How to Unblock Tubeless Tyre Valves

[@gcntech]

Have you ever had mishaps with unclogging tubeless tyre valves? 🛞

[@bkmontgomery]

When I was using tubes I’d keep the valve core whenever I got a flat in a tube. That’s been handy since switching to tubeless.

[@ArneHohnberg]

Thanks guys! That is the best answer i could get for my tech clinic question! :D

[@mikaelardnert1253]

Recently… I misdiagnosed, have an air chamber pump and when releasing the valve the pump handle fired back at my face and sealant bubbled impotently over the floor instead of reseating. A few repeats and I thought the pump was broken and went to replace it but fortunately came to my senses and replaced the valve core after realising a pump was £100+ now

[@chrisfanning5842]

I feel compelled to let you know in the comments section down below that I don't have any such problem like this! More seriously, my MTB valves haven't ever clogged - and my foray as an early adopter of tubeless on my road bike told me that the tech was years behind MTB with many bigger hurdles to overcome before it was as effortless and reliable as MTB tubeless. Still, we have TPU tubes as a stopgap while the wheel manufacturers, tyre manufacturers, and sealant manafacturers learn to work better together.

[@Howaboua]

Omg that is ridiculous timing I've just ordered new valves and I guess I could've just properly cleaned them. I guess 4+ years is good enough for a bike component anyway.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Useful! in MTB we're all tubeless, I've had Stans valves forever and they don't seem to clog, where as the Peaty's are an issue, I've never actually seen how to take apart a valve core, I'm going to do that today on one of my MTB wheels that barley takes air, appreciate it!

[@gcntech]

Good luck recovering all those valves 💨

[@scottpardy990]

I like how you're detailing the process of cleaning and unclogging a $0.50 valve core for that $10,000+ orbea.

[@newttella1043]

Valves are cheap...if you have a bunch around, which no one seems to.

[@SonnyDarvish]

@@newttella1043 I bought a small pack of 10 and was happy to give one away in a group ride that the rider managed to bent hers while fixing a puncture. Never used or replaced a single valve core in over 3 years. It's probably specific sealants issue.

[@gosbusta]

Man alive, Alex. This is something I literally have just dealt with since going tubeless (without someone else doing it) and was genuinely confused how to keep the valuables from cocking up. Very helpful. Cheers

[@timmyzhou1]

Thanks for all these tips and tricks. In 2022 and 23, I have switched to tubeless for both road bike and MTB, since GCN and GMTB were promoting it all the time. In the end, my lessons learned is don't use sealant from Continental as they are always blocked and for amauter riders, just stick with the tubes. It was super frustrating when you just about to ride, and you cannot pump or check the tyre pressure, and you have to do all these cleaning and re-fit the tyre. The nail in the coffin for me, was that once I took the risk to ride my MTB without pumping or checking pressure, the pressure was probably too low, and my rim was dent on the landing. I ended up pushing the bike out of the forest, and switched back to tubes.

[@fukav1am]

You can ruin your rim with a tube in the very same way. There is zero difference except you will also snake-bite your inner tube as well. For road, I can understand the gawking rabble in this discussion, but for MTB, tubeless should be a no-brainer. If you want to avoid the risk for the rim, use an insert; the pros use it too.

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

Continental sealant is very good for puncture prevention but it’s so good it blocks the valves.

[@meme-d2h1g]

Thanks for this one Alex. My MTB needs a little of this attention.

[@greg_mid_tn3150]

I'm compelled to like this video!

[@SconedCyclist]

I'm compelled to like this comment!

[@MagicM66]

Always so timely. Just cleared out my wheels for a gran fondo. Definitely recommend just changing the core. If you have carbon wheels, you can pay 50 cents for a new core.

[@Seppster58]

Thanks Alex. Just recently entered the tubeless world so this is valuable information. 👌🙏

[@kevinpower5880]

I use pipe cleaners to clean the valve stem. Excellent tip using lube to prevent recurrence

[@mentatsolutions1101]

hint #1 - after a ride, position your wheels with the valves at 8 or 4 so any sealant in the stems can drain out. Hint #2 - if you use a pump chuck that screws on the valve use a bit of blue loctite when putting a new valve core in. It stops it from unscrewing when taking the chuck off and spraying sealant around the shed

[@ellenkarpay-brody656]

Thank you for your detailed demonstration.

[@jeffschurz]

Try Reserve Fillmore stems. They are very pricey, but don't clog. Worth it!!!!

[@angustroutman3494]

They are worth every penny! Once you realize how amazing they are, you forget about the price!

[@BurningHorizons]

Have Fillmore on all my bikes. Such a doddle.

