TheSamba.com :: View topic - Insane, but I can't add air to my Western Mag Wheels

Tue Oct 07, 2025 7:31 am

Hi all,
I have a 77 bug with Western mag wheels. Where the valve stem comes out it points directly at one of the "mag spokes" so there is a bout a 1/2" of clearance between the stem and the mag. I cannot get any type of air fill into there except the old school "chuck" kind that you can put on an air hose. The ones at the gas station don't fit and neither do any of my inflators, Milwaukee and Ryobi, I tried to get some 90 degree adapters for the inflators but those did not fit either. I can fill my tires at home with my compressor but they all seem to leak after a while so on road trips this becomes a pain. Anybody with these wheels have a solution?

Tue Oct 07, 2025 8:10 am

photos help...maybe long valve stems were installed instead of short ones

Tue Oct 07, 2025 8:20 am

Maybe fix the air leaks.... is it the wheels or the tires leaking?

Tue Oct 07, 2025 8:22 am

runamoc wrote: photos help...maybe long valve stems were installed instead of short ones

I will post some up when I get home. I actually did not know they made "short" valve stems. I knew they made long ones for trucks. These seem pretty normal size, about 3/4-1" out of the rim.

Tue Oct 07, 2025 8:24 am

ps2375 wrote: Maybe fix the air leaks.... is it the wheels or the tires leaking?

Brand new tires, and brand new valve stems. The air leaks are not bad, maybe a few lbs every two weeks but I do take the car all over and it would be nice to use the inflator that I bring with me. Also they seem to leak more with temp changes but being here in Florida that is not a huge issue.

Tue Oct 07, 2025 8:31 am

Quote: leak more with temp changes

Temperature changes change tire pressure readings. This is why the stated pressures are read cold. A hot tire will 'show' a higher temp than when it's cold.

A guy at the tire shop told me they make a fortune with the temperature turns colder. Peoples 'low pressure' TPMS lights come on. Right tire pressure in summer low tire pressure in fall.

Tue Oct 07, 2025 9:27 am

FLDaveMobile wrote: I tried to get some 90 degree adapters for the inflators but those did not fit either. I can fill my tires at home with my compressor but they all seem to leak after a while so on road trips this becomes a pain. Anybody with these wheels have a solution?

Have you submerged the tires to see where they are leaking? Most tire shops have a tub for this purpose if you don't have a suitable container. Regarding the valve stems, you might want to consider replacing the ones you have with 90 or 45 degree stems, like this from Summit:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bkm-15-1414?srs...-rIe7EYVak

Tue Oct 07, 2025 4:30 pm

I had a similar issue. My 40 year old air chuck's pin was so worn out that it was recessed to the point that it couldn't push the stem in the wheel.

Wed Oct 08, 2025 6:50 am

Maybe some 90 degree valve stems would work? That's what I'm using on my Advan SA3Rs.

Not the best picture but hopefully you get the idea.

Here's an Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/valve-Degree-Motorcycle-angled-valves/dp/B09CZ1W7KM