Those rubber valve stem isolators in your aluminum wheels matter.

[Rich W.]

I had one fall between the duals (still hanging on the valve stem extension) and I put it back where it belongs but didn’t think to inspect the valve stem extension. When I got tires today the tire guy found a lot of wear on one of the valve stem extensions. We held it up to the wheel (Accuride alum rims on a Newmar) and figured out that it was rubbing on the edge of the D slot in the rim when the rubber was out of place.

So if this happens to you inspect the valve stem extender. Mine was pretty close to failing which would of course make the tire go down quite quickly and at best cause a roadside delay and a bunch of hassles. At worst, well we’ve all heard the stories…

 

[Scooterfan]

Hmmm...how does one inspect it (without taking off the wheel) ? Plus, I'm a bit dense and can't figure out exactly what happened to your's. Was it loose and hitting the edge of the opening ? Sorry Rich, I just need more guidance

 

[Rich W.]

Its an extension so the place to inspect is where it goes through the opening in the outside rear dual. It was hitting the edge of the opening. Its just chrome plated brass so I guess the forged aluminum won, probably also because it has fairly sharp edge where it holds the rubber isolator. The new extensions are also about an inch longer which should help avoid this.

 

[Neal]

I had the same issue as my grommets would come out. I had to silicone them in place. Freightliner has a newer style grommet I'm sure they'll replace yours for free as they did mine. The new ones have remained in place since changed out.

 

[Rich W.]

I’ll check in to that. Who did you contact at FL? Like the new profile pic btw…

 

[Neal]

I’ll check in to that. Who did you contact at FL? Like the new profile pic btw…

My tech for my service whom I mentioned the issue to. I had to make a point of telling them about this so it was siliconed in each time as I always found them popped out. At my last service I did the usual message and he told me of the new design and it seems to work. I suggest just calling them and ask parts about it or if you go to Gaffney ask at your next visit.