[@tmhudg]

Yep, Fillmore FTW. Hard to swallow the price but they are nice.

[@paulallen3511]

Mine did eventually get gummed up after about a year, but they are also much easier to disassemble and clean out. Well worth the investment.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

I like the Fillmore valves except that I can't inject sealant through the valve stem b/c the valve core isn't removable. Not a deal breaker but it is a disadvantage.

[@GregLanz]

This is why I've started swapping back from tubeless to tubed on my bikes aside from the fatbike. There the extra 1lb or so per tire saved is well worth it but not at all worth it on the gravel or road bike. Especially if you want to swap tires back and forth like you have to do here in Canada for studded winter tires. Cleaning the beads of the tires and rims becomes increasingly more difficult and prone to leaking.

[@Paris0050]

I always put some grease on new valve cores. Saves them from getting clogged and gunked up.

[@gusoconnor5662]

I soak my valve cores in Paraffin for 24 - 48 hrs without having to dismantle them. Cleans them perfectly.

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Great tip, newbie here and I have tubes but still like the knowledge sharing.

[@StephanWiesner]

thanks that helped

[@RobertRoss-p2g]

For those that install sealant (Slime, etc) in their inner tube, they will find this video helpful, also. Inner tube sealant causes the same issue and the solution is the same. The tip of using chain lube as part of the installation process (when installing Slime, etc), would help prevent the valve and core from clogging.

[@jmac74]

After 16 years using tubeless, I have had enough. No more clogged valves, having to buy sealant or removing dry sealant from the tyre. It's TPU now, for road and gravel. MTB... Still tubeless, with inserts, but not for much longer.

[@williamsylvia3962]

Tubeless is a total PIA, but feels so much better on the road. I think it’s worth all of the extra work.

[@philspencelayh5464]

Excellent video. I've had my bike about 5 years and never had a puncture. Using tubes with slime in them. I have had numerous flats before a ride when checking tyres caused by the valves sticking to the dust cap when I remove it. I'll certainly be trying your cleaning tip, up until now I've just be replacing them. It's not the price I'd much rather fix something than replace it.

[@johnreese3762]

Thanks, I needed that!!

[@Cycle.every.day.]

This video will encourage and discourage people to go tubeless in equal measure.

[@gcntech]

That just means more people are going to do it, right? 🤔

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

@@gcntechthat’s right, thanks for the vid ! Will do tubeless soon!

[@rommelreyes2209]

These are easy to do but you do need your own air compressor to seat the tire back

[@iancollins6104]

It all depends when you want your hassle. At home in your own time, or on a ride at any point when you have to replace your tube.

[@rommelreyes2209]

I had a typo. You need an air compressor to seat the tire again. It is harder to do with a used tyre

[@cb6866]

Thanks Alex and crew. HaVe ....a GrEat DaY. .......,,,,,,,,!!!!!!

[@mahadi8488]

Good tips, thanks.

[@space.youtube]

Was going to comment on the contrast between the convoluted rituals tubeless devotees need to perform, and the comparatively trouble free inner tube life, but the sincerity of Trevor's parting words made me reconsider. lol

[@paulallen3511]

They can definitely have their hassles, but I'll take those hassles at home vs on the side of the road with a puncture. On my mountain bike, my wheels are tubeless compatible, so I run sealant in the inner tubes. That's worked well too.

[@RJ_Groot]

still better than a pinch flat

[@aubreywhitley6889]

Yes I feel compelled. At least on my road bike.

[@JMcLeodKC711]

6:10 Alex, you just said you like tubeless and inner tubes equally. Thank you for being honest.

[@davidbellamy9055]

Wow! I haven't heard the expression "tubeless tires" in decades, makes me feel very old!

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

GREAT INFO!!!

[@ruicorreia5238]

Nice vídeo. Thanks.

[@Outsideville]

I've never had a valve get this gunked up but I have had the little valves get tough to open from sealant or a bent stem. I've always spent the time cleaning or repairing them. Maybe I should just go ahead and order some spares since they're so cheap.

[@philipcaldwell3187]

It is the simple things that keep the wheels rolling.

[@Blaze16159]

I can’t believe this video came out the same day I thought I had a mechanical with my valve core. I panicked and didn’t even think to watch this lol

[@gregknipe8772]

thanks. good info.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Yiu can use sealant on both tubes (butyl) or tubulars. You'll run into both of these issues.

