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Valve Stem Failures with TPMS

February 12, 2016, 11:26:03 am

If this isn't the proper thread to ask this question, hopefully a moderator will move it to the proper thread.

Has anyone experienced valve stem failure because of the added weight of the TPMS sensors?
We will be purchasing a system soon and would like to know if this has been a problem for any of the members.

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Re: Valve Stem Failures with TPMS

Reply #1 – February 12, 2016, 11:44:25 am

The sensors need to be mounted on METAL valve stems.  Then, no issues.

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Re: Valve Stem Failures with TPMS

Reply #2 – February 12, 2016, 12:05:09 pm

"Fresh" stem grommets and good quality valve stems are required.

I put TPMS on our first coach (not a FT). I had two failures that I attributed to the TPMS. The stem grommets were old. The additional weight of the TPMS sender on the valve stem caused enough movement to cause the old grommets to leak. One tire slowly lost pressure only while the coach was in motion. The other failure allowed a tire to go flat. Both failures were repaired by replacing stem grommets. No patches were required.

I added TPMS to our FT coach a 18 months ago. I've been very pleased with the system. We do have valve stems extensions on the inside tires on the drive axle. The stems for the inner tires are stabilized with rubber grommets to keep the extensions centered in one of the holes in the wheel.

Before I added TPMS to the towed vehicle, I had my tire dealer install metal stems on the vehicle and balance the assembly with a TPMS sensor in place.

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Re: Valve Stem Failures with TPMS

Reply #3 – February 12, 2016, 01:17:27 pm

Just a note.  Few tire dealers will replace valve stem grommets when tires are replaced if not asked(demanded).  Also, if a tire pressure is allowed to go below 80% of required pressure, the tire should be replaced.

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Re: Valve Stem Failures with TPMS

Reply #4 – February 13, 2016, 01:42:49 am

I had a failure on my truck using the TST system.  Head weighed enough to force the stem back until it was cut.  As Bret mentioned, went to metal no problems.

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