First, I have solutions for accessibility to dual wheel valve stems.
Second, I do not like extensions. They're a source of leaks, and it's not IF but WHEN.
The solution to easily accessing the outside dual wheel valve stem is:
1. Loosen the nut securing the valve stem in the wheel.
2. Rotate it 90 degrees. (direction is your choice)
3. Re-tighten the nut.
4. Use a soap solution to ensure there is no leakage.
The reason the valve stems are positioned toward the wheel mating surface comes from the trucking industry.
All wheels on semi-trailers and on older tractors are the same.
(Not so on your coach. Most have 3 different wheels.)
When tire maintenance was performed on truck running gear, it didn't matter which wheel went on the inside or outside.
They were all identical. That made re-installation a no-brainer.
The solution for accessing the inside dually, for many tire monitoring system, is simple.
1. Get a 1" 12-point socket
2. Connect it to a 12' extension
3. Press the sensor lightly into the socket.
4. Insert the socket w/sensor through the hole in the outside dually and thread the sensor in place.
5. When properly tightened, wiggle the extension side to side to loosen its grip on the sensor and remove.
Note: Before attempting to thread the sensor on to the inside stem, check to make sure the valve stem is "looking" straight
out the hole in the outside dually. If it is, proceed to thread the sensor in place.
If it is not lined up well enough to ensure against cross-threading, take a piece of 3/8" copper tubing (or equivalent) about a foot long
and slide it over the inside stem. Bend the stem until you can safely thread the sensor on.
A tire monitoring system allows you to electronically check pressures, you probably will not have to remove and re-install the sensor more than a couple times a year, if that.
For those of you who do not have a tire monitoring system, I suggest you install, 4" long SOLID metal extensions on the
inside duallies. I want to make two points if you must do this.
1. Apply a SMALL amount of paste thread sealant to the inside valve stem threads. Do Not attempt to put the sealant into the threads
of the extension just because it's easier. You could displace enough sealant to clog the valve core seal. OOPs.
2. There are rubber 'grommets' that install in the holes in the outside wheel that support the weight of the stem at high speeds. I would
urge you to use them.
Thanks for reading.
Gil Forbes
