I read a blurb on some 30 million defective tire valve stems from China in this month's HOT ROD magazine. Having looked into this issue because of that, it appears Ford has installed these valve stems in 2007 - 2008 vehicles, including the F-150. According to this article Ford has sent letters to one million vehicle owners for free inspection. I haven't received such a letter, but I will keep an eye on my valve stems.

The only real way to tell if you have the defective valve stems is to dismount the tire. The valve stems were made for Dil Air Controls Products and were recalled. Anyone who has had tires replaced since 2006 are at risk as well. Her is a link to Dill's inspection procedure.

From everything I've read, these valve stems begin developing cracks at the base of the stem, near the rim, on the outside. Keep an an eye on your valve stems. If one were to break, you would experience a rapid deflation, much like a blow out. Best case scenario would be that it develops a slow leak. Get the word out.

 

funny you mention. a friend of mine had one break on him while cleaning his rims a few weeks ago. would NOT have been fun as he's running 37's w/9 inches.

 

I got that letter in the mail from Ford a few months back.