Tire Valve Stem Cap Mistake

[Climber]

All please learn from my mistake!

I know better, but put metal valve stem caps on my bronco. BIG MISTAKE!

Dissimilar metals and they froze in place, I could only remove two, couldn’t air down during my first day of Safari. Lucky for me, Grand Tire Pro’s Shop in Moab drilled out the old stems and replaced for a reasonable price, what a trip saver!

Use only cheap, plastic valve stem caps for off road tires.

Sponsored

 

[mcinfantry]

Hmmm. That’s crazy!

I’ve always used metal and never had it happen but now you got me wondering

 

[Climber]

I live in Wisconsin, am sure the cold helped.

I have run metal on my last on road car without issue.

I will NEVER run metal again for off road tires after today!

 

[Buck's uncle]

Yup. I've seen it happen too many times. Caps were probably made from aluminum. The brass valve stems cause aluminum to oxidize at an extreme rate, seizing them on. I had a neighbor have the same thing happen to his garden hose. It had aluminum fittings, and they seized to the brass spigot, requiring them to be cut off!

 

[BrentC]

I’ve had the same thing happen on my winter tires up here in Calgary. Dissimilar metals combined with salty water = galvanic corrosion and oxides which effectively make the caps locked onto the stems. I removed them clumsily using a Dremel cut-off blade but I ruined one of the stems and had to replace it. It held air though so at least I knew cutting a slot in the cap and prying it apart can be done if needed.

As you say, stick with the plastic caps if you plan on getting your valve stems mucky or wet.

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

I have never seen this, but the science makes sense now that you mention it. Maybe I just check my tire pressure or air down/up too much for the oxidation to set in.
But how will I get skulls or Broncos on my plastic stem caps?

 

[Climber]

The tire tire shop said the day before, they had to do the same to a Taco.

As I’ve said, don’t be that guy and learn from my mistake!

 

[Anotherfinemess]

Been using brass valve stem caps for over 50 years on various off road vehicles without any problems.

 

[Climber]

Brass, sure. (I know it’s a metal!)

The stem is brass, not dissimilar.

 

[WildTrak23]

Lil dielectric grease on threads?
Thoughts?

 

[Taltyman]

My nephew stuck some metal caps shaped like bullets on my riding lawn mower. Like to have never got them off.

 

[Heavy_GD]

Tell me you only air down once a year without telling me. haha...

Yea, your LBGTQ valve stem caps may add 2HP but they can be a problem.

 

[Climber]

Just trying to help others not make the same mistake.

I’m sure nobody airs down more than you

 

[nabronco21]

I have the metal horsey ones from ford on mine and they are stuck, I assumed that the dealer cranked them on when I was in for an inspection and they said my tires were low on air but now I'm not sure it's their fault.

Sponsored