Valve stem failure Options

[John2kx]

I'm running 5 lug Fuchs on my 914 and have had two valve stem failures since wheels were installed 6 months ago. Both failures have been on the front and on opposite sides. Failures both seem to be from shank section of stem and have shown up as slow leaks luckily and not total failures while at speed.

I use the best tire shop in town for mounting and balance and see many high end cars worked on there.

Is my tire guy missing something? The stems used are a rubber material. I seem to remember seeing some type of stem support back in the 70's. Are these required?

My car does see 100 mph on a regular basis and 130 or so on occasion if this makes a difference.

John

[John2kx]

Thanks guys for the information. I'll pull wheel this evening and get part number. Had a chart last year with all the Fuch info but can't find link now. Did a search on this BBS but did not locate either.

These are 16 x 6 Fuchs and the tire guy had a real time mounting the 205/50s on the fronts (rears are 16 x 7's and went on fine). He claimed it was due winter weather and shop/tires being too cold.

Brad- will my tire guy be familar with bolt in valve stems or is this something I'll have to purchase from a Porsche dealer? I'd prefer to go this route vs. installing tubes. Or is the bolt in valve stem part of the tube?

Safety is my major concern here plus the fact I don't carry a spare. Call me lucky but have never had a flat which required pulling a tire on side of road in 30 years of driving.

Thanks for information!

John