When to use a rubber... valve stem! | Metal vs. Rubber Valve Stems

[@Trig242]

This video is proof why the internet is amazing. I was wondering I wonder what's better rubber or metal valve stems and here I am.

[@konigwheels]

We've got a lot more random technical videos like that! Glad we could assist!

[@Chris5685]

I work as a car mechanic, and where I work the way we decide on what valve to use is like this: if the required tire pressure for the car is below 3 bar/45psi, regular rubber snap-in valve it is. If it's above, we'd use a high pressure snap-in valve. For ZR tires, it's metal valve stems.

[@tuckerhoefer254]

My 69 c10 still has the metal ones on it from 1983 when my great uncle bought a matching set of wheels for it, it held air in the tires for the 12 years since he parked it outside in 2009, still driving with them and they hold air better than any of my other vehicles.

[@konigwheels]

they don't make em like they used to!

[@robdillingham1661]

Many motorcycle wheels benefit greatly from metal stems that are angled 90 (or even 110 degrees) due to low clearance from brake discs or other parts. A straight stem on a motorcycle points at the center of the wheel like a bicycle tire but has maybe 5 inches of clearance rather than the 15 inches or more that a bicycle wheel gives you. Much easier to check pressure and add air with an angled stem.

[@emmettturner9452]

There are angled rubber valves too.

[@williamajthompson9166]

One area where the metal ones are better. Is in the lawn, garden, ag, industrial, and commercial departments. As a small engine mechanic and small equipment mechanic. The metal ones are better because you can get a metal stem that doesn't require you to break the bead on the tire. The go in, and you tighten a nut that Forces a large grommet to expand and seal up in the rim. This works great for loaded tires on garden tractors, commercial zero turns, sub compact and compact tractors. As I don't need to drain out the tire, and break down the tire. I just cut the old stem, knock it into the rim, and insert the metal stem. Use a wrench to tighten and expand the grommet. Air it up, and it's good to go. No need to drain out and catch all the fluid and then refill the fluid. With requires a special catch basin, pump, lifting a heavy loaded wheel. Too much B's to get a 15 minute job done that becomes an hour or 2 job.

[@MacheteMambi]

How about when using aftermarket outside screwdown TPMS systems? Some suggest metal to avoid leaking from wear and tear from TPMS weight

[@konigwheels]

Sounds probable but we would need to see more Info on it.

[@tonyvarone5289]

Rubber valve stems have been in service forever and will give more than acceptable service life in most conditions. BUT: There is a reason NHRA requires metal valve stems for anything running faster than a 11.99sec. 1/4mile as well as most all heavy and medium duty trucks, trailers, equipment, busses and transit vehicles are running brass, stainless steel or steel valve stems. Add in the effects if ozone and UV in the deterioration of rubber and the advantages of metal valve stems with an encapsulated EPDM seal substantiates thier use further. And unfortunately there are several valve stems on the market that are natural rubber and plastic composites that deteriorate rapidly. The natural rubber stems are exponentially susceptible to UV and Ozone damage compared to an EPDM valve stem. SAE 1205-1206 is the standard on ozone requirements. Also, several companies are marketing TPMS systems with external stem mounted sensors. There have been countless instances of rubber valve stems breaking off after the sensors have been installed. (There is a reason factory TPMS systems generally use inside the wheel sensors) Valve stems should be changed at every tire change. Several may disagree but why even consider taking the chance. Great video BTW, rubber (EPDM) valve stems will serve most of the masses well for sure but for us, it's brass, chrome plated brass, stainless steel or steel all the way (never aluminum) and especially in street motorcycle applications. And dry nitrogen in lieu of compressed air if available. Just my 2c your mileage may vary!

[@k24hybrid]

Thanks. 👍

[@LuckyCharms777]

Meh, I find bubblegum works just as good or even better. There’s gum that’s been stuck under desks for decades. And the best part is you can easily see if it’s leaking by whether it’s blowing a bubble or not.

