ALPINA wheel valves

[Raj]

Great thread. I need to do this on my E46 B3 but do not have the confidence to do it myself. Is there anyone around Birmingham or the midlands that can do this for me? Either a garage or a member? Happy to pay.

[PliSsK]

What 1/8 x 28 BSP helicoil kit did you use in the end? Can you recommend one? I had a look around and could only find 3 different ones: Uni-Thread 00478, V-Coil VC04190 (that does not include the 25/64" drill bit) and a Recoil kit.

Alloywheelsdirect in their description for these valves restate the ALPINA thread spec of 1/8 WW which is from what I understand incorrect.

BTW although the instruction sheet from ALPINA says to use Loctite 243 or 2701, they are different types of threadlocker, the 2701 is green and high strength and is the original used according to ALPINA. 243 is blue is medium strength and is what ALPINA told me to use when installing a new valve. Incidentally the blue Loctite threadlocker 'normal medium strength' that you can buy at most retailers has the same SDS as 243 so is in fact the same product it would seem.

ALPINA told me in an email:

'Changing the valve on a rim ain´t easy! You need to heat up the valve with a torch to melt the green Loctite which was trickeled to the thread in production process, otherwise you will damage the thread in the rim. You also need a thread cutter R 1/8" to clean and re-cut the thread in the rim, trickle some blue loctite to the new valve and screw it in.'

[Avtar]

If 25NM of torque is far too high, does anyone have guidance on what it should be?

[Charles]

If 25NM of torque is far too high, does anyone have guidance on what it should be?

Finger tight plus a nip!

[bibendum17]

If 25NM of torque is far too high, does anyone have guidance on what it should be?

5Nm, with Loctite 243 or 2701 threadlocker

[bibendum17]

Here is the official mounting instructions for internal tyre valve

______________________________________________________

Please pay attention to the following:

0. Expert knowledge is required!

1. Required tools:
1/4" reversible ratchet with 13mm wrench socket
Torque wrench (5 Nm)
Thread tap 1/8" Whitworth
Air gun

2. Helpful hints:
2.1. Remove tyre from wheel rim.
2.2. Tyre valve is safeguarded against unscrewing and is sealed with an O-ring seal.
2.3. Heat valve with a hot air blower between 80°C and 100°C (take care not to damage the paint!)
and screw it out.
Screw the valve carefully one turn out and afterwards a half turn in.
Repeat this process until the valve is unscrewed.
2.4. Recut the thread with a threading tap (Whitworth 1/8") and clean the thread.Blow compressed air
through the drilling in the spoke at the base of the rim. (Attention: Wear safety goggles!)
2.5. Clean sealing area with solvent.
2.6. Screw in the new valve with Loctite 243 or 2701 and tighten to 5 Nm.
(Instructions for using Loctite have to be taken into account!)
2.7. Mount tyre after 24 hour drying time, inspect tightness and check air pressure.
2.8. Check tyre air pressure again in 2 days´ time.