Air leaking at the valve stem of my rim strip
I am using a Stan’s NoTubes conversion kit/rim strip on my existing wheels:
There could be an issue with the rim strip. First, check to be sure that you are using the proper rim strip for your rim using our Rim Strip Finder. Not using the correct rim strip can allow air to escape between the rim strip and the bead of the tire into the cavity of the rim and out near the valve stem. Also check to see if the rim strip itself is cut or damaged or if the valve stem is tearing away from the rim strip. Note that in manufacturing the rim strip, the valve is inserted from the back side and the seal is created along the visible oval shape. A separation on the top along the valve base is normal.
I am using a Stan’s NoTubes rim/wheel:
All Stan’s NoTubes rims are designed to be run tubeless with just our yellow tape and universal tubeless valves installed. (1 layer on mountain bike rims, 2 layers on road rims) If air seems to be coming out from around the valve stem there could be an issue in that area. The rubber stopper of the valve could be pulling away from the rest of the valve. If this happening, replace the valve stem. Also make sure that the yellow tape is not split or cut beyond the edge of the valve hole. If it is, replace the yellow tape and carefully cut a new hole for the valve stem. Check to see if the tape is cut, punctured, or otherwise damaged around the rest of the wheel as well. Just because the air seems to be coming out around the valve doesn’t mean that it can’t be escaping somewhere else and traveling through the rim cavity. Also be sure that you are using the proper width yellow tape for your rim. Check our rim strip section in the FAQ center to idenify the proper width of tape for your particular rim.
I’m having trouble installing my rim strip
Did you check out our Tubeless Kit installation video in the Help Center?
Rim strip is torn at the valve area
Rim strips tearing at the valve stem is most commonly caused by over tightening the valve stem nut. The valve stem nut only needs to be hand tight. Do not use any sort of wrench or pliers to tighten the valve stem nut. Though very unlikely due to the bonding process, if your rim strip is found to be torn or damaged out of the box, please call to set up a return and warranty replacement.
Damaged rim strip
If you damage the rim strip with a screwdriver, tire lever, or other sharp tool it will void the warranty. Rough handling of pump heads on the valve or over-tightening the valve stem nut can pull the valve out of the rim strip, and is not covered under warranty policy. Stan’s warranty policy covers manufacturing defects in the rim strips, not damage caused by misuse.
I can’t get my tire inflated
Check out our MTB Wheel Setup Guide and also our Tubeless Kit installation video in the Help Center. Keep in mind that a compressor may be necessary to inflate some tires. Use soapy water on the tire bead to help the tire slip into the bead seat. Removing the valve core will increase the air flow through the valve for a quicker burst of air to make inflation easier. Also be sure that the tire beads are sitting on either side of the valve hole, not covering the hole. If the tire fits loosely with the rim strip installed it may be necessary to build up the center channel of the rim with a layer of Velox tape.
My tire is not holding air
Check for leaks with soap and water. Shake the sealant to areas of the tire where bubbles occur to seal them. If you’re using a Stan’s rim, check to make sure the yellow tape is installed correctly and that it has not been cut, punctured, or otherwise damaged. Thoroughly check that the yellow tape has not split around the valve hole. The yellow tape should not be cut or split beyond the opening of the valve hole in the rim. If you are using one of our conversion rim strips check for proper installation and that it has not been cut, punctured, or otherwise damaged.