Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What vehicles use the TR438?
The TR438 is for wheels with a narrow 0.350-inch (8.9mm) valve hole, the specification used on VW, Audi, and select other European vehicles. It cross-references OEM part number 0004002913, making it a direct replacement for compatible applications. Always verify the valve hole diameter before ordering, as the TR438 will not fit standard 0.453-inch or 0.625-inch holes.
What happens if I install a standard TR413 on a TR438 application?
A 0.453-inch stem is too large to snap correctly into a 0.350-inch hole and will not seal, causing immediate air loss. Always match the stem to the wheel's exact valve hole spec. If the vehicle is VW, Audi, or a European model and you are unsure, measure before ordering.
What is the TR438 made of?
EPDM synthetic rubber body conforming to SAE J1205/J1206 standards, with a chrome-plated brass Schrader core pre-installed. EPDM resists ozone, UV, and temperature extremes better than natural rubber.
Can the TR438 be used on TPMS-equipped wheels?
No. Many European vehicles with the 0.350-inch hole also have TPMS, so it is especially important to confirm whether the wheel is TPMS-equipped before installing a standard rubber stem. TPMS wheels require a dedicated TPMS valve stem.
How often should valve stems be replaced?
OEM guidelines recommend replacing rubber valve stems every time new tires are mounted. Rubber degrades from ozone exposure, heat cycling, and age, which can cause slow leaks even when the tire itself is fine.
TR438 Rubber Snap-In Tire Valve Stem - 0.350" - 25 Valves
The TR438 is a rubber snap-in tire valve stem for wheels with the narrow 0.350" valve hole - the specification used on VW, Audi, and select other European vehicles. Cross-reference: 0004002913. Standard 65 PSI max cold pressure rating.
- Valve Hole: 0.350" narrow diameter - designed specifically for VW, Audi, and select European vehicles using the smaller valve hole standard.
- Max Cold Pressure: 65 PSI - rated for all standard passenger car tire inflation pressures.
- EPDM Rubber Body: Weather and ozone-resistant compound maintains a reliable airtight seal in all conditions.
- Standard Schrader Core: Chrome-plated core for consistent, leak-free inflation and deflation.
- Cross-Reference: 0004002913 - direct OEM cross-reference for compatible VW and Audi applications.
- Pack Size: Sold in 100-piece bags - standard shop quantity for tire service operations.
Description
The TR438 is a rubber snap-in tire valve stem for wheels with the narrow 0.350" valve hole - the specification used on VW, Audi, and select other European vehicles. Cross-reference: 0004002913. Standard 65 PSI max cold pressure rating.
- Valve Hole: 0.350" narrow diameter - designed specifically for VW, Audi, and select European vehicles using the smaller valve hole standard.
- Max Cold Pressure: 65 PSI - rated for all standard passenger car tire inflation pressures.
- EPDM Rubber Body: Weather and ozone-resistant compound maintains a reliable airtight seal in all conditions.
- Standard Schrader Core: Chrome-plated core for consistent, leak-free inflation and deflation.
- Cross-Reference: 0004002913 - direct OEM cross-reference for compatible VW and Audi applications.
- Pack Size: Sold in 100-piece bags - standard shop quantity for tire service operations.