[@Ian-ny6ux]

This is actually useful and underrated. They both have pros and cons. But most of my headaches came from metal valves when the core is harder to inflate or don't get to inflate at all versus rubber valves which i rarely have issues with at all. But on one occasion my motorcycle's front wheel's valve cracked and air escaped out quickly while riding on the expressway. That was as scary as I was at the overtaking lane with wiggly and uncontrollable steering. I highly suggest replacing it every year or so even before the tires need replacing out of safety. Great video btw. Underrated.

[@TheJediJoker]

The biggest advantage of a metal valve stem is ergonomic: it doesn't move around when you connect something to it, be that a gauge or a fill hose, so it's easier to get a good seal on the first try. This can be an advantage in racing with pit stops. Still, I have to imagine that the aluminum stem is heavier than the rubber one, making it harder to balance a wheel and adding (however minimally) to rotational and unsprung mass. This is in addition to all the drawbacks stated in the video. As a non-competitive track day driver who tracks his street cars, I use rubber stems.

[@corey6393]

I am painting up an old set of steel VW wheels. They had metal valve stems that I had to remove for paint work. I came here to research if I need to keep them, or just install new rubbers. The thing I noticed is that these metal stems appear to be brass, not aluminum. But since the rubber seals are so old, I probably won't reuse them. But a brass valve likely would not have the corrosion issues that aluminum might. As others have mentioned, metal stems are much better for ease of inflation. Also, twice in the last 25 years I have had rubber stems split apart and begin to leak within a year, probably due to crappy rubber compounds from the foreign supplier. Both times I had my tire guy swap out for metal stems and never had another issue. Those were both summertime vehicles only, kept out of the weather unless they were being driven.

[@nicholaswilliams5587]

Rubber ones can be yanked out and shove a new one in without breaking the tire bead too. Pretty handy on the trail. All my rims on my kenworth have metal valve stems but pickup, car, jeep, hummer, motorhome all have rubber because I can change them on the fly if needed.

[@grailph]

For tropical countries the rubber valves would last about 4-5 yrs due to the heat. They would have cracks on the rubber that bypasses the stem so air does tend to leak out when cracks happen. Thankfully they are cheap to replace so we buy them in bulk for easy storage and we can do the replacement on our own from home. All you need is some pliers and a compressor to pump up your tires once the stem is replaced. I haven't had aluminum stems for too long and I've only had them just recently when I bought new rims and tires. The shop recommended them saying they will be more durable than the rubber. So I said yes and will see how long they last.

[@Busadventures72]

I been using metal valve stems for 10 years.never had issues.they actually hold air in my tires better than rubber air pressure is always good in all 4 of my cars

[@ericrichardson3332]

Metal valve stems are commonly found on motorcycle, aluminum alloy rims due to thickness of rim where rubber valves will not fit properly also they have a cool factor about them , but most other rims standard rubber valves are common like on steel rims and are easy to use and moderately easy to replace

[@Charkatak]

I have experienced a some issues with a metal valve stems. Mostly it was some sort of a corrosion where air would leak. Aftermarket sensors such as Autel seems to offer rubber and metal TPMS sensors. I am researching these at the moment as one of my vehicle's TPMS sensor batteries might be going out soon.

[@ExploreAnywhere]

I watched this to learn about how metal stems look cooler but learned they suck 😂 I’m still getting metal lol

[@bradleysteeves7891]

Have a 2018 Dodge charger with metal valve stems from factory. The metal cap is now fused onto the valve stem. Corrosion has fused them. Valve is toast new one is 45. Just for valve stem.. the TPSM sensor if its messed up is another 85.00. MOPAR chryslerDodge parys are extremly expensive.

[@emmettturner9452]

2:38 “These don’t really ever leak… but when they do they leak on the valve stem” Sorry, but there are still millions of those defective rubber valve stems from 2006-2007 in circulation today (2023). They appear perfectly fine until several months after you install/use them. They will degrade extremely fast and can literally fall off the wheel. Sixtyfiveford just described how his pack of 100 rubber tire valves from a few years ago have been failing in everything he uses them with… some in as little as 6 months. He made a short just the other day about using his manual tire changer and that’s where I noticed he had these defective rubber valves.

