![]() This starts with the TPMS system, both maintaining and evolving it. By taking the right preemptive steps, drivers and mechanics can help bring this number down. More than 70,000 accidents a year are caused by improper tire inflation. Additionally, replacing all of the service parts ensures a proper sealing of the TPMS sensor on the wheel. If the corroded valve stem compromises the sensor, it can cause problems with your tires as well as your TPMS system, including air leakage and incorrect air pressure or temperature readings. If the valve stem is compromised for any reason, then it is likely that the TPMS sensor is also compromised. Many factors caused this corrosion, such as the natural elements that accumulated on the sensor, road salt, and bimetallic reaction with the wheel itself. This led to many problems, one of the biggest being corrosion of the metal parts. In the past, all of these pieces would be reused during tire or TPMS sensor service. Every time you perform tire service on a TPMS equipped wheel, the TPMS sensor service kit parts, such as the nut, washer, seal, valve core, and cap must be replaced, because these parts are designed for one-time use only. TPMS sensors only need to be replaced if damaged or if the battery is worn out, and the durable Continental metal valve stem is also reusable unless it is damaged. When do TPMS sensors and it’s parts need to be replaced? Of course, these components do not last forever, so proper maintenance and replacement is required to keep the entire TPMS system operating at peak efficiency. These small parts include the valve stem, valve core, valve cap, nut, washer, and seal. Why? On some stems, the sensor could come in contact with the wheel as the stem is pulled with the sensor attached.TPMS sensors are comprised of the sensor itself along with many other small parts. The second method is to attach the sensor to the valve stem and then insert it into the wheel. The first method is installing the valve stem in the rim and then attaching the sensor. There are two installation methods depending on the type of snap-in valve stem you are installing. These valves have a longer cap than a non-TPMS valve stem.īehind the stem is a mounting point for a self-tapping screw that holds the sensor to the stem. The difference is that the molded rubber on the snap-in valve stem does not reach the threads and there is a tapered shoulder. Snap-in sensors can look like regular rubber valve stems. Sealing grommets are engineered to work at a specific torque. Leaks cannot be eliminated by tightening the nut more. Some TPMS service kits include the torque spec in the package. Don’t guess on the torque for the nut – look up the torque specifications for the vehicle you are servicing to make sure you use the correct figures. The typical torque values for the base nuts on a TPMS valve stem range from as low as 35 in.-lbs. The new nut may have coatings on the threads that prevent corrosion and leaks. The material of choice is typically aluminum. The nut is made of a softer metal than the stem, so it can be damaged or develop hairline cracks if it is over-tightened. If the seal is reused, it could cause a slow leak. The instant the nut is torqued, the seal/grommet starts to take on the shape of the surfaces it is sealing against. Grommets conform to the mating surface of the wheel. Mounting the sensor upside-down can cause relearn and transmission problems. The potted side of the sensor is to be positioned toward the wheel. When inserting the sensor through the wheel, keep pressure against the rear of the metal valve stem. This can change the torque values and cause you to snap the stem. Do not lubricate or use a sealant in this area. Pieces of the old seal can cause a slow leak. Clamp-on StemsĪnytime a clamp-on TPMS sensor is reused or replaced on a wheel, it is necessary to install new seals and valve stem nuts to ensure proper sealing around the sensor valve stem. No matter the type of stem, carelessness can result in a broken sensor or even a customer being stranded with a flat tire. For 99% of wheel and tire assemblies, the TPMS sensor is either a clamp-on metal valve or a snap-in rubber stem.
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