Question: Michelin Air Stop tube hardware and a tip for installing valve stems

[chrispratt]

It's been about five years since I changed tires and tubes. I've always used Condor tires and Michelin Air Stop tubes. When I opened the box for the Air Stop tube I saw a clear bag attached to it with the hardware shown below. I don't recall receiving this the last time I changed tubes. Am I right in guessing that this is meant to act as the hold off hardware for the valve stem, i.e. a nut behind the wheel rim on the inside, and then the larger retainer piece followed by the other nut on the outside of the wheel rim?

[/IMG]

My Cleveland Wheels have a rubber grommet that acts as the valve stem holder so I don't see the need for the Michelin hardware, but I'm willing to learn a new trick. (Both tubes included the hardware so it's not a fluke.) Perhaps non-Cleveland wheels need this, I don't know.

***

BTW, if you get frustrated with trying to push the valve stem through the rubber grommet, I found a useful trick (frustration is the real mother of invention). After pushing the valve stem through the grommet so that a little bit of thread shows, you can use one of the supplied Michelin nuts and thread it onto the valve stem. Then use a socket wrench (7/16" as I recall) and wrench away. The valve stem will be pulled through without additional cursing on your part.

Chris

 

[David-aviator]

Chris I just installed these tubes and have the hardware laying on bench, did not use it. It appeared it was for a different wheel.

 

[Ironflight]

A touch of soapy water or a shot of silicone lubricant on the grommet helps the valve stem through with little effort.

 

[BillL]

I like talc for rubber lubrication, as it will stay for a while. You already have some handy for the tube/tire cavity. I just did this a few days ago, it does take some finger strength!! I wanted to reach for the pliers, but resisted.

 

[CFILou]

The original question in this old post was about the hardware bag that comes with the Michelin Air Stop tubes (and also with Aero Classic tubes), and whether to install the washer/nut around the valve stem. In other threads that I can't find right now, some people said to throw away that hardware, and others insisted you must install it. I asked two A&P friends, and they weren't sure! Neither the Van's kit instructions nor the Grove wheel assembly instructions say anything about using the washer and nut around the valve stem. So, I was confused. I contacted Van's tech support by email, and Gary Keyser sent me this:

"Hello Lou

You must use the hardware that stops the tube from pushing into the aperture here. So the washer and nut must remain. In fact if the washer is a little small then you could perhaps use a slightly larger one.

Regards
Gary Keyser

Builder Support
Van's Aircraft, Inc.
Van's Aircraft"

I am attaching a photo of the washer and nut installed before bolting on the other half of the wheel. The washer is larger than the hole, and seems to protect the tube from the sharp edges of the hole. The nut fits inside the hole. I found that when I inflate the tire, I need to check that the nut actually ends up inside the hole as the tube inflates, instead of off-center. I had to nudge the valve stem around and re-inflate to get the nut centered in the hole.

I hope this saves some other builders some confusion and time!
-Lou

 

[Taltruda]

The original question in this old post was about the hardware bag that comes with the Michelin Air Stop tubes (and also with Aero Classic tubes), and whether to install the washer/nut around the valve stem. In other threads that I can't find right now, some people said to throw away that hardware, and others insisted you must install it. I asked two A&P friends, and they weren't sure! Neither the Van's kit instructions nor the Grove wheel assembly instructions say anything about using the washer and nut around the valve stem. So, I was confused. I contacted Van's tech support by email, and Gary Keyser sent me this:

"Hello Lou

You must use the hardware that stops the tube from pushing into the aperture here. So the washer and nut must remain. In fact if the washer is a little small then you could perhaps use a slightly larger one.

Regards
Gary Keyser

Builder Support
Van's Aircraft, Inc.
Van's Aircraft"

I am attaching a photo of the washer and nut installed before bolting on the other half of the wheel. The washer is larger than the hole, and seems to protect the tube from the sharp edges of the hole. The nut fits inside the hole. I found that when I inflate the tire, I need to check that the nut actually ends up inside the hole as the tube inflates, instead of off-center. I had to nudge the valve stem around and re-inflate to get the nut centered in the hole.

I hope this saves some other builders some confusion and time!
-Lou

View attachment 115450

Bingo! There is so much contradictory information, including from the manufacturer, depending on what year their tech guidance was written.. THIS is how I do mine. I only just snug the nut.. and lots of tire talc. (Baby power is no longer talcum (it’s corn starch, and I don’t think it’s suitable to use on tubes), but you can still find “tire talc”.

 

[rmarshall234]

I use this tool for installing valve stems on anything/anywhere. Multi use, but the most important function is being able to *pull the valve stem completely thru with the proper *alignment and to *keep it there until ready to inflate the tube.

