Slow Leak in Tire

[Scoutr2]

I've had a recurring problem I've never seen before. Just wondered if anyone else has had it and if so, what did you do?

I bought my 32RLDS in March and towed it to my my driveway for a couple days, to get to know it, and then to my storage spot. In mid-April, I brought it back to my driveway to de-winterize and find a spot for all my stuff - and get prepared for the first trip. After sitting there for a couple days, I noticed the right-rear tire was flat. Brand new. I tested for leaks and found the valve stem core leaking. The core was loose, so I tightened it and refilled. All was good all summer long. And I towed it four times - about 500 miles total. Then, the trailer sat for several weeks in some 95 degree weather.

This past weekend was cool, so I went camping. Checked the tires before I left and all were about 7-8 pounds low. Aired them all up to 65 psi. All was good for the 100 mile trip to the campground on Friday. Saturday evening at the campground, I noticed the right rear tire was flat again. Sunday morning, the park ranger brought his air compressor to my site in his Gator. I aired up the tire, then discovered that once again, that valve stem core was loose. It took almost a half turn to tighten it up. Tire stayed inflated for the 100 mile trip home and was still at 65 psi this evening (Wed).

Has anyone else had a valve core loosen up before? Should I replace the core, or just tighten it every trip? I've never seen this problem before nor seen it discussed here.

[howlin4you]

I've never seen that on anything I've worked on. I can't even recall ever hearing about it. If it were me I'd replace the valve stem. It's usually very easy to do.

[Scoutr2]

I would have to take the wheel off and break the bead on the tire to have the whole valve stem replaced with tubeless tires, wouldn't I?

[howlin4you]

Yes, but usually it isn't that difficult. Remove the tire and then remove the valve core to deflate it. Lay the tire down on the ground and step on the tire. You can try and use your body weight to unseat the tire and get just enough access t change the valve stem. If you can't get it with your own weight you can rig something up to get mechanical advantage (like a large c clamp with some pieces of wood to protect the tire). Sometimes getting it to seat back on the rim can be difficult. A couple of tricks is to wrap a tie down strap around the tire circumference to hold the bead area against the rim. Then remove the valve core and put air in the tire with a blow gun as fast as you can. When it seats quickly put the valve core back in and inflate. Valve stems are available at any auto parts store.

[howlin4you]

I just looked and there's several videos on YouTube that I'm sure explain it better than I have

[Seann45]

To unseat the tire put your vehicle jack on the inner edge of the tire and start to raise your vehicle. Make sure you have pulled the valve core first..

[Jagiven]

Your best to replace the valve stem. You want your tires to be at the proper pressure while traveling.

[Iraqvet05]

You could try replacing just the core. The core may have bad threads on it or it wasn't made to the correct tolerance. You can pick up a set of valve cores at Walmart or an auto parts store pretty cheap.

[norty1]

I have seen one loose on a friends camper, he was able to tighten it up from the top and had no more problems.
I replaced all mine in my yard once by just following the procedure already explained here. When I got this last trailer, I purchased a TPMS and changed them out.

They are pretty sturdy because when I changed tires, I reused the stems on my new set.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by Iraqvet05

You could try replacing just the core. The core may have bad threads on it or it wasn't made to the correct tolerance. You can pick up a set of valve cores at Walmart or an auto parts store pretty cheap.

X2! The core is the moving part of the Schrader valve. I've had this happen several times over the years. They are literally only a few bucks including the removal tool. It only seconds to change.

Test it, put a couple f drops of water at the end of the valve stem and watch for bubbles.

[jimp]

You should be able to buy some "new" cores at any auto parts store, and then just swap the core out and see if it leaks down. If it does leak down again, then you should just replace the valve stem. I would just take the bad one to any tire store, and they can change the valve stem in 30 seconds. It takes a somewhat special tool to seat the new valve stem that uses leverage, you can do it at the house, but it could be difficult to get the new stem to seat properly w/o the tool. If you have a buddy who works at a tire place, even better, he could do it in minute or two.