Using tire tubes with “bent stem”?

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Pwdr Extreme
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Using tire tubes with “bent stem”?

Post by Pwdr Extreme »

Hi guys,

I use a Milwaukee portable air compressor to fill my tires, the problem is the fill connection is on the long side as it screws onto the valve stem of the tire. This is quite difficult, especially through the small hatch in the wheel pant. Since I just had a lovely tire blowout as I was turning onto the taxiway after my last landing, it’s now time to replace the tires. I see Aircraft Spruce has tubes with “bent” valve stems, I’m wondering if those will work on our Diamond’s? Has anybody used them? Is there enough clearance with the wheel pant on? Also, is there any point in using the $175 tube vs. the $75 tube? I plan on purchasing Goodyear tires.

Thanks!
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Boatguy
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Re: Using tire tubes with “bent stem”?

Post by Boatguy »

I use the same inflator. If the bent stem tube works out, please let us know.

I bought a package of 4 stainless steel stem extensions at an auto parts store and screwed three of them together with locktite on the threads which produced one long extension. I marked my tires with white paint indicating the tire position that properly aligns the stem with the hole. I screw the homemade extension onto the stem and then the inflator onto the extension. It works well, but I do have to bend the main wheel stems a bit to get the extension onto them.

Diamond could have made this a whole lot easier by just putting a door on the pants!
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Davestation
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Re: Using tire tubes with “bent stem”?

Post by Davestation »

By bent, they mean literally at a 90 degree angle, like your nose tube. This will not work on the mains.

I’ve always preferred the aero classic leakguard to the goodyear.
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Re: Using tire tubes with “bent stem”?

Post by Boatguy »

My mechanic says they don't make the bent stems for the tubes needed in a DA40.
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