Valve Stem Puller & Core Tool

TDC manufactured multi-tool. Has fitting to remove valve-stem core (needle valve), bleed extra air out of tire, and puller to hook and pull new valve stem through rim for installation.

pointkarting.com

 

[AlexPeterson]

Bingo! There is so much contradictory information, including from the manufacturer, depending on what year their tech guidance was written.. THIS is how I do mine. I only just snug the nut.. and lots of tire talc. (Baby power is no longer talcum (it’s corn starch, and I don’t think it’s suitable to use on tubes), but you can still find “tire talc”.

I've been using baby powder for 25 years - not a problem.

Use caution with actual talc - it often can contain asbestos. I see the one from Aircraft Spruce originates in India does not show any but...

 

[Brantel]

I've been using baby powder for 25 years - not a problem.

Use caution with actual talc - it often can contain asbestos. I see the one from Aircraft Spruce originates in India does not show any but...

I was under the impression that by baby powder was talc based until 2020.

 

[Roadjunkie1]

Here's a simple, compact valve stem removal tool. I've used one for decades on bicycles....

Amazon.com: OLLBIT 2PCS 4-Way Valve Core Tool,Tire Valve Stem Tool,4-in-1 Universal Valve Wrench,Multifunctional 4 Way Valve Stem Installer Tire Repair Tool for Car Bicycle Bike Motorcycle : Automotive

Buy OLLBIT 2PCS 4-Way Valve Core Tool,Tire Valve Stem Tool,4-in-1 Universal Valve Wrench,Multifunctional 4 Way Valve Stem Installer Tire Repair Tool for Car Bicycle Bike Motorcycle: Tire Repair Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[ve0kog]

rubber grommet

i installed a new set of tires and tubes last week (with the proper washer placement on the stem) and just realized my grommets were missing . i don’t think they were ever there.

would i need to take the wheels apart again for the grommets ?

 

[chrispratt]

i installed a new set of tires and tubes last week (with the proper washer placement on the stem) and just realized my grommets were missing . i don’t think they were ever there.

would i need to take the wheels apart again for the grommets ?

ve0kog: I'm not an A&P so not certain if the grommet is required. My wheels are Cleveland and have always had this feature. Perhaps other brands do not provide/require this. The grommet does afford both a cushion to prevent metal from rubbing into the valve stem and a stabilizer to help prevent movement, so I would be inclined to add the grommet if provided. What brand wheel do you have? Hopefully, some other reader can clarify. Or contact your wheel OEM and ask.

Chris

 

[ve0kog]

What brand wheel do you have?

it’s matco and i’m not sure if the grommet was supposed to be part of the kit. the main issue i think the gap can let some abrasive dirt make its way into the wheel and shorten life of the tube

 

[Taltruda]

I've been using baby powder for 25 years - not a problem.

Use caution with actual talc - it often can contain asbestos. I see the one from Aircraft Spruce originates in India does not show any but...

Yeah, 25 years ago, baby powder WAS Talc! Not anymore..

 

[jliltd]

Like Robert Marshall I use one of those valve stem cable tools to pull the stem through the grommet. In my case I use the tool version that threads into the inside of the valve stem instead of the outside as shown on his. There is less fight with the more streamlined inner thread tool as the tool isn't a larger diameter than the stem.

I just push the cable back through the grommet and thread it onto the inner tube valve stem. I can then pull the stem through the wheel half.

 

[jliltd]

I've been using baby powder for 25 years - not a problem.

Use caution with actual talc - it often can contain asbestos. I see the one from Aircraft Spruce originates in India does not show any but...

Rest assured if you continue to use baby powder since 2020 when they changed over to corn starch you will have issues. The corn starch absorbs moisture over time and then turns into hard crystals that chafe upon your inner tube like gravel. Then it's not a case of if, but when. I bought a whole case of legacy baby powder before they changed the ingredients.

 

[AlexPeterson]

Rest assured if you continue to use baby powder since 2020 when they changed over to corn starch you will have issues. The corn starch absorbs moisture over time and then turns into hard crystals that chafe upon your inner tube like gravel. Then it's not a case of if, but when. I bought a whole case of legacy baby powder before they changed the ingredients.

Good to know - the baby powder I have is ancient... Thanks.

 

[rmarshall234]

Like Robert Marshall I use one of those valve stem cable tools to pull the stem through the grommet. In my case I use the tool version that threads into the inside of the valve stem instead of the outside as shown on his. There is less fight with the more streamlined inner thread tool as the tool isn't a larger diameter than the stem.View attachment 115550

I just push the cable back through the grommet and thread it onto the inner tube valve stem. I can then pull the stem through the wheel half.

Even better! For the exact reason you described..