Valve Stem

[rocket1lf]

Does anyone know the size of the valve stem on the front wheel? It's a PIA trying to get a chuck on it and I want to change it to a 90 deg stem. I know it's smaller than a normal stem. Thx Rick

[trikervet]

It is a .023", hard to find. If you do install a 90 degree stem, it will have to be parallel to the wheel, or it will hit the caliper.

[rocket1lf]

It is a .023", hard to find. If you do install a 90 degree stem, it will have to be parallel to the wheel, or it will hit the caliper.

Thanks for the info. I knew it needed to be parallel, just hate the way it is now. Thx Rick

[tomg]

Local bike shop here has changed out 3 for us now!! Had to drill the hole bigger and install the 90 degree, added 4 oz of beads and back on the road again. Ran $55 if you brought the wheel in and I think it was about $120 if mounted on the bike.

Tomg

[rocket1lf]

I just went out on e-bay and purchased a 90 deg extension. It was less than $5.00, so I figure I'll give that a try.

Here's the item # 111273947366

[Dean H]

I just went out on e-bay and purchased a 90 deg extension. It was less than $5.00, so I figure I'll give that a try.

Here's the item # 111273947366

Rocket, $5 for a 90* extension. BE CAREFUL. Did that ... done that ... BIG PROBLEM. Went to add air and carefully held the stem etc. and moved 'just a bit", SNAPPED off the stem. Hours to remove/replace stem etc.

[rocket1lf]

Dean, You are correct with the problems with the add on stem. It was good for a couple of weeks. I filled up the tires yesterday and went for a 200 mile breakfast ride today. We came out from the restaurant and found the front tire flat. I had a small air compressor in the trunk so I took off the 90 deg adapter and filled the tire up and drove 100 miles back home without a problem. I took it over to Discount Tires , where I know the manager, and found the front tire had 1" bubbles all around the sidewall. He's going to call BF Goodrich on Monday to see if they'll warranty it. It is 6 years old, but only has 14000 miles on it.

Any tips on taking the front wheel off? I do have the owners manual, but I wonder if there is an easier way.

Thx Rick

[Gorilla]

Dean, You are correct with the problems with the add on stem. It was good for a couple of weeks. I filled up the tires yesterday and went for a 200 mile breakfast ride today. We came out from the restaurant and found the front tire flat. I had a small air compressor in the trunk so I took off the 90 deg adapter and filled the tire up and drove 100 miles back home without a problem. I took it over to Discount Tires , where I know the manager, and found the front tire had 1" bubbles all around the sidewall. He's going to call BF Goodrich on Monday to see if they'll warranty it. It is 6 years old, but only has 14000 miles on it.

Any tips on taking the front wheel off? I do have the owners manual, but I wonder if there is an easier way.

Thx Rick

Follow the owners manual, it is the best way.

[rocket1lf]

So, after about an hour and a half, I finally got the front tire off. I don't wish that on anyone stuck on the side of the road. One of the brake caliber bracket bolts is oxidized in so bad that the hex head rounded out. I'm going to have to drill it out someday to be able to remove it. The axle didn't want to come out and yes I was removing it from the direction that the owners manual said to do it.

I hope the tire shop is able to remove the old tire and install a new one without me having to take anything else apart on the wheel. I'm going to install a 90deg valve stem, if I can find one that fits the odd size hole. For the guys that drilled it out, what size stem did you use. I'm seeing a .457 is the size that's normally used. Is there enough room on the rim to be able to drill out the existing hole to that size?

I'm going to go with one of the new Bridgestone Run Flats. At least that would get me to a shop, where it would be easier to remove the front wheel than on the side of a road, if I ever have a problem. The OEM BF Goodrich that's on there now has a bunch of 1" bubbles around the outside of the sidewall just below the thread.

I sure hope the tire goes back on easier than it came off.

Rick

[trikervet]

I have had my tire off once to change the hubs which had bad bearings. From that experience, I decided I would call a rollback before I would attempt that job on the road. I had some trouble getting the axle reinstalled as the wheel bearing would cock inside the wheel when pushing the axle through and the axle would bind up at that point. Since then, I had a piece of stock made the same size as the axle, but I cut it the same length as the width of the wheel. When I reinstall the wheel, I will install the dummy axle in the wheel prior to putting it in position, then I will be able to just push the real axle right through. Maybe they can install a tire on the wheel with the rotors installed, but if I am doing the job at the house, I would remove the rotors first. Just my 2 cents.

[Gorilla]

I believe you have enough room for the larger hole for the valve stem. Several have done it without issue. When I put my axle back in I make sure there is plenty of anti seize grease on the axle helps it not to get hung up. I like the idea of making a drift. It is a very tough job to do on the side of the road. Between "FIX A FLAT" and "AAA" thats how I would deal with a roadside issue. When we replaced our tire they were able to do it with the rotors on.

[Ed Hobgood]

I just replaced my tires last month trying to get ready for big trip next year. Taking the rotors off was the easiest part of the job. I called TMS for a replacement valve stem and got an extra to keep in the trike just in case I ever needed it. I'm just like most people, if I have a break down on the road I say call someone with a rollback. I also keep plugs and a air compressor on board. Let's just hope none of us ever need one while we are out on the road.