A situation where the wheel of the car began to slowly descend, often takes you by surprise. In most cases, the culprit of air leakage is not a through puncture, but slug - a tiny valve inside the valve. It can jam, damage corrosion or simply wear sealing gum, which has ceased to hold pressure. At such moments, the driver faces the question: whether it is necessary to go to the tire fitting or can be handled independently, having at hand a minimum set of tools.
This element can be turned out, but the procedure requires accuracy and understanding of the device. chamber and chamberless tires. If in a chamber tire the loss of the spool will only lead to a slow etching of air, then in a tubeless design careless actions can lead to an instant and complete descent of the wheel. That is why it is important to prepare the place and tools in advance so as not to be on the side of the road with the wheel disassembled, but not working.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what are the ways of extracting the valve, how it can be twisted in the field and in the garage, and also consider the nuances of replacing with new components. You'll find out why. drilling Sometimes it becomes the only way out, and how to properly install a new element to ensure tightness at high speeds.
The device of the valve and the role of the spool in the system
Before we start dismantling, we need to understand what we are dealing with. A valve (or nipple) is a tube passing through the wheel disc, at the end of which the cap is wound. And inside this tube is slug - spring-loaded valve, which passes air inside the tire during pumping and does not allow it to go out in the usual state. In modern cars, type valves are most often used. TR-412 or TR-413which have standard threads.
The gold bar consists of a metal case with threads, a movable rod, a spring and a sealing cone. It is the cone, pressing against the seat of the body under the action of the spring and air pressure, that ensures tightness. Over time, the rubber seal tans, cracks or becomes covered with oxides, which causes the air to begin to leave. Sometimes the problem lies in the rod itself, which sways and ceases to tightly close the hole.
⚠️ Attention: When you twist the spool from the tubeless tire, the air begins to go out unimpeded. Make sure you have a working compressor or spare wheel before you start the procedure.
It is important to distinguish between solid and composite gates. In solid models, the valve body and its base are a single whole, and the spool is screwed into them separately. In composite (collapsible) designs, the "fungus" of the valve itself can be replaced if it is damaged mechanically. To work, we will need access to the inner part of the valve, where the valve is screwed.
Necessary tools for dismantling
In order to efficiently and safely turn the spool, it is not enough just to have a screwdriver. A professional approach requires the use of a specialized tool that allows you to grab the valve inside the narrow channel of the valve without damaging its thread. The standard toolkit includes several key elements.
First and foremost, it is necessary squirter (often called a key cap). This is a small device that resembles a metal cap with slots or protrusions inside. It winds up on the valve and allows you to grab and unscrew the valve. Also in the set is often a thin sting, which helps push the stuck element if it is not able to twist.
If there is no specialized key at hand, you can use improvised means, although the risk of damaging the thread increases. This is what I'd like to do.
- 🔧 Thin-guns with long sponges - allow you to grab the top of the spool, but require caution.
- ✂️ Sharpened needle or a shill - you can try to tamper with the valve, but it is easy to damage the seal.
- 🔩 Homemade key from the tube – the flattened end of the tube of a suitable diameter can work like a slit.
The work will also be required silicone lubricant to handle a new seal and possibly acetone or brake cleaner to remove dirt and oxides from the valve thread before installing the new element. The purity of the thread is the guarantee that the new spool will stand tightly and will not poison the air.
Technology of spinning the golden golden key
The most correct and safe method of dismantling is the use of a special key-cap. This tool is versatile and suitable for most standard car valves. The process takes only a few minutes if you act consistently and without excessive force.
First, you need to completely blow the air out of the wheel, twisting the spool or simply pressing it with something thin, if the task is only in replacement. However, if the stool is jammed and it needs to be turned out, the air will still come out in the process. The valve is wound key-cap so that its internal protrusions are engaged with faces or slots on the housing of the spool.
Next, it is necessary to make rotational movements counterclockwise. It is important not to use excessive efforts so as not to break the thread inside the valve. If the stool is boiling, you can drop inside a little. WD-40 Or penetrating lubricant and wait 5-10 minutes. After unscrewing, the old element is removed and the inner cavity of the valve is blown with compressed air to remove debris.
☑️ Pre-replacement checks
After removing the old element, carefully examine the thread inside the valve. It should not be bullied or corrosive. If the thread is damaged, the installation of a new spool may not solve the leakproofness problem, and you will have to change the entire valve completely, which requires disassembling the wheel.
Removal methods without a special key
It often happens that the wheel was lowered in the garage or on the track, and there was no special squeezer key in the glove compartment. In such cases, alternative methods can be used using items that may be at hand. However, it is worth remembering that these methods are less reliable and require more care.
One common method is to use two thin screwdrivers or sewers. They need to be entered into the channel of the valve from opposite sides, trying to rest on the inner faces of the spool. Slightly spreading the handles of the screwdrivers to the sides, you can create pressure on the walls of the valve and, turning the structure, try to unscrew it. This method is risky, as it is easy to scratch the inner surface of the valve.
Another option is to use a modified cap. If you take an old metal cap and cut through its bottom a cruciform or rectangular hole corresponding to the shape of the top of the spool, you get an improvised key. Wearing such a cap on the valve and pressing it, you can turn the valve. The main thing here is to ensure a tight grip so that the cap does not slip off.
