Some of my stems are turned back in the holes in the rims. This makes it very hard to test the pressure and add air when needed. I have a truckers gauge and filler. What I want to do is to loosen the nut on the stem and turn the stem outside in the open. Will this be a big problem, like cause a leak between the stem and rim. Has anyone done this?
I don't have any experience, but I would drive to a tire shop. Ask them & follow their advice!
Bob,
I have my valve stems turned to parallel the centerline of the rim. I have been many thousands of miles with no problem except it sure is easy to check the tire pressure.
I have done this often. The pressure in the tire provides the seal and you can turn the stem as you like. Often it can be turned without loosening the nut. Be careful using metal extensions. The extensions must be supported going through the outer rim hole or vibration will wear a hole in them.
Bob,
If your's are like mine, I'm not sure I could get the nut loose enough to spin the stem without it completely coming loose. My stems stick far enough into the wheel holes that it would probably require a tilting of the stem as well to get it out of the hole. If you decide to take it to a shop, have them install the short straight stems instead of just spinning yours. Those will work even better than the long ones spun. Next time I do tires, that's what I'm going to have installed in my outer duals.
i hate those stems that point backwards. i had a short stem installed just pointing out to make it easy to get at and fill.
tom
I had Newell turn my stems around. Much easier and I never loose my pressure sensor cap now!
Thanks Guys for your input. I don't have time to do it now, I'm leaving for Las Vegas today. I'll try to turn them around before I return. I spend the winter at Sam's Town Casino RV Park on Boulder Hwy. Come by and visit.
If the valve stem goes through the slot in the wheel you may not be able to turn it. If you do then make sure you turn it clockwise so it doesn't loosen up too much.
It would be better to have a tire shop do it. A lot of truck stops have tire service.