Should i worry about this??

[Skid Jackson]

i went to put air in my tires and i noticed that the valve caps were missing and the little threaded washer thingy that screws down the stem to the rim is missing too!! Both tires no less?? i have never had these disappear before. I got valve caps at the auto parts store. The only way to get the threaded washer things is to buy some new tubes. This isn't a big deal because i've only been out a couple of times and i'm still putting things together for the season!! Are those threaded washers really that important. It would seem that not having them would be a good way to stress things around the stem and cause a flat. Just curious what your opinion is.

Forgetaboutit and go ride

or

Tighten those babies down, unless your looking for tube changin practice!

I went to the hardware store but couldn't find any nuts that would match the thread!! :(

 

[zilla]

I never use the threaded washer thingies, cept when installing a new tire/tube adn then remove it before riding.. If that thing is on the rim and your tire slips, then the stem will pull out of the tube, instant flat.. I know, that's what rimlox are for, but the tire still seems to slip a little.. As for the valve caps, they keep the dirt out..

 

[smb_racing]

I put mine on, but never tighten them down all the way, they're just there to keep the valve stem tight whilst adding air or installing the tube. I know many "nutless" riders ;)

 

[MX-727]

I tighten the nut back up against the valve cap. Keeps the cap on and you still have the nut if you need to use it to keep the valve stem from pushing through the rim.

 

[canucklehead]

I've made the mistake TWICE now of snugging those nuts down to the rim. The tire shifts, and rips the valve stem out, flat tire. I agree with MX-727, that's the right way in my opinion.

Dave