⚠️ Warning: Never use an open flame or heating the valve to unscrew the spool, as this can damage the tire rubber cord and cause the wheel to explode when pumped.
If the spool fell inside the valve and got stuck there, it can be tried to extract using a strong magnet on the fishing line or a thin wire with a hook at the end. It is important not to push it deeper into the tire, from where it will be impossible to get without disassembly.
What to do if the spool is scrolled or torn
Sometimes when trying to unscrew the valve there is a situation when it is freely scrolling, but does not go out, or the thread breaks. This may be due to the fact that the inside of the spool has separated from the outside, or the thread is heavily contaminated. In such cases, standard spinning becomes impossible.
If the spool is scrolling but not spinning, it is possible that its lower part is jammed in the saddle. Try to press the rod several times sharply to move it from a place, and at the same time pull the squeezer up. Sometimes it helps a light tap on the end of the valve (through a wooden pad) to stir up the stinging mechanism.
In the case when the thread is broken or the stool is destroyed, the only way out is his drilling. For this purpose, a thin metal drill is used (with a diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the valve). Drilling should be extremely careful, strictly in the center, so as not to damage the walls of the valve itself. After drilling, the remnants of the metal are removed with tweezers, and the thread is cleaned with a meter or a thin brush.
Can I drive without a gold spool?
Theoretically, if you quickly insert a new spool, the wheel will not have time to completely descend. However, you can not ride on a flat tire - this destroys the sidewalls of the tire. Therefore, the presence of spare spool in the glove compartment is the rule of good tone for any driver.
If you can not restore the thread, you will need to replace the entire valve. For tubeless tires, this means a trip to the tires, since to install a new valve, you need to remove the tire from the disk. There are also repair valves that can be installed without disassembly, but they are considered a temporary solution.
Installation of a new spool and checking the tightness
After successful dismantling of the old element, it is the turn to install the new one. Before screwing it is recommended to lubricate the rubber seal of the new spool silicone-grease Or soapy solution. This will make it easier to enter and provide a tighter landing, preventing microscopic air leakage through the thread.
The new spool is inserted into the valve and twisted clockwise using a cap key. Do not tighten it with excessive effort - it is quite tightened to the end from the hand and light pressing with the key. Excessive puffing can deform the rubber seal or damage the thread, which will lead to etching air.
After installation, the tire must be pumped to the working pressure and checked tightness. The easiest way is to use a soap solution. Apply it with a sponge or spray on the valve and carefully monitor the appearance of bubbles. If the bubbles do not go, then the work is done successfully.
Comparison of types of spools for different operating conditions:
| Type of spool | Case material | Appointment | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard. | brass | Passenger cars | Affordable price, afraid of corrosion |
| Enhanced. | Steel/nickel | Trucks, SUVs. | High strength, resistance to impact |
| Sportsmanly | aluminum | Sportscaring, track | Ease, ability to quickly pump |
| Hermetic | Brass + Teflon | Winter exploitation | Improved frost resistance of the sealer |
Buy gold golds in the set with metal caps. Plastic caps often crack in the cold, and metal ones better protect the valve thread from dirt and oxidation.
Frequent Replacement Mistakes and Their Consequences
Replacing the spool seems like a trivial task, but even here, mistakes can be made that will lead to a re-descent of the wheel or damage to the disc. One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the valve cleaning. Dirt that got inside with a new spool can break the tightness or damage the new seal when screwed in.
Another mistake is using the wrong tools. Attempting to twist the spool with a knife or an excessively thick screwdriver often leads to the fact that the sides of the valve lick, and it becomes almost impossible to extract it without drilling. It is also not recommended to use aggressive chemical solvents for cleaning, which can eat the rubber seal of the new spool.
It is also important not to forget about the valve cap. Many drivers consider it a decorative element, but in fact it performs an important function: protects the carving of the spool from dust, moisture and reagents. Riding without a cap significantly shortens the life of the spool and can lead to its jamming due to corrosion.
Regular replacement of spools (every 2-3 years or with each seasonal change of tires) is a cheap way to avoid sudden punctures and loss of pressure on the go.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you turn the car without removing the wheel?
Yes, you can turn the spool out directly on the car. It is enough to have a key-squeeze with you. However, if you need to replace the valve itself or repair the tire, the wheel will have to be removed and taken to the tire assembly.
Why does the stool constantly poison the air, even the new one?
There may be several reasons: the thread inside the valve itself is damaged, a grain of sand has fallen under the seal, or a new broken spool. It is also possible to oxidize the inner walls of the valve, which does not allow the valve to sit tightly.
What is the difference between a car spool and a bicycle?
In cars, standard golds are mainly used. TR-412 (American standard) that is screwed into the valve. Bicycles often have a standard. Presta (a narrow, fixed nut on top) or Schrader (Similar to the car, but smaller for some wheels) The sizes and threads may differ.
How long does it take to replace the stool?
With experience and tools, the process takes 1 to 3 minutes. The main time is spent on preparation, finding the tool and checking the leakage after installation.
Can I use a tire sealant along with a regular spool?
Yes, you can. However, the sealant can dry on the spool and block its work. When using sealants, it is recommended to check the pressure and condition of the valve more often, as well as use special spools resistant to the chemistry of sealants.