Valve stem caps corroded
#1
Valve stem caps corroded
I went to put air in my tires today and the valve covers were stuck on. They came off easily enough with a socket wrench, but clearly were corroded on. These were the factory stem covers (have N2 written on them). Is this to be expected? Anybody have a recommended replacement set that might not do this and looks nice? Amazon seems to be filled with cheap ones where people complain of the same thing.
#2
User Awaiting Email Confirmation
How were you able to get them off with a socket wrench when they're round caps? Mine are grey plastic and have no markings on them. Your dealer might have put their own on there and caused the issue. This was an issue with early TPMS stems when they were putting on metal caps that would corrode onto the stems. Some could be coaxed off by using some tongue pliers, but a lot of times, the cap would take the stem with it. It got to the point that if they were corroded on, I'd send them to the dealer as many were warrantying them due to the widespread issue. Since then, every automaker I've known has switched to plastic caps and I haven't heard of an issue unless someone uses aftermarket metal caps.
Moral of the story, use plastic caps. Also, there's absolutely no need to tighten the bejesus out of them. I've had plenty of plastic caps I've had to fight to get off as well due to being wrenched on there. It only requires to be snugged down to stay on there ... even the most gentle of grips is enough to torque them down enough to stay on. Once I feel a bit of resistance of it bottoming out, I stop ... and I've never lost a single cap.
Moral of the story, use plastic caps. Also, there's absolutely no need to tighten the bejesus out of them. I've had plenty of plastic caps I've had to fight to get off as well due to being wrenched on there. It only requires to be snugged down to stay on there ... even the most gentle of grips is enough to torque them down enough to stay on. Once I feel a bit of resistance of it bottoming out, I stop ... and I've never lost a single cap.
The following users liked this post:
jmhumr (12-27-2020)
#5
Skeptic
Mine are grey plastic. CHEAP grey plastic.
Once I bought a set of nice, chrome plated valve caps, just to spiff things up a bit. Somebody stole them. People will steal whatever they can. Knew a guy who had his wiper blades stolen. Nothing special about them and they weren't even new. A pair of mostly worn $6 Anco wiper blades. We get in his car, he turns on the wipers and the bare arms are just scratching across the windshield.
People suck.
Once I bought a set of nice, chrome plated valve caps, just to spiff things up a bit. Somebody stole them. People will steal whatever they can. Knew a guy who had his wiper blades stolen. Nothing special about them and they weren't even new. A pair of mostly worn $6 Anco wiper blades. We get in his car, he turns on the wipers and the bare arms are just scratching across the windshield.
People suck.
#7
Mine are grey plastic. CHEAP grey plastic.
Once I bought a set of nice, chrome plated valve caps, just to spiff things up a bit. Somebody stole them. People will steal whatever they can. Knew a guy who had his wiper blades stolen. Nothing special about them and they weren't even new. A pair of mostly worn $6 Anco wiper blades. We get in his car, he turns on the wipers and the bare arms are just scratching across the windshield.
People suck.
Once I bought a set of nice, chrome plated valve caps, just to spiff things up a bit. Somebody stole them. People will steal whatever they can. Knew a guy who had his wiper blades stolen. Nothing special about them and they weren't even new. A pair of mostly worn $6 Anco wiper blades. We get in his car, he turns on the wipers and the bare arms are just scratching across the windshield.
People suck.
Trending Topics
#8
Drifting
I once stole a small package of cookies from a store when I was in elementary school, (4th grade). A "Friend" of mine encouraged 3 of us to leave campus and go get "real stuff" to eat during lunch. We were all caught and our parents called. The store didn't press any charges, but I will never forget this, and have never knowingly taken anything that was not mine since.
#9
Well, I would say that it's one thing to do something wrong if you're a kid -- although having a kid that age suggest leaving school when you're in elementary school is pretty mind-boggling to me and probably should lead to the old school ass-beating at home -- and another thing to do it as an