[@AmvC]

Nothing that "a" off-the-shelf-230V-Air-Compressor can't handle :)

[@DanSelby-zg5jx]

With any valve stem whether it be a truck, car or bike is too use a Valve Cap. There are 2 types plastic and metal.. I personally prefer the metal cap since it last longer. Just throw the old valve core away and replace it with a new one. Much easier

[@steveb0503]

If you have to use Slime with an inner tube like I do (I live in an area that has spiky weed seeds EVERYWHERE - called Sand Spurs), then you will STILL have the SAME set of problems with sealant getting in your valve-stem and core!

[@songofyesterday]

Sticking to my TPU tubes 😂

[@PoulHansenDK]

When deflating, keep the valve at minimum 90 degrees, to avoid spatter.

[@mathewkirk1748]

My biggest problem is bending cores from inflating, so I change monthly. A bag of 50 cores and a pack of pipe cleaners costs $50 and does two bikes per year. Plus, it keeps you vigilant on maintaining your sealant levels.

[@dammiist]

Thanks for the nice video! Which is the tire pump you're using in the video at 1:46 ?

[@martinsskudra]

I have used small drill bit to clean valve stem by spinning with fingers, then also gunk is removed more than pushed back.

[@suggyltd9577]

Pipe cleaner does the job of cleaning out the valve stem. If it requires industrial strength you can purchase pipe cleaners with abrasive threads (Go to your local smoke shop. Be sure to wear your team kit. The clerk's face is priceless.)

[@giocre74]

perfect

[@JB-sb1qg]

I guess I've avoided this by putting the stem at the top when I check/inflate. Still deciding if I keep the tires on my new bike tubeless of go to TPU.

[@reyreymtz]

Great how to video! People who still have tubes 😂.

[@Matthew-tq5el]

My mechanic told me that blockages could be caused by sealant dripping downwards when your valves are at 12 o'clock. Also, the Silca sealant tends to block up valves more than any other I've tried.

[@bikecommuter24]

I have to be honest I just came for the pro-tube comments 🤣 Im not anti-tubeless, its just both of my bikes only run tubes, I might get a bike one day that run tubeless tires😀 I saw a tip somwhere a pipe cleaner with chain oil on it works good too.

[@julianallen515]

I've been running my road and grave bikes tubeless for the last four years. I've only ever had one valve clog over five wheel sets. Maybe it's the brand of sealant as much as the valve.

[@SpicyNoodleConnoisseur]

Sealant is water-soluble, so when cleaning valves and stems i always let them sit in a little bowl of water before trying to clean off any caked on residue. Comes off clean with no remaining latex dust that could risk becoming the nucleation site for the next clog!

[@bikeman123]

Not all tubeless sealant is water soluble

[@rider65]

Silicone spray instead of chain lube oil

[@TheBikeChallenge]

You can just soak the valve core in brake cleaner and it will dissolve the sealant

[@PhilDilmore]

Maybe a future update to cover the side exit valve stems (kept the brand name out of the comment) needed for foam inserts.

[@tareksweeting22]

HACK ALERT: I have had this exact problem (clogged valve stem) many times, but the sealant I use often goes so solid that the poking method won't work at all. Simply buy a bottle of acetone (nail varnish remover, less than £1 at boots) and give your valve stems a good bath in that for 10/15 mins. This dissolves sealant perfectly. Rinse and wash thoroughly and poke around and the stem will be good as new. (*this method might damage any paint on your valve stem, it didn't on my muc off ones but something to note*).

[@cFyugThCzvAqYaGmxRgfCKTuvHMEjQ]

Cool, I tried isopropyl and it didn't do anything

[@tareksweeting22]

@@cFyugThCzvAqYaGmxRgfCKTuvHMEjQ something about acetone worked really well with my Schwalbe Doc Blu (same as stans) sealant

[@hockysa]

I wish I knew the lube trick when i used to run tubeless.

[@gcntech]

Why did you stop using them?

[@hockysa]

@@gcntech sealant set in a in pair of wheels. After cleaning them once I thought nah I don't want to have to do this again. plus TPU tubes came onto the scene and were just as light.

[@HGMMA]

⁠@@hockysaI’ve always heard that unless you live in an incredibly dry area, cleaning out dried sealant isn’t really necessary, you would most likely wear out the wheels first. @gcntech, is this true?

[@hockysa]

@@HGMMA I was in London so don’t think it’s a dry area. But after two years of top ups and maybe riding infrequently I had a chunk that became dough

[@shirtlessGraveler305]

Once a year on my mountain bike, I like to clean out the dried sealants. I use my fingernails and maybe a stiff brush do it in the backyard and start over from scratch mount the tires and put fresh sealant in and it feels great, oh and earlier this year, I spent the money on the reserve Fillmore valves and I’m never going back to anything else. In fact I’m gonna put them on my gravel bike soon. 👌🏻😎

[@simonandrachelperchard5779]

Can i fit normal clinchers on my tubeless rims? I have ended up leaving tubes in them after puncturing anyway and now don't lose as much air between rides...

