TST 507RV Tire pressure monitor with metal valve stems

LiftedAWDAstro · 05-29-2014, 05:50 AM

I picked up a used TST 507RV kit from a member here and installed it on the rubber valve stems of my 26BH. I had read mixed reviews on whether or not the rubber valve stems would pose an issue so I decided to just run with it.

Mounted the display on the dash with double sided tape that came with it.

We hauled the camper on 2 trips so far and it really is a very nice system. I could feel I had a right side brake dragging a touch more than the rest because the Propride hitch actually causes the truck to pull slightly to the right when applying brakes. The temperature of the right rear tire runs about 10 degrees hotter than the others. All I need to do is back off the brake adjuster a couple clicks. No problem as I just serviced the brakes/bearings last fall.

I did notice an issue though after the 2 trips...

The rubber valve stems were flexing enough all 4 sensors were rubbing on the rim. Time for steel valve stems!

LiftedAWDAstro · 05-29-2014, 05:57 AM

I went to NAPA and picked up 4 of their chrome plated clamp-in tire valves, part number 90-438. These come with 2 sizes of rubber seals for the 2 different sizes of stem holes. They are rated to 200 psi as well.

Jacked up the tire I wanted to dismount...

Now is the hard part. How do I break the bead to install the new valve stems? First, remove the sensor and then the valve stem guts to relieve pressure. Then I pulled out my Hi-Lift jack and used the trailer tongue as my counter weight.

LiftedAWDAstro · 05-29-2014, 06:02 AM

Works like a charm! Go slow until the bead breaks. I just kneeled on the opposite side and used 1 hand on the jack and one on the handle. You don't want the Hi-lift to kick out!

Once the bead was popped all the way around, I just kneeled on the tire with the valve stem between my knees and cut the rubber stem out and carefully placed the new steel stem in. Then placed the conical washer and nut and tightened down with a 9/16" deep well socket. I couldn't find a torque spec so I just went until tight and stem was starting to spin. Hooked up and air nozzle and seated the beads.

Completed install. Mounted tire and torqued the lugs to 100 ft#.

Threebutchers · 05-29-2014, 06:12 AM

Good thought on popping the bead seal.....curious if you had the tires re-balanced?

LiftedAWDAstro · 05-29-2014, 06:16 AM

I did not have them balanced. They were not originally. Not sure if the extra weight will be an issues or not.

edatlanta · 05-29-2014, 11:36 AM

I had my metal stems mounted with the new tires and did have the sensors on for the balancing. I don't know how much difference the weight of the sensors would make since I had them on during the balancing.

**norty1** · 05-31-2014, 05:51 AM

I had mine valences when adding the metal stems. Did not leave the sensors on got that.

Ghostqix · 06-03-2014, 07:14 AM

I just bought a similar TST system but with the flow-through sensors. When mounted to the stems on the aluminum wheels, they stick out too far for my liking. If, for example, I were to drag the tires along a curb (not common, but hey, I'm not perfect), the sensors would grind against the curb and likely suffer serious damage. Consequently, I plan to install 90° metal stems, which would keep the sensors inside the width of the tire. Anybody else do that?

Dagwood · 07-05-2014, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostqix

Anybody else do that?

I posted this in the larger Thread for the TST sensors but just to reply to your question and for the benefit of readers that might visit this thread, Here is what I had done.

**norty1** · 07-05-2014, 07:42 PM

I hope you have success with those stems. I had leaks until I went all metal.

Dagwood · 07-05-2014, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

I hope you have success with those stems. I had leaks until I went all metal.

Frisby Tire here in Ottawa is a long time respected business but they seemed to imply that all metal was an issue for them. Then even flipped through part catalogues and this is what they came up with. I've seen the all metal stems online but have no idea what to order, or if they would work on my rims. If someone could point me in the right direction I would be much obliged. Reading threads never seems to reveal an actual source and type/product number

**norty1** · 07-06-2014, 05:42 AM

I bought mine at Advance Auto Parts. They fit both size holes depending on the gasket you use. They were in a 2pk for about $5 bucks.

LiftedAWDAstro · 07-06-2014, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dagwood

Reading threads never seems to reveal an actual source and type/product number

I posted the source and part number in the very first post...

Dagwood · 07-06-2014, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiftedAWDAstro

I posted the source and part number in the very first post...

Sorry, I meant 45 degree stems. The ones you used would stick out to far one the 507RV sensors are added. Being Cdn also presents challenges. I just seems nothing is easy to find that wouldn't involve high ship Costs and Duty/brokerage. I will scan that sight again. Thanks.

Ghostqix · 07-07-2014, 12:55 PM

I wish I'd seen Dagwood's photos before I bought and installed my 90° metal stems. After you add the flow-through sensor, there's not enough room to get an air chuck on the stem. Bummer. I ordered a set of the 45° stems and will install those.

The good news is that the TPMS system caught a slow leak at one of the newly installed stems and prompted us to top off the air on our way up north for the weekend.

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