A year or 2 ago I bought a bulk package of 100 valve stems off Amazon. They have been fine near as I can tell except for my trailer. I put all new tires on it right after I got it and as always I replaced the valve stems. Within the last few months, maybe 6-8, I had a flat and noticed the valve stem on that tire was cracking. Flexing it cause it to leak. I figured perhaps I didn’t replace them like I usually do but after popping the tire off the bead the inside of the valve looked new. I went ahead and replaced the valves on both tires on that side. I checked the drivers side and I don’t recall the reason but I don’t believe I replaced those. I’m sure they were not cracked. Anyway, I was just out on the back 40 pulling the front bumper off the GL I still had loaded on the trailer when I noticed the right rear tire was flat. Hauled the jack out there to pull the week and got it in the shop. I noticed the valve stems are severely cracked and leaking again. Both of them on that side. Drivers side is also cracking but not nearly as bad. I think the right side gets more sun than the left from where the trailer is usually parked. I guess cheap valve stems do not last when exposed to sun.
I have not ran into the same issue with these on cars. Perhaps because they are not sitting as frequently exposed to the sun as much. I am preparing for a 1400 mile round trip in a couple of weeks so I am going to replace the stems again. This got me to thinking about going with the metal ones that are held in place with a nut. I would think these would practically be lifetime deals. Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