[@MD-rd9fh]

Well if you have an older Mercedes Benz without TPS if you install rubber valve stems they will split immediately or sometime on the road leaving you stranded because those alloy wheels are slightly thicker in stem area than average and stretch the rubber to the breaking point.

[@konigwheels]

learn something new every day,

[@kingz956]

Metal is a must in drag racing community

[@joshacollins84]

Why is that? Regulation or practicality?

[@UnfocusedRacing]

Our local drag strip doesn't allow them.

[@_bermuda]

@@UnfocusedRacing doesn’t allow metal or rubber valve stems? I’m assuming they hold more pressure but if there is a fault, metal is more susceptible to leaving broken parts on the track.

[@UnfocusedRacing]

@@_bermuda doesn't allow metal. Sorry should have specified.

Is a regular rubber valve good for 65 psi ? That's what my tire application requires.

[@rvtripsintime-lapseslowthe4012]

If you use a valve stem extenions (dual wheels on RV and trucks), you will need a metal valve stem, because the rubber one will flex, break and leak, and you dont want that on an inside dual.

[@_bermuda]

The only time using rubber is actually preferable. 😆

[@ericprentice1269]

so true, so true

[@OneWildTurkey]

For peace of mind.

[@kemoyemanuel8235]

Definitely rubber, bought metal an am sorry

[@djtonysmooth]

Did you forget to mention that the rubber one can also break , crackdue to rubber fatigue ???

[@beckycoughlin4569]

Will be picking up our 2022 Airstream Interstate 24' GT in about 3 weeks, and are new to RV-ing and having a dually (been driving cars all our lives). We will be having a TPMS installed aftermarket (why it doesn't already come with it installed is beyond me). We don't plan on doing any heavy off road, just the occasional dirt road access to campgrounds/sites. Two questions: 1) What do you recommend in this scenario (considering we will adding a direct TPMS) - metal or rubber stems? 2) Do you have any recommendation on how to set up easy access to the inside dually tire (for checking pressure manually PRN and adjusting air pressure)? Thanks!

[@konigwheels]

Becky, there are a fair number of external TPMS systems you can add some that can actually display on a cell phone. Look around because the type of sensor and related valve you should use will most likely be related.

[@garylangley4502]

I have had 7 Studebakers over the years. If they had the factory rims, and the full wheel covers, I had to use metal valve stems. The wheel covers would creep around on the wheels, and sheer off a rubber valve stem.

[@konigwheels]

I've never heard of that one before.

[@angelisone]

Wants to remove TPMS sensors on 2011 Hyundai Tucson GLS & install normal Valve Stems. What is the Valve Stem's brand & part number do I look for on the internet to buy?

[@wellshutchins6885]

My never go bad rubber valve stem on my R1150--GS just failed. Luckily I was at home checking tire pressure. I'm replacing it with a metal 90-degree.

[@nomoreblahblah]

Good information. I never considered metal valve stems. I always used rubber valve stems

[@krsdelaney303]

We have had 3 big problems a different times with the rubber ones, and replacing the inner stem DID not work. Had to remove the Whole Stem. 💪Erase Replace Metal Embrace LOL

[@AMC-eq3jr]

Thanks for sharing, sir.

[@obhetdejesus4925]

Got my combination tire valve (copper tubing with rubber grommet)leaked after after 20 years in service...live in the tropical country philippines...think rubber is fine...

[@konigwheels]

Thanks for commenting!!

[@tomsgarage6264]

About 12 years ago, there was a huge batch of Chinese made rubber valve stems installed at Big O Tires that would crack open and leak horribly because they were made using a defective batch of rubber. They had a recall for them, but most people didn't know about it. I had two of them crack open and leak all of the air out on one car, luckily while the car was just sitting in the garage. So I'm wary of any valve stems now.

[@steveesposito]

If you use steel, or nickel plated brass valve stems use nickel anti-seize. For brass, I am not sure if copper anti-seize is best or not.

[@dorstefan]

Thank you. I will keep it simple.

