MX5 NA Miata - How to fix a stuck corroded tire valve stem cap

Did you install some cheap ass valve caps and now you can't remove them anymore? In this video I'll explain why this happens, how you can fix it and how you can prevent it from happening so stay tuned!

Video content:
» 00:00 - Intro
» 00:21 - What happened?
» 00:57 - The damage
» 01:21 - Why did it happen?
» 01:48 - How can we fix this?
» 02:11 - Use pliers or vice grips
» 02:59 - Use a lighter
» 03:48 - Use a torch
» 04:23 - Use a dremel
» 05:02 - CUT THAT BAD BOY
» 05:08 - Pry it open
» 05:22 - Add penetrating oil
» 05:38 - Most risky cut
» 06:08 - Visible corrosion
» 06:29 - How to prevent it
» 07:11 - Shoutout to @Markie_vtloo
» 07:23 - Why not a tireshop?
» 08:15 - Check your own caps!
» 07:53 - Outro

Things you will need:
» Pliers
» Vice grips
» Torch
» Minitiature cutting disk (Dremel)
» Small flat head screwdriver
» Penetrating oil
» Proper grease
» Normal rubber valve stem caps (optional)

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Legal disclaimer:
All participants in the creation of this video assume no responsibility for the success, failure, or any outcome of any projects or methods used based on our content. This video is created for entertainment purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional help or advice. We are simply sharing our opinions and the path we followed that worked for us on the projects we have attempted.

[Hoggosor]

Tip: Taking Aluminum foil over the cap before heating it with the lighter will help against the dicolour (that makes it black) of the cap, if you where going to re-use it. (maybe you wouldn't in this case, but it is a great tip for other situations)

[eastofthegoodones.]

Now we have established that you are as dumb as me....that literally made me laugh. Yes, I too am that dumb...or maybe I was just ignorant. I thought the fancy valve stem caps looked great with my new wheels....I didn’t realize they were permanent!😂

[NumptyBrainStorm]

Ten seconds with a blowtorch-style lighter and then twisting with 2 pliers got it for me, corrosion was all the way up the threads, THANKS!!!

[ivoreekers]

You just made a 8min vid about valve caps, and it was even interesting enough to watch it completely...

[tony]

Thanks, I tried your tips definitely helped me open my mind but did not really open a valve. I had to use the rasp and rasp one site of the valve completely. Took about 20 minutes :).

[tommatta]

Cheap ass aluminum caps, 8 for $6…ugh. Very helpful information. Got the Dremel out, spent a few moments on each of the four stuck caps, and replaced them with even cheaper plastic ones!!! Great video!!! Now I have 146 cheapie leftover! lol

[airborneranger-ret]

Tried the pliers, tried the lighter, tried the grinder. All good. Thx :)

[SimonLloydGuitar]

The easiest method is to use a Dremel and disc. Either cut the end of the cap and pry ope with a screwdriver and unscrew or use the cutting disc and rub it up and down the body pf the valve cap and wear it away until you see the threads of the valve.
IF you must use pliers, or any type of gripping tool with teeth, wrap a piece of cloth or tape around the valve stem...Otherwise it will split and be chewed up as in the video.
When using alloy caps apply a bit of grease or copperslip before fitting.

[AnonYmous-iwrh]

---Galvanic Corrosion---

If you're valve stem is made out of Aluminum get ALUMINUM valve stem caps.

If your valve stem is made out of Brass get BRASS valve stem caps.

Never connect 2 dissimilar metals together....

[YORCC]

Oh those curbed rims :( they make my soul ache.

Good vid tho. I actually have a leaky valve so need a new one

[awemations]

I came hear because my bike tires plugs where stuck and this really helped me

[aikinneddam]

Good stuff! Two of my caps are stuck..looks like the same as yours but purple!

[madineuman]

i just wanna put cute caps on my tires but my dad told me they can get stuck on so im using this video as a guide for what to buy x ty ty

[kaleb_gearhart]

I was able to get mine unstuck by drilling a small hole in the top filling it with wd40 getting a ratchet that fit the end of the cap and using pliers so that stupid little rubber tube stoped spinning

[freddylawson]

All of mine are fused. I will try the heat and new plastic caps from now on.

[canisharamsey]

THANKYOU!!! The 2 plier method worked 👍🏽

[ColinMill]

In my case the valve caps were brass but the stems were aluminium with a coating to make them look brass.

[SimZimPL]

Wait, do you need to pay for tire compressor at a gas station in US? In Europe (at least in Poland) it's always free.

[Shoarmaking]

Did you try some more excessive thermal shock? A.k.a. heat the cap and then immediately cool it down with water? (No idea but the thought just popped up)

[AlmirTaranis]

I had that same model of aluminium caps and got stuck even i putty ceramic pastes onto stems 🤦‍♂️I had to grind caps with Dremel all the way to the threads. Duckt tape on pillars and 12 mm wrench got them off😂😂😂