Tyre Repair

[stephen_5126639]

Hi, i had a flat on my van when i looked at it at home it is actually the rubber valve stem that is split,it is a tubeless tyre=155x13 N rating,max pay load of my van is 950kg tyrepressure 33lbs: my question is can the valve be replaced if not can a tube be fitted ,as the tyre is otherwise perfect no cracks exelent tread,steve

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Stephen,

If the valve stem has split, then it's an easy job for a tyre shop to fix. They need to take the tyre off the rim, rip out the valve stem, fit a new stem, and refit the tyre.

Don't ever fit a tube to a tubeless tyre. Not a good idea.

Tip: Check the DOT code on the tyre - there should be the word DOT followed by 17 or 18 characters and you need to look at the last group of 3 or 4 digits.

If it's 4 digits then the tyre is newer than 2000 - it should say something like 2204 where 04 is the year and 22 is the week number that the tyre was made.

If 3 digits, like 229 which is week 22 of 1999 - then it's time to say goodbye to the tyre. Even if the tread is new.

Robert

 

[Lutz]

Yes, it is very easy to replace the valve stem but you do need to break the tyre off the bead in order to get at the valve from the inside. If the tyre is OK, you can re-use it without a problem.

 

[stephen_5126639]

Hi/ i have checked the code it says: DOT H2RU YB3D 347, so i take it this is week 34 of 1997,if this is the case i will go for a new tyre,steve

 

[stephen_5126639]

Sorry i forgot to add do i use the same type of trye the markings are:155R13 85/83N max loading 515kg at 51psi side walls 2 ply, my van has a max weight of 950kg tyre pressure 33psi many thanks,steve

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Stephen,

347 does indeed mean week 34 of 1997 - which is probably why the valve stem failed - they always fit a new stem when they change a tyre - and that just perished first.

Please check the DOT code on the other tyres.

Tyres make up an important part of the caravan suspension - together with the ALKO tube axle suspension - so I'd keep to the same tyre specification - diameter, ratio (80%), and load index.

Usually the tyre load index (85 = 515 kg as you say) is specified to give around a 10% margin over the van max weight.

515 x 2 = 1030 kg for the two tyres

950 * 1.10 = 1045 kg for the van + 10%

So that looks correct.

Robert

 

[rob_jax]

Oh - fully fitted a good enough quality tyre - like Firestone , Toyo or Kumho should cost around

 

[Ogre]

No reputable tyre fitter would fit a tube into a tubeless tyre.

 

[stephen_5126639]

Hi, all / well i just looked at the other tyre and that is the same 1997,i can not seethe spare at this moment of time i will have to remove the wheel as the dot code is on the inside,so it likes like new tyres all round well many thanks anyway for your help,steve