[@leonardburke1459]

My rims on my F350 aluminum wheels tend to corrode around the rubber valve stem creating a leak how do I fix that without using a metal valve stem?

[@konigwheels]

The average lifespan of those rubber valves are around 5 years so if they're older than that, the best course of action would be to replace them.

[@stabiloaku9187]

My car has built in tpms censors from the factory. So i wouldn't need to get new rubber/metal valves when i'm changing the tyres? Because i'm pretty sure the sales person will likely be trying to sell me those valves, and i wouldn't know how to decide 😅

[@kuei1215]

Yes, they do leak. Mine cracked below the thread on the rubber. 4 hours ago.

[@driftergonewild]

Working PSI of rubber is 65psi ( according to google) so for truck and trailers rubber is unfortunately no go :(

[@TechnicallyRy]

They also make variations for differnent dia holes and different working pressures. Such as TR600HP

[@user-cg7cc7zj3e]

Rubber valve 100% the aluminum metal ones corrode with road salt and leak more often. Happened to two family members. One converted all of his valve stems to rubber. His valve stem literally broke in half from the salt. Other is planning it after one began to leak after only two years. You can keep your tpms with the rubber as well.

[@Trig242]

It seems like there are so many more points of failure on the aluminum. Rubber it is!!

[@emmettturner9452]

There are millions of rubber tire valves that corrode with air and sunshine. There was a huge recall in 2008 but there are still millions of them in circulation today.

[@user-cg7cc7zj3e]

@@emmettturner9452 almost every vehicle I have has had or I recently converted to rubber stems. I never had any issues. I have had the aluminum ones corrode to the point they broke off from road salt after a few years.

[@emmettturner9452]

@@user-cg7cc7zj3e Yeah, but it’s still something to be aware of. In Sixtyfiveford’s latest short it looks like he encountered one. I remembered the 2008 recall (recalled the recall? ;)) and mentioned it to him. He told me it was from a bag of 100 and they are all failing in the same way, some in as little as six months. He only bought them 3-4 years ago. If he didn’t find a batch of the recalled valve stems from 2008 then the problem is even more pervasive (it would mean there are more bad batches out there). They store fine for decades and suddenly begin breaking down rapidly from normal daily UV-C, ozone, and heat cycling once installed.

[@AP-bo1if]

the rubber ones will leak if they valve hole rusts.

[@nunsyabeeswaxx8479]

I have to air up my tires once a month with rubber valve stems. With the metal valve stems it's considerably less, maybe every six months if that.

[@aszi77]

Strange. I had several old rubber valve stems fail. I use external TPMS sensors, and when I twist the sensor onto the valve stem, the old and weak rubber can break and causes a leak. Like anything made out of rubber, the valve stems should be replaced every couple of years.

[@Rrr-rz1pg]

Thank you - entertaining & enlightening 👍🏽

[@konigwheels]

We appreciate you for watching! Glad it was helpful!

[@RexGanymede]

thanks scott! you've helped this new rider figure out which material i should be buying! (rubber) - rex

[@konigwheels]

Awesome, Rex!!! Thanks for the message. Good luck!

[@RexGanymede]

@@konigwheels thanks again man (ratchet strap for the win!)

[@billcivicsff6808]

the reason that brought me to this video is my rudder valves leak air

[@terrific804]

Aluminum corroded in salt on 2008 Honda.....reaparing 2nd one today.

[@jw6921]

I'm no tire tech but have yet to see a aluminum valve stem. steel and brass is what I've seen. No matter what you run the replacement process is the same so no real difference. What I have seen is a lot of the rubber stems seem to be way longer than needed. that allows them to flex more. I've had one that would flex while driving and cause a flat tire pump it back up and try to find a leak and nothing. Also due to the rubber ones being longer sometimes that will cause them to come in contact with stuff more creating a higher possibility of failure. I would say look more at lengths the shorter you can run the less likely for damage.

[@751rjb]

I had new front tires and rubber stems installed on my truck 2 months ago. Woke up to a flat, air leaking out from between the brass insert and rubber. The mechanic at the tire store told me that he’s been seeing this a lot lately. Maybe the glue they are using now. No more rubber stems for me.

