metal vs rubber valve stems?

[underground57]

Maybe some tire gurus can shed some light on this one. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to using either rubber or metal valve stems when installing tires on new wheels? The McGard lug kit I'm ordering comes with some chrome stems, but if rubber proves to be better, than I'd rather go with them since my wheels are black.

According to SCC:

When we installed them, we found a few surprises. We had a new set of Bridgestone RE070s (the stock tire) shipped from the Tire Rack, and had them mounted at Shoreline Motoring in Huntington Beach, Calif. Luckily for us, Shoreline is run by longtime SCC contributor Dan Barnes, one of the most anal tech geeks we've ever met. He immediately told us to throw away the pretty metal valve stems that came with the wheels. The valve stems are secured to the wheel with two nuts (one to tighten, the other to jam the first in place) on the inside of the wheel. Problem is, the nuts stick out right on the part of the wheel the bead has to slide on when it's mounted. This makes the tires difficult to mount and risks damaging the tire bead, the valve stem, or both. Without Locktite, there's also a chance the nuts can back off inside the tire. You'll never know until the valve stem shoots out of the wheel like a dart from a blowgun. Most metal valve stems install from the inside and have the nut on the outside. If the nut backs off, air pressure is still holding the valve stem in place. We simply switched to cheap, rubber stems.

I'm not sure I'm picturing this correctly, but if I am, then rubber is the way to go, right? And if thats true then why are metal stems recommended other than for looks and profit? Or is rubber not as durable as the metal ones?

Also, is either one not allowed or prefered for sanctioned racing?

[naed240sx]

I dunno man. I have run both types, never had a problem. If the metal valvestems are good quality, you should be fine. Just use locktite.

Metal bolt on stems not only look better, but they also last pretty much indefinately. I have some metal stems on my weds wheels from 1988. They still work and hold air perfectly. Rubber stems are reccomended to be replaced ever once and a while.

[sharjt]

I remember Western Auto used to use a rubber stem with a metal sleeve just for looks. So if you think you should use a rubber stem but want the looks of a metal one thats one way to go.

[whiterps13]

I honestly have no clue about your specific question.

However, SCC is notorious for exagerating little problems. They are truly a bunch of car geeks, and obsess over the little stuff most of us wont notice on the streets. So, Im guessing this is just another case of that.

Realistically, how many people do you know that have ever shot a valve stem out of their tire?

[underground57]

Thanks guys. I think I'll either paint the chrome ones or try to find some black metal ones to match the wheels.

However, SCC is notorious for exagerating little problems. They are truly a bunch of car geeks, and obsess over the little stuff most of us wont notice on the streets. So, Im guessing this is just another case of that.

Realistically, how many people do you know that have ever shot a valve stem out of their tire?

Well the car will eventually become a track only car, so that's part of why I asked. I suppose I've never heard of a valve stem popping out, but does the fact that I even asked the question say anything about me?

[Eddie]

I am a tire technician and the only advantages I can think of that metal valve stems have over conventional rubber ones is longevity and durablility. Occasionally I work on flats caused by a damaged rubber valve stem, but it's not vary common. Something like that is most likely caused when the valve stem is installed. At discount tire they replace your valve stem every time a new tire is mounted or when a flat repair is done to give you an idea of how often they are replaced.

A metal valve stem would be able to handle higher tire pressures safely, but I doubt any 240 would ever need a tire pressure of 60psi or greater.

[blake@tirerack]

Metal stems are the way to go. They will not dry rot over time and are a more sturdy stem IMO. It still does however boil down to personal taste and style.

[Dano]

Metal stems are the way to go. They will not dry rot over time and are a more sturdy stem IMO. It still does however boil down to personal taste and style.

-Dan

[Cass251]

I was told by the Nissan dealership that if my Titan has Metal stems then it has TPMS sensors, but if it has Rubber stems then it doesn't. Is this true? I was calling to get them to reset the TPMS sensor.. but if I have rubber stems & need a replacement it will be $140 more! Are they just trying to rip me off or is this legit?