[@SichardRamuels]

Generally speaking, yes if the rims are hooked. Hookless rims - absolutely not. Make sure you refer to the wheel manufacturer's guidance on maximum pressures as well as a wheel set designed for tubeless use will likely have a lower rating than a clincher tyre.

[@habbahan]

Just bought a new MTB, with chunky downhill tires. Took it out, rode near a bush 10 meters away from home. Got about a dozen of thorns stuck in my now-flat wheels and went home to make them tubeless. Sorry, no tubes work where i live

[@weeringjohnny]

I've never had a stem get blocked but I guess it happens and it's a fairly easy fix. On the other hand my cores get blocked all the time. I have a theory that it's the cheap jack foamy sealant I use. The only way to unblock them is to dismantle as GCN shows us - flushing with whatever product had never worked for me. I make sure all spare valves as well have been dismantled beforehand so they are ready to use. If you can't get air into a tyre you're scuppered and make sure you don't leave the valve core remover at home. How do I know this?

[@sampeacocke3259]

can GCN do a review of the new valves that are supposed to overcome this clogging problem IE Big bore Tubeless valves

[@HoldenRoadAdmin]

At 1:46 into the video, the Tire Pump nozzle!! Where can I get one??

[@JamesDownes]

Pliers will also unscrew the valve core

[@sirnubenegra]

When did we start using y on tires?!

[@koko-lores]

That's how you spell it in normal English.

[@gren509]

Don't deflate your tyre with the valve at the bottom, unless you like being showered in Slime. Turn the wheel with the valve to the top and leave it 10 mins for the sealant to drain downwards and out of the air flow.

[@theracer6882]

Why not use a scrader valve?

[@muratmustafa4532]

All good but how do you release the air from the air in the first place if the valve and/or valve core is blocked?

[@vittocrazi]

My Guess IS ig you remove the core and It deflates, It was the valve core. If It doesnt, its the stem. Think about It like the pump part, but the flow IS reversed

[@fukav1am]

You remove the valve and poke through with the blunt object. You can also try to push the valve in after unscrewing the nut or wiggle it somewhat. But poking should work.

[@fukav1am]

@@vittocrazi Sure, but if it is the stem, you cannot just deflate the tyre as shown in the video. You must unclog it first.

[@markharrison6120]

Can you do a video trying to remove dried silca sealant from clothing....

[@koko-lores]

Why have the valve at the 5 or 7 o'clock position, and not somewhere on the upper half, when inflating tyres?

[@DigininjaRobin]

How much effort did it take to set that valve up to be so badly gunked up?

[@ryanhart8515]

Dont have this problem and never will.

[@chamfly5783]

What a pain. TPU tubes for the win!

[@SonnyDarvish]

I didn't know the valve core could be opened 🙂

[@gcntech]

Now you know 😁

[@pedro_8240]

1:25 but, but, but, if it's clogged, how do I deflate it?

[@carolinelief9132]

That's a good point

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

You use a sharp tool and puncture the tire, it's rather obvious 🤣

[@fukav1am]

You poke the clog through as shown. Just in a different order.

[@SpicyNoodleConnoisseur]

I've found that if the valve is clogged and won't release air, slowly and carefully loosening the valve from the stem threading until it starts leaking air works well. Be careful not to unthread it too far or too quickly or sealant might go spraying everywhere!

[@michaelviglianco6121]

Replace the cores. It's easy and they are cheap.

[@2zirc]

The tubeless set up from the wheel manufacturer makes the valve almost impossible to remove. I was required to put an inner tube in when the tubeless system did not seal due to a large puncture. It took half an hour to pry the valve with the help of my multitool (sorry, but who carries a needle nose pliers on a ride). I suggest pulling the valve out at home and finger tightening as recommended in the video at home first (as you have time and the right tools at home).

[@mikkelhenriksen]

When inflating the valve should be any elese than between 5-7..... make it easy and have it at 12

[@MartinBrown-mb7pz]

A tip my LBS gave me was to NOT rack/keep bike with tubeless valves at 6 o'clock position...ideally the opposite.

[@bikeman123]

Mmm think about it, at 6 o'clock the valve stem will drain into the tyre. At 12 o'clock it will remain full of sealant.