[@bradleyzucker4694]

I’ve gone through 3 on my sti, switched them all to metal when I got a flat yesterday I live in Florida the heat eats rubber

[@oncrx]

4:11 👍

[@AP-bo1if]

weird because from my experience the rubber valve stems are the ones that leak the most. rust belt is a whole different world here, when the rust starts building up around that valve hole, that valve stem is going to leak.

[@diego16160]

Thanks for the info.

[@jhanedoe2440]

And here I am with a rubber valve with bout 10 cracks in it.. not adding a serviceble part?

[@konigwheels]

nobody said rubber valves forever! However they are a less stressful option for sure.

[@tyronbaartman1483]

Thank you sir I'll stay with the reliable way

[@mrTob-ww7sb]

The rubber valve wears as well, it just becomes brittle and starts loosing pressure.

[@konigwheels]

Of course but their shelf life under most operating conditions are extremely long

[@TimToussaint]

I had a catastrophic failure with a rubber valve 5 years from installation of new tires. I then found that all other rubber valves on the same vehicle were equally very brittle and close to failure. I assumed that all valves were replaced when it got the new tires 5 years ago. Now I am actually not sure whether they had actually done that. In which case the valves would be 11 years old. I have never seen such deterioration on any of my other cars.

[@vgrepairs]

​@@TimToussaint yup i just got new rubber valve stems less than 4 years ago. One stem cracked at the base and fell off on the road! Instant Flat tire. All 3 other tires have severely cracked valve stems.

[@slikmentors7210]

Great video 👍🏻

[@konigwheels]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate you!

[@Xl081x]

Use rubber. I have the metal ones and My stem broke in my Dodge Charger while I was putting in air. It broke and the core came out with all the air.

[@Its_about_that_time]

Mine broke on the metal one went to a tire shop and they put a rubber one and said my low tire pressure light will continue to stay on because the tpmi won't work on rubber is this true

[@konigwheels]

If the metal stem you broke was the metal stem of the TPMS sensor then yes. You would have to replace the TPMS sensor in that what and have them program it to the vehicle so it can read the pressure.

[@tsims73]

Great video. Thanks. Rubber it is.

[@konigwheels]

solid choice, my friend.

[@TechnicallyRy]

I always thought the metal ones were used as they don't flex while the wheel+tire assembly is rotating and not mar the face of the wheel if the stem is near spokes or the face.

[@konigwheels]

In very specific instances I guess there may be some truth to this but not really the main reason. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@eldercheesenuggets]

My rubber on my motorcycle broke and almost ended my life, fuck that. Going metal on my motorcycle from now on

[@egertenula8155]

I've had the same problem with 2x Doge Ram mud tires and a motorcycle front tire. The inner metal part flies off. The metal content could have been pulled out on the truck both times. It's not fun when this happens on a motorcycle. Fortunately, I slowed down to 70-80 km/h when it happened.

[@summerforever6736]

Good info boss

[@konigwheels]

Glad it helped!

[@summerforever6736]

YES I WAS GONNA GET THE METAL ONE BUT AFTER YOUR VIDEO I WILL JUST STICK WITH THE RUBBER LESS HEADACE @@konigwheels

[@robertspottedowl1689]

Already had problems with metal one all that left was the core the barrels sheerd off ugh annoying

[@konigwheels]

Neither is perfect, but for most applications, Rubber will work just fine.

[@chardelraconner7324]

lacelocks>

[@mattdathew2794]

thanks man, i was so blank

[@jamescarter440]

when spending money on rims you want to make sure you have quality tires and valves, a leaking valve will have your rim spin on a flat tire

[@vallerinsheichersh1272]

i use the both...rubber are cheap and easy

[@kevinpeterson4098]

I just had the outer rubber gasket fail/crack on my 2 piece valve stem. It was only 6 months old. Maybe i tightened the inside nuts to tight and it cut it and failed? So i broke the bead and installed another metal valve stem. Next time i might just go with rubber? Seems like a catch 22 and i do beleive that Satan himself designed the valve stem.

