Schrader Valve Extension Problem

[Harvard]

Our 2004 E450 rear duals have a braided flexible valve extenders.

The problem is one of the braids has been cut by a sharp edge in the wheel cover and we are basically on the road.

So, while I want to replace these extensions with Tire Man or Borg rigid type it is not in the cards until we get on home turf.

So my question is, are these braided flexible extenders pressured up all the time OR only when the outer valve is pushed in?

If they are pressured up all the time then my only remedy on the raod is going to be to remove them. The tire is NOT LEAKING as it presently sits BUT I do not know how much damage there is beyound the frayed braid outer layer.

[j-d]

Good news, Harvard! Glad you can cruise home with peace of mind.

[Harvard]

DUNEBUGGYDOUG wrote:
Harvard, those look like.they into a bracket on the center cap like mine do

They each have a "stand off" bracket that anchors to a lug nut.

Lesson here is to make sure they do not come in contact with any sharp edges. I can just imagine the rotational g-forces they are subjected to while going down the highway at 60-70 MPH.

[DUNEBUGGYDOUG]

Harvard, those look like.they into a bracket on the center cap like mine do

[Harvard]

OP here. Kudos to Big O Tires in Bullhead City, AZ, they removed the valve extensions for me and only charged $20.00. And, yes they did need to pull the wheels, gave the young fellow $5 for doing the job with me watching over his shoulder.

And, yes these particular extensions (see photo) are pressured up all the time.

[Budster]

you can mail order solid extenders that replace your stock stems from Tire-Man in Ridgecrest, CA He includes detailed instructions that any credible tire shop can follow and do the installation. These were the first mods I did when I got my MH.

[Ductape_Dave]

I have a solid chrome dually valve kit available for half price.

[Harvard]

path1 wrote:
Don't now why you guys are going thru all that stuff.
Read http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27471104/gotomsg/27471233.cfm#27471233

Biggest hassle for me now is getting the air compressor out.

Thanks for the input. I like your method and I will be able to see with my own eyes once I get onto home turf. Only so much one can do in a campground while on the road (as in, snow birding in AZ).

[path1]

Don't now why you guys are going thru all that stuff.
Read http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27471104/gotomsg/27471233.cfm#27471233

Biggest hassle for me now is getting the air compressor out.

[Harvard]

mgirardo wrote:
...
Since your tire is holding air with the cut extender, I would say your extender does not hold pressure.

-Michael

OP here. The braided shield is clearly cut through on one side (the hidden side) but I cannot ascertain the state of the inner tubing. The damaged area is basically inaccessible for further examination until I remove the extender.

My intention is to have a tire shop remove the extenders and I will deal with their replacement when I am on home turf.

[DUNEBUGGYDOUG]

I have the flexible hose extenders and have had no problem what so ever.Mine has two brackets on the center for for the hoses to fit in ,no movement at all

[mgirardo]

Our Motorhome came with braided extenders. They worked fine up until last year. The curb side extender gives me trouble every once in awhile. When that happens, I just pull the wheel cover, unscrew the extender, blow some compressed air through it and put it back on. Generally it works after that. Some times I have to blow air through it a few times. We'll be ready for new tires soon, so I'm just waiting until then to replace with rigid type extenders.

Fortunately, I don't have to do anything special to get the extender off, other than remove the wheel cover and the little clip that holds the extender in place. My extenders do not hold pressure.

Since your tire is holding air with the cut extender, I would say your extender does not hold pressure.

-Michael

[pnwham]

My motorhome originally had rubber valve stems, so I did not want to leave extenders on all the time. As a result, what I did was to remove the valve cap from the inner wheels and put an extender on each time I checked and/or filled the tire. I could easily do this even with the wheel simulators left on. I was always worried about dirt getting in to the valve, but it was never a problem. After I had metal valve stems put on, I left the extenders on. They were the type that did not have air in all the time.

Rich - Waiting for my new Montana HC 293RK

[hotjag1]

Harvard wrote:
Thanks for the replies.

A follow up question:

Can these extenders be removed WITHOUT removing the (dual) wheels?

I was able to remove mine by crawling under the motorhome and reaching in between the duals with a very "small" pair of vice grips.
I was able to clamp the vice grips on the threaded connector and turn it a little ways, then clamp and turn it again. It took several turns, but I didn't have to go to a shop and have the wheel removed.

[OldRadios]

I just got rid of my wheel covers. They don't do anything but get in the way.