TPMS and metal valve stems

DavidJay · 10-16-2018, 02:37 PM

As I read here, I run across suggestions to replace rubber valve stems with metal valve stems when installing a TPMS. I have a couple of questions:

1. Is this only necessary for the larger flow-through sensors or is it important for the smaller "cap" style sensors?

2. How critical is this with cap style sensors? I intend to replace tires after next season, can I "get by" for a year and install the metal valve stems with the tire replacement? I will likely put on less than 5000 miles next year.

**norty1** · 10-16-2018, 02:45 PM

When I first installed my TST system with the CAP style sensors, I started having leaks from the flexing of the valve stems. I replaced all of them with metal stems. like 1 inch, purchased a dozen from a local auto parts store in 2 packs. Cost about $2.50 each. I had all 8 of them changed out at my local tire store. No more intermittent leaks.

To wait or not would be your decision. BTW, they have lasted thru several sets of tires so it's not a regular expense. Just make sure to tell the tire store to leave them on and just change the schrader valve insert.

jimp · 10-16-2018, 03:56 PM

I was upgrading from OEM "china" tires and installed the metal valve stems at that time as I knew I was adding the TPMS into the mix.

Mopar_Earl · 10-16-2018, 04:20 PM

Metal bolt in, not metal stem with rubber bottoms. You should already have rubber base with metal stem. Those are high pressure.
I wouldn't risk it. While fairly light, it's under a lot of force. Wait till you have metal bolt in stems.

Earl

Lowmiler · 10-16-2018, 06:02 PM

Here’s another option. Used on classic Porsches since engineers realized the vulnerability while running high speed on the Autobahn. Adhesive backed, so easy to install without tire dismounting. Disclaimer: I have not measured to see if these would work on NP wheels.

Can be found online a few bucks cheaper, but this is at least a good photo of how they work.

Porsche Parts Valve Stem Support, Alloy

Force · 10-17-2018, 10:24 AM

FWIW, I have been running the pass through ones on my camper for the last 2 years on the stock, rubber valve stems. No issues and no leaks towing in the 65-68mph range typically.

Now, I should also point out that the rubber valve stems I have are about as short as they can get...

Timber · 10-17-2018, 10:47 AM

I used the rubber stems with the flow-though sensors for 4 years before changing tires and getting metal stems with no problems.

DavidJay · 10-18-2018, 10:19 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I'm still on the fence, it seems like a lot of bother to de-mount 4 tires just to replace valve stems.

allen8106 · 10-18-2018, 11:02 AM

I knew I was pushing my luck but I ran my TPMS for 5 years with the OEM rubber valve stems until I had a stem leak on I-40 with only the shoulder to pull off on. After that I changed to all metal stems. I had a hard time finding metal stems to fit my OEM wheels. Finally found the 17-428 from O'Reilly's Auto Parts.

Mopar_Earl · 10-18-2018, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJay

Thanks for all the replies. I'm still on the fence, it seems like a lot of bother to de-mount 4 tires just to replace valve stems.

Don't need to, just break the bead and swap them out.

Earl

robkelly · 10-20-2018, 04:29 AM

Ive been running the cap style sensors on rubber stems for five years and never had a problem.

blujay40 · 10-20-2018, 05:43 AM

Proactive or Reactive. It's your choice.

I sided on not waiting to find out if I would be ok and literally stopped by the local tire store on the way home from picking up our new Eagle to have metal stems installed.

Shorty Cox · 10-20-2018, 06:19 PM

My $.02 worth. When I first got my TPMS with the pass through sensors, I ran them on my rubber stems for three years with NO problem. I upgraded to metal stems when I replaced tires.

SkiSmuggs · 10-27-2018, 12:01 PM

When I asked for metal stems, my tire shop said they wouldn't work do to stem hold being in a curve. When I explained that I needed the longer metal part to fully seat the external TPMS sensors, they suggested high pressure valve stems instead. Those have been flawless for over 3 years.

SloPoke · 10-27-2018, 12:14 PM

Here is an informative article on stems, extensions and maximum pressure limits of each.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...jsp?techid=208

corv65 · 10-27-2018, 01:12 PM

I only use metal stems after loosing air pressure due to rubber stem also our TPMS screw on work great.

Corv65

Mrlin10000 · 10-27-2018, 04:19 PM

I have Tireminder tpms system. For the first two years I struggled with false alarms until I finally changed the rubber stems to metal. It was visible that the tpms sender was banging into the wheel rim. After changing to the metal stem no problems with tpms for the past two years. I travel at 5k miles per year. Change the stems now, it ain't that expensive where your safety is concerned.
Remember tires are the only thing connecting your rig to the road!

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