been done was the answer. So I asked if there was a technical reason to point it inwards. No, Just the way it's been done was the answer by all the shops.

SOOOO.  Last time my tires were dismounted from the wheels. I had them put it new valve stems and gaskets then turn the outside valve 180 degrees so it points outward. And it works and has not had any leak down issue from the redirection.

The reason was the front and rear tires could be interchanged on the road if needed. I've seen a missing outer on city trucks making it to a tire shop.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: craneman –
The reason was the front and rear tires could be interchanged on the road if needed. I've seen a missing outer on city trucks making it to a tire shop.
That makes perfect sense craneman. Never had to do that in 1,500,000 miles in my tractor though. I guess I was super lucky and never even had one flat on my tractor in all those miles.

Won't happen on the coach either with us having coachnet. ^.^d
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: dsd –
Jerry Kinda bugs me having them stick out worried rad trash could damage them. You could go to the TR542 stems.  Straight out and short. I may even order them for my front wheels. (TR542) Alcoa O-Ring Seal Valve Stem | Tire Supply Network
Scott
They don't stick out far enough to have me worried about highway trash.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #13 –
The inner and outer duals can be interchanged and the fronts too as Chuck said. A spare can be
put anywhere it you have one, if the valve stems are pointed inward.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Larry Rubin –
I think there's air leak at a tire valve on one of the rear duals.  Will do a bubble test to confirm.  If it is leaking at the valve, can I just purge the air from the tire, R/R with a new valve without having to get the weight off the tire?

I'm assuming its a Schrader valve and a size I get from an auto supply.

Thanks,
Larry

Since I don't see a direct answer to your original question: Yes.

Just make sure the good tire is properly inflated.  The last thing you want to do to a truck tire is deflate it under load.  Truck tires don't take well to folded sidewalls.

Automotive Schrader valves are all the same basic standard.  Motorcycle shops sell the short valve cores with the red seal as "high speed" and less likely to unseat at high tire RPMs.

Art
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #15 –
Ive got one thats leaking but only when the temps are in the 20's.
06 Nimbus 34'
Build #6362
 

Re: Do I need to get weight off dual rear tire to replace a leaky Schrader valve?

Reply #16 –
I had a cheap tire gauge damage a valve. I just used a metal valve cap with the tool in the end to pull the damaged one out, held my finger over the stem and then screwed the new core in. Other than a difficult angle on one of the rear tires to get a core in, it's not as urgent as a front tire.

If you don't want to do it now, I've just used a metal cap with a rubber washer inside and just tightened it down. Didn't leak and I changed the core later that day. Good if you don't have a core with you and have to drive to a car parts store.

Quite a few tire manufacturers say that if the tire goes flat with the weight of the coach on it, you need to replace it.

One owner had a rear flat in Mexico, took the tire off and drove across Mexico into the U.S. before he had a new one put on. Don't understand that one.

Smart money always has a spare on board and a hose to refill the tire. A small compressor that goes over 120 psi is best.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)