Bicycle Mechanics - rattling against my rims

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jah
05-16-02, 05:22 AM
I am getting some noise from my stems rattling against my rims on my road bike. For some reason, only one valve stem has threads and even it had no nut securing it to the rim. The second stem is not threaded. I planned to use a small amount of clear silicon to stop the rattling - but then considered the possibility that there might need to be some opening around the stem for moisture reasons. Any suggestions?

John

mike
05-16-02, 06:23 AM
I've never heard of the stem of an inflated tire rattling against a rim. That is curious indeed.

It will be interesting to see what the other wrenches on BF.C have to say, but for the time being, I would look for another source of the noise.
ljbike
05-16-02, 07:13 AM
There are two types of valves: a thick rubber one with threads at the very top which are called SHRADER, and skinny metal ones with threads the full length called PRESTA. If there is a large opening around the presta valve it would be a good idea to put a rubber grommet (available at most LBS for a dollar or two) to keep the moisture OUT, not to LET it out. And there should be a nut on the stem (also available at the LBS) to hold it tight to the rim. IF there is stem noise this will stop it, but my experience is like Mike's, I've never heard of a noisy stem.

Fixing the stem might help you to isolate where the problem is really coming from. It could be nothing more than a slight rubbing of the rim against a brake pad, which can be fixed by truing the wheel or adjusting the brakes. (This can be determined by spinning the wheel and watching it as it goes past the pads.)

John E
05-16-02, 07:30 AM
The only stem rattle I have encountered arose from a loose nut on a Presta stem. Perhaps you have a loose spoke.
jah
05-16-02, 08:14 AM
Hi fellows - I should have noted that these are pesta valves. I usually run 110# avg pressure, but I can still flip the valves with my finger and get a noise from the valve/rim. It happens with both wheels, and I can hear it on a rough road surface (more like a rattle). I know most presta valves are threaded, but one of the two tubes has an unthreaded stem, and the other never had a knurled nut screwed down on the rim as I am used to.

John