[@MartinBrown-mb7pz]

​@@bikeman123I said to NOT rack/keep bike at 6 o'clock. Sorry if not clear. So yes, 12 o'lock Yes, that's the logic and I haven't had problems since I started thinking about rest/.storage.,

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Problems with this approach: 1) oil and rubber don't mix - you risk perishing the valve seals by oiling the stem; 2) no instruction on making sure that you have the valve and the nut back the right way round (someone will do it); 3) if you don't deform the end threads on the valve keeper once you've threaded the nut back on, the nut will come off and disappear inside your pump chuck.

[@zodgzod]

If you want to avoid clogging, just leave your bike with the valves at the top of the wheel.

[@brianjoyce2731]

And that is why I'm sticking to regular butyl tubes.

[@stevengibbs8117]

Shouldn't we deflate tires with sealant in them at the 10 or 2 oclock position to avoid making a mess not the 6? Have i been doing this wrong?

[@newttella1043]

Yes, you've been doing it wrong. At 10 and 2, a bit of sealant may have drain into the valve. So when you let some air out sealant is push through. But at 5 and 7 (4 and 8 works too), sealant drains out. You should also store your bike with valves in one of 4,5,7, or 8 so sealant doesn't sit in the valves.

[@yatharthchaturvedi2874]

Milkit sealant and Milkit valves. Never saw any clogs

[@xerckd]

I'm so happy I totally missed the tubeless train. A happy tuber (TPU very soon)

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

You're gonna love TPU!

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

I was the opposite. I was tired of the regular inner tube punctures at the worst possible moment.

[@markgunn6680]

I tried one of those Ridenow TPUs and punctured on first ride! 🙂

[@xerckd]

@@markgunn6680 had you pinched the tube perhaps? I believe the inner tube is irrelevant as it comes to punctures. Once the tire is penetrated, the high pressure will puncture any inner tube, butyl, latex, TPU all the same.

[@xerckd]

@@markgunn6680 if I'd puncture a lot, I might be on your team. But in two years time, about 6k km in, I only ever had one puncture.

[@ximotur]

Using a brake or gear cable... from a hidraulic disk brake bike with electronic gears? 😅

[@SichardRamuels]

I use a straightened paperclip.

[@SichardRamuels]

I use a straightened paperclip.

[@misawajason]

This is exactly why I switched back to tubes. Never had issues with punctures, but the guarantee of almost zero punctures made me try tubeless out. Got so tired of gummed up valves that I switched back. The juice wasn't worth the squeeze for me. Maybe if I get a few punctures in a short period of time I'll try it again; who knows.

[@jamiefarrell6496]

Same - still tubeless on my gravel bike (where it feels more manageable), but moved back to TPU tubes on my road bike.

[@mtbert9307]

I’ve had tubeless setup on my mtb since about 2020, this has never happened I use Stans sealant

[@ThomasMartin-m9x]

Moore Steven White Helen Miller Timothy

[@zanettifranke2252]

That video is already so long, that I loose interest on solving this problem I actually have and just buy new valves… Btw: went back to tubes on the road bike. I haven’t spent more time on something so stupid like tubeless since I started road biking. I guess must have been like 2 working days total in the last two years

[@grobbosixtyone]

Let me guess. Was that a MUC-Off valve Alex was holding up at the start? IMHO they are the worst for really and truly clogging up. No other brand tubeless stem I’ve used ever clogged up so much I could remove the valve core and have no air came out. None, nada, zip. Now that’s clogged up.

[@jasonhutchinson8060]

With the weight of modern tubes being what they are, I honestly have no idea why the average cyclist even bothers with tubeless. From beginning to end and from wheels to tires - it is nothing but a messy pain in the ass.

[@LB-zb2bb]

Deflate the tire? The valves blocked... Airs not going in or out? Surely? Fyi don't use them just learning.

[@D1N02]

You don't need to buy new valve cores, can just use the ones in an old tube (unless you have cheap ass Decathlon inner tubes, those ar fixed).

[@gargravarr]

TPU Tubes. You're welcome.

[@iknowzeverything2740]

Just about every review I read of TPU tubes says like 1 out of 4 fail out of the box. Can't even trust them as a spare.

[@SiegA776]

just put two new valves in. Problem solved

[@aaronbrozio]

If you use petroleum jelly everywhere he put the chain lube it will stay there far better and on the inside of the stem with a toothpick or something small you'll never have these clogging issues again this is not something new they use this on a lawn mower pneumatic tires for 40 years

[@dillydean]

Lol at the camera man "go for it" at 1:23. Also this doesn't work. Mucoff tubeless cleaner or nail polish remover is what actually gets it properly out. Iv done this countless times with my old tubeless valves and it did nothing until I started using the tubeless cleaner

[@phil_d]

My No.1 tip is ... ... Fit tubes 😂