Valve Stem/TPM question

**1fastsedan** · 11-08-2006, 08:56 PM

I purchased a set of rims off of ebay last week. On the pics you could see that the TPMs were still in the rims with the valve caps on, so I didn't ask any questions about them. Well when they actually showed up at my house, there were no needles in valve stem. Looks like when they unmounted the tires they just used some needle nose pliers and ripped out the needles to let all the pressure out. I used to see that done with the whole valve stem. The TPM body is still there, but no needle. Is there any way to replace just the needle? Maybe break down a standard valve stem and put the needle in the TPMs? Any help would be very appreciated (about $100-125 for new TPMs appreciated).

**GR8DODG** · 11-08-2006, 09:05 PM

Are they just standard schrader valves?

If so- you can get a schrader valve tool for a couple bucks, and sumply replace them with new schrader valves- you can buy schrader valves from most auto parts stores.

A schrader valve is the needle thing in the valve stem- it is also used in bike tires, and on cars they have commonly used them as bleeder valves on your fuel rails.

The schrader valve tool looks like a small T-wrench- the valves themselves generally just screw into the valve stem.

**Jaak** · 11-08-2006, 10:40 PM

Yeah, they're the same. You should be able to just buy the valves and put them in with a tool. Both are readily available...

**1fastsedan** · 11-09-2006, 01:25 AM

Thank you both. I've worked on cars for a bit over 15 years and I'm embarassed to say that I never knew that valve was an individual piece. We always just replaced the whole valve stem. After a quick trip to AutoZone and $4 later, all 4 wheels are ready for rubber. Thanks again.

**fnkychkn** · 11-09-2006, 01:33 AM

from FSM:
CAUTION: Tire pressure sensor valve stem caps and cores are specially designed for the sensors. Due to risk of corrosion, do not use a standard valve stem cap or core in a tire pressure sensor in place of the original equipment style sensor cap and core.

not sure if regular valve cores would cause a problem in the long term. never tried it.

**Jaak** · 11-09-2006, 06:45 AM

That's great fnky! You don't happen to have a part number?

When I looked in to this I couldn't see that you coul buy the parts separately. Fortunately, being in SoCal, he's not at great risk, with the dry climate and lack of salt on the roads in the winter.

But for sure, anyone who is in a climate that's harsh, such as winter with the salt on the road, needs to watch it. The dealer I got my car from, Ontario Chrysler, put a metal cap on one valve (they come with plastic ones) and it corroded on to the stem and absolutely would not release.

Another dealer replaced it under warranty to deal with Ontario Chrysler's stupidity.

So it's a real issue. But I don't know that you can get the parts separately and fortunately 1fastsedan is in an area that wouldn't be as likely to suffer from it.

Any suggestions as to a lubricant perhaps, that should be applied to reduce the chances of this happening? (or a part number for the valve core?)

I guess they made the stem out of aluminum because the rim is. But then it reacts with other metals in other places instead when bathed in salt water.

**fnkychkn** · 11-09-2006, 07:14 AM

sorry to say, they are not available seperately, which is why i save the cores and caps whenever i replace the sensors.

living in So-Cal, i don't imagine corrosion would be much of a problem. good catch jaak.

**1fastsedan** · 11-09-2006, 11:43 AM

Thanks so much for the info guys. I think I'm going to use the AutoZone cores for now. With the lack of water here, I figure I"ll be OK on corrosion until the battery wears out in the TPM. If not, at least I'll delay buying new TPMs for period of time. Spreading out car expenditures keeps the wife MUCH happier.

**srt61** · 11-09-2006, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by fnkychkn

from FSM:
CAUTION: Tire pressure sensor valve stem caps and cores are specially designed for the sensors. Due to risk of corrosion, do not use a standard valve stem cap or core in a tire pressure sensor in place of the original equipment style sensor cap and core.

not sure if regular valve cores would cause a problem in the long term. never tried it.

That is very useful information which I did not previously know, and apparently my Chrysler Service department doesn't either as they admired my HEMI valve caps.

Thanks for providing.

**fnkychkn** · 11-09-2006, 07:12 PM

i beleive the only difference is that the cores are stainless steel and the caps are sealed with an o-ring.

**Twisties** · 11-09-2006, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by fnkychkn

from FSM:
CAUTION: Tire pressure sensor valve stem caps and cores are specially designed for the sensors. Due to risk of corrosion, do not use a standard valve stem cap or core in a tire pressure sensor in place of the original equipment style sensor cap and core.

not sure if regular valve cores would cause a problem in the long term. never tried it.

that is funny had to go look and nissan says the same thing glad i have a crap load at work (the nissan sensors are always going out)

**Jaak** · 11-09-2006, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by fnkychkn

sorry to say, they are not available seperately, which is why i save the cores and caps whenever i replace the sensors.

living in So-Cal, i don't imagine corrosion would be much of a problem. good catch jaak.

Yeah, I actually knew you couldn't get them separately, but I figured I'd keep quiet in case you found a way to get them!

Originally Posted by srt61

That is very useful information which I did not previously know, and apparently my Chrysler Service department doesn't either as they admired my HEMI valve caps.

Thanks for providing.

Neither did the dealer that ruined one of mine by putting on steel cap that had...

Originally Posted by fnkychkn

i beleive the only difference is that the cores are stainless steel and the caps are sealed with an o-ring.

An O ring in the top and still corroded to the aluminum of the valve so badly that I still can't peel the bits off it. It's a real mess... Nothing but a plastic cap. The OEM ones are grey, which blends in... So don't lose them!!!! They can't be bought separately either, they come with the valve/sender assembly.

**quarky42** · 11-10-2006, 11:25 AM

Did you try searching google for stainless steel schrader valves ?

I found this:
http://www.spudtech.com/detail.asp?id=44

but I can't tell if the valve itself is stainless steel or just the housing.

Might be out there somewhere even if mopar won't sell them seperately.