i was checking the tire pressure last night on my 05 TL, however as i was taking off the valve stem cover of the passenger side rear tire i could hear the air is leaking, at first i thought the probably the cover is bad but then it is still leaking if i try to twist the valve stem or just finger it...if i dont touch it everything is fine, is that thing replaceable or will i need a new tire...???

please help, thanks

 

the valve stem's release button thing is probably loose as it screws into the stem itself. Don't worry! You won't need a new tire!

Worst case scenario, you need a new 2 dollar valve stem (since yours is an 05 without TPMS) and you have to pay 20 dollars to have the tire taken off and put back on to replace it.

Best case scenario, they can tighten the button thing and send you on your way for free!

FYI that button thing is meant to be unscrewed so air can be let out faster when tires are being replaced.

BTW what is the actual name of that button thing?

 

i dunno...isnt it called valve stem???

i will try to hand tight that myself to see if that solves the problem,

 

Try a pocket screwdriver and try to tighten it but is it leaking from the stem itself or the core?
They have specific tools at auto parts stores for like $5. Some pocket screwdrivers have it as well.



I'd replace the valve stem but not everyone has access to a tire machine.

 

"Valve stem core"

 

Possibly a split in the valve stem. With the cap on, move the valve stem back and forth to see if any air escapes. For some reason this happened on our TL about 2 years ago and this past Saturday when moving firewood the tire on the cart went flat, split in the stem, but in this case the stem caught on something snd the result was a split. If it a split, they'll break the bead, remove the old stem, insert a new one and you'll be good to go.

Either way, a core leaking or a split in the stem, a simple fix.

 

The whole thing is called the Schrader Valve and the part that is removed is the core.

 

so i decided to tight that thing myself first, i turned it clockwise and the turning seemed endless, at some point i stopped and moved the stem back and forth and surprisingly there was no air escaping at all, so i decided to leave it like that.....should i still replace the thing so am i fine for now???

 

Balve stem:


Valve core:


The valve stem has nothing to hold it in place as it relies on pressure to seal and not allow the air to escape. The rubber part of the stem will sometimes crack and allow the air to escape as will a leaking vlave core.

If you're not familiar with this, just take it to a tire shop and let them test for leaks and you'll avoid riding on an underinflated tire and possibly a completely flat tire at some point.