[@deathwish24620]

I've had many rubber valves leak around the seal over the years. In fact, I've never had a valve core leak. If you are running any type of TPMS, run metal.

[@EmilAlexandru]

Forgot to say that sun will erode the rubber valve in time :) so metal has longevity

[@Sentient_Goose]

My neighbor likes to slash my stems, so aluminum it is.

[@nisatarenyki4309]

Dom Dom 5:26

[@travislangworthy45]

Am I the only person that has had SEVERAL rubber valve stems crack and fail? The literal reason I'm watching this video is because I missed bike week because my motorcycle's rear stem cracked from dryness and wouldn't hold any air. How was that not mentioned as a con??

[@konigwheels]

We're sorry to hear that. How often are you changing your tires? It's important to note that valve stems should be changed whenever you change your tires.

[@ryansinnaeve323]

Metal valves for my track wheels, Rubber for my daily wheels. Pretty simple solution.

[@konigwheels]

winner, winner, chicken dinner.

[@wandameadows5736]

Rubber seals do leak.

[@zbow1974]

i use only rubber, i delete the TPMS on every car i buy and go straight rubber, the day i am to damned lazy to check the air in my tires myself is the day i stop driving,

[@konigwheels]

Love the conviction!

[@teoyota]

My Supra has white wheels, went with metal cause rubber ones are black and ugly, simple.

[@pottasium7117]

tl:dr : metal valve pros: looks nice, works with sensors cons: everything else

[@turdferguson1021]

The nuts on metal valves always come loose fom the inside.

[@barrycarleton4326]

there is a locknut supplied. if it comes undone is the fault of the fitter not the valve.

[@chardelraconner7324]

cyclist ✔️✅

[@kirkpennell3028]

Brass metal valve stems , most so called rubber valve stems are not real rubber and break down when exposed to alot of direct sunlight. Aluminum ones are a joke .

[@onenewworldmonkey]

I wish someone would make a rubber TR413 for my pickup. My tires have max pressure of 80 lbs. I'm sick of buying from China and killing all of our jobs. I know, its not us who pays but our kids. I just discussed replacing a relay on my well and found that there are no more relay manufacturers in America any more. Funny, the Chinese ones are precise replicas of the old American ones. You can guess what happened. I think those who make videos on youtube and have a greater voice than I should start mentioning this problem every once in awhile-its probably too late.

[@iratashman7202]

You are not killing American jobs - for the most part the companies that would compete with China have disappeared many years ago.

[@onenewworldmonkey]

@@iratashman7202 Wow. They fall daily. I found out yesterday that I can no longer buy a relay for my well that is made in America. In the 90s I thought I won the lottery when I got a job at the steel mill. I was told that I better not park a car in the parking lot that wasn't made in America. My life is composed of witnessing all manufacturing disappear. When young we manufactured everything. When old we manufacture almost nothing.

[@Filipp81]

Broke one in half inflating tire

[@psy06]

my rubber stems are all cracked and now 1 is leaking, not even 3 years old. must have been cheap chinese crap

[@xephael3485]

Video is bullsh1t especially when you get into agricultural and construction equipment.

[@konigwheels]

Fair but in fairness back this is directed at cars and road vehicles.

[@adonis3234]

don't use god damn metal in your wheels. After sometimes it gets corrosion and that damns never opened. My tire was flat today I tried to press air but I never opened it. then I called the road assistant to change my tire even he spent 30 mins and couldn't take the valve cap off. I just dropped my s3 to audi and ordered new tires and to replace the valves with rubbers.

[@richardcole1280]

There are race organizations that require metal valves.

[@Рома-п3х4ж]

That's not true. Where is the chances I put in six tires on my band cuz it's a dually and out of those six tires within the last year I replaced four valves cuz they were leaking in different spots. One the seals around the rim. It was leaking right along the side where you screw on the cap. It was not leaking from the inside of it but it was leaking all the way around on all of them

[@cesarescobedo2936]

Rubber or Metal?