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Valve Extension leak

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David J. Rotelle

Valve Extension leak
« on: December 02, 2014, 08:29:58 pm »
Both of our outside rear tires were flat this past weekend, I put air in them and within a day they were both flat again. Today I took it to our local tire shop and they informed me both of the valve stem extensions were leaking.

They do not stock extensions so I had them remove them. The technician said they have seen several extension like ours on Ambulances leak and recommended leaving them off.

Our Coach has 3K miles on it. has anyone else had a problem with theirs?

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Bob Mahon

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2014, 09:29:08 pm »
I've had leak problems on a few of the rigs I've owned, from 16" to 22.5" sizes. On every single one, it was the connection to the valve stem that was loose or loosened. Use a wrench and tighten them a half-turn more than just hand-tight (there must be adequate pressure on the seal of the connection to get proper compression and prevent loosening of the connection). Since I learned that I've had no leaks.
Bet you a dollar that'll work for you.
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bhgareau

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2014, 11:18:35 pm »
I have also experienced the loose valve extension problem. In my experience also,  the issue is a loose connection rather any problem with the extension itself. I recently replaced the tires on our PC after 45,000 miles. I upgraded the valve stems on the rear tires to a heavy duty truck stem because last summer I had a valve stem split at the rim due to vibration of the extension on the stock valve. I've heard since that this is a relatively common problem with long term stress from driving on rough roads. I chose to continue using the extensions with better valve stems and extra tightening as described above.
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TomHanlon

Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2014, 07:19:45 am »
Sine 1984 I have used valve extension on my motorhomes and have only had one leak. It had been installed at the PC factory. It was like Bob said, it was at the connection. The dealer I go to for tires, which where replaced under the recent recall, always over tightens them for this reason. (exactly)
« Last Edit: December 03, 2014, 01:47:14 pm by TomHanlon »
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2014, 12:13:27 pm »
My valve extensions have never been disturbed since they were installed on the rig by the factory when it was built in 2007.  I am concerned over a leak the first time I touch them, considering removing them as a precaution, but wondering if I'll be able to add air afterward.
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TomHanlon

Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2014, 12:31:34 pm »
Ron adding air is not the problem. It is keeping the air in the tires.  :lol

I have seen where after removing the extenders they are stiff and do not go back on correctly, then they leak.
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2014, 02:29:47 pm »
That makes a lot of sense, the rubber hose inside the stainless steel braiding becoming stiff, making it difficult or impossible to get a tight seal again at the valve.

Best to remove them or replace them, but not reuse them after 7+ years.
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #7 on: December 04, 2014, 11:21:22 pm »
It sounds like a good idea to install new extenders.
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Bob Mahon

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #8 on: December 05, 2014, 09:03:59 am »
Double check the tightness after every tire rotation.
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TomHanlon

Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #9 on: December 05, 2014, 10:44:24 am »
I don't rotate my tires. They die of old age long before the tread wears out on them. I save the rotation fees for the new tires. 2o2

If I did rotate them I would replace the extenders because they like to age in one position and rotate them makes them want to form a new position.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2014, 10:47:26 am by TomHanlon »
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Bob Mahon

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #10 on: December 05, 2014, 10:53:26 am »
I only rotate the front tires at the normal 5K mile service interval, which my Dealer includes gratis.
We are an exclusively Ford family and have bought only from my Dealer over the last 15 years. Consequently, they've assigned me a specific mechanic, who serves my needs perfectly.
It's good to be well known and liked by your Dealer & Service Writers.
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #11 on: December 05, 2014, 02:08:31 pm »
I practice the same as Tom & Bob with the rear tires.

I have yet to rotate the front tires and it has been around 25,000 miles to-date.  The kind of rotation I am considering would be to dismount the tires off the steel rims and flip them so the inside is then facing outside.  This would be done to balance out uneven tire wear from days of broad-side winds while traveling across the Great Plains.
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Bob Mahon

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #12 on: December 05, 2014, 06:27:03 pm »
Hi Dave.
The Dealer I go to is Wayne County Ford in Honesdale, PA (NEPA). They have a number of lifts and an alignment pit that will handle a 2552. Not sure about anything longer tho'.
Great people to use and fair prices.
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Site-CN

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Re: Valve Extension leak
« Reply #13 on: December 07, 2014, 07:30:35 pm »
I have experienced the same condition of the rear outside dual tires going to 0 pressure (while parked for a few days) after about 1,000 miles on our unit. After spraying soapy water on the connection from the tire air valve to the extension and pushing the braided extension hose around slightly, bubbles appeared indicating an air leak. Since it was the outside wheel, I was able to get a small open ended wrench on the connection nut and tighten it. Before putting the wrench on it, I was able to turn it with my fingers. Possibly the installer never went back and tightened the connection during the initial installation. I checked the pressure two days later and it has held. I have yet to take a trip and monitor them to make sure they do not loosen up while going down the road.

I have had a bad experience in our previous rig after getting new tires installed by a shop not familiar with these extensions. They installed rubber air valve stems in the steel rims and connected the extensions to the stems. After two days into our 3 week trip, we lost tire pressure due to the extensions vibrating and causing the rubber valve stems to split at the steel wheel. Because of this I will be replacing the valve stems with extended chrome or brass valve stems if I have any more issues with the extensions or when it is time to get new tires.
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Ted and Patty Wiesehan
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