Spare tire stem

[Meir]

Hello guys.
Was working on my cat today, and noticed that my spare tire is inflated.
Started filling it up to the 60 psi as it say on the tire, and then noticed that it is leaking air from the stem. Not from the valve, but from the rubber stem itself.
It has a small hole in it.
So I drove to the local tire place thinking it’s an easy fix.
The guy tells me that the Porsche has a “special” stem that they don’t have, and even if I buy it, only the dealer can fix it
Is that tru or he is just being lazy?

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Meir

Hello guys.
Was working on my cat today, and noticed that my spare tire is inflated.
Started filling it up to the 60 psi as it say on the tire, and then noticed that it is leaking air from the stem. Not from the valve, but from the rubber stem itself.
It has a small hole in it.
So I drove to the local tire place thinking it’s an easy fix.
The guy tells me that the Porsche has a “special” stem that they don’t have, and even if I buy it, only the dealer can fix it
Is that tru or he is just being lazy?

If it looks like a conventional valve stem it's just a matter of replacing it. Call around to other shops, it's difficult to replace because the wheel is so narrow.

[Meir]

Thanks BY.
I’m thinking to give up on the spare tire all together, and carry a flat tire kit of some sort. Just like the modern cars do.

[NewArt]

Originally Posted by Meir

Thanks BY.
I’m thinking to give up on the spare tire all together, and carry a flat tire kit of some sort. Just like the modern cars do.

Anyway, just how far can you trust a 16 year old tire?

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by NewArt

Anyway, just how far can you trust a 16 year old tire?

I'd trust the 27-year old spare in my 911. Then again it's a collapsible tire and built a little differently. Also those aren't exactly available anymore in that size.

The Continental spare should be available through a Conti dealer. Even Conti's site for spare tires shows the 9x6 temporary wheel.

[Meir]

Originally Posted by NewArt

Anyway, just how far can you trust a 16 year old tire?

that is exactly the point, and why i'm not going to look for a used replacement.
the rubber itself looks in outstanding shape. i guess they are made different than regular tires. just need a new stem.

[clickman]

My theory is that the spare tire is protected from the elements including sun so the rubber should still be ok...

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by clickman

My theory is that the spare tire is protected from the elements including sun so the rubber should still be ok...

UV rays & ozone is what deteriates the rubber so just follow the rules, (60mph max & 60psi) and you should be ok. Inspect the tire for any cracks in the rubber.
I still use my oe spacesaver.

[JFP in PA]

We have a customer with a completely original 1989 Caddy (looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor) that still has its original space saver spare, which also looks brand new, even though it has been used a few times. If that tire can support nearly three tons of detroit's finest iron, your space saver will also be fine.......

[dghii]

JFP,
Is there anything unique to the spares valve stem as the OP was told?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by dghii

JFP,
Is there anything unique to the spares valve stem as the OP was told?

Not to my knowledge; valve stems come in several lengths and base diameters and are pretty much a stock item, so unless Porsche had used some weird diameter, I cannot see how it is anything special.

[dghii]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Not to my knowledge; valve stems come in several lengths and base diameters and are pretty much a stock item, so unless Porsche had used some weird diameter, I cannot see how it is anything special.

Thank you. No problem with my spare but I have had a few cracked valve stems over the years.