Torque and Installation of Americana Metal Valve Stem

Updated 05/16/2017 | Published 05/15/2017

Question:

My question is this: If using the rubber washer for the smaller opening 0.453 inch, do you tighten the same way as if using the larger washer? In other words, since you cannot see the part of the rubber washer inside of the wheel opening once you install the valve, I assume that you tighten the nut until the only piece of rubber showing the part on the INSIDE or AXLE side of the wheel is flush with the washer that is installled on the OUTSIDE of the wheel next to the tightening nut - the rubber that shows is NOT NEXT TO NOR TOUCHES THE WASHER - they are on opposite sides of the wheel. The larger rubber washer has more length to go through the valve stem opening, but the smaller washer has much less length to its rubber part and thus does NOT show up on the outside next to the metal washer. Also, since only a single nut is used, can the nut loosen after driving awhile. If so, since the whole valve stem TURNS when you tighten the nut during installation, how could you tighten it to stop a leak later on once the tire is installed onto the wheel? Should you use locktite on the nut threads to prevent future nut loosening and potential air leaks?

asked by: Dennis F

Expert Reply:

The valve stem # AM20906 used to only include one grommet that fit the 0.625 hole diameter but now includes both. If it's tight and torqued down properly (Between 25 to 55 inch-pounds technically), the nut will not loosen during travel. Although, just like anything, it's never a bad idea to inspect before a long trip.

Yes, the installation is the same. The nut should be tightened until the rubber grommet bulges slightly on the inside of the wheel. Technically the nut should be torqued between 25 and 55 inch-pounds but most people don't have a way to measure that.

expert reply by: Charles S