is it better to have a metal valve stems to avoid ripping the rubber one off. not the crapy pepsi can tpms ones but the old steel ones.

 

i think that if you are grinding on rocks that far into your wheel, it wouldnt matter what kind of stem you have. as small as a valve stem is, it can only be so strong. an all metal stem would probably just get bent up to hell and even snap off, perhaps causing more issues. at least the rubber valve stem would bend.

 

Totally agree here, if the rock comes anywhere near the valve stem it will break right off no matter if it is aluminum, steel, titanuim, unobtanium whatever. If they are that close to the edge of the wheels rubber is the way to go. if they brush the rocks they will bend and snap right back. If they are hit hard enough that they do break it is easier to break the bead and pull in a new one. You will have to bum someone's co2 tank to re-seat the bead though. But at least you are moving again and with no damage to the wheel.

 

I see what you mean about rocks but I was thinking to sticks and small logs. there is one place we wheel often and I always seam to get some sticks stuck in between the tire and rim at the bead. this is what got me thinking about the possibility of having my valve stem torn off.

 

still think rubber is better for the same reasons. not saying that the rubber cant be ripped if hit the right way.

 

Has anybody ever had a valve stem rip off??

 

One of the Project JK vids has a person breaking a metal stem off, don't remember which one though.

 

I would stick with the plastic ones. The metal ones are more prone to snapping right off. Plastic is cheaper and easier to replace. It also flexes a little bit before it breaks off. Metal does not have that pliability.

Or you could relocate the valve stem if you have steelies, there are some "short" stems available out there. Some people fab up a metal plate that protects it or add a beadock system that covers the stem. Google is your friend.

 

Go with the smallest rubber stem you can. I had a problem of breaking my TMPS stems. Had them banded inside the tire and went to the small rubber stems - no more problems.

 

I completely sheared off my metal TPM stem on a rock...metal=fail. The rubber ones could rip if compressed against the rock & rim but they have a much higher tolerance to logs/rocks. Worst case they tear, best case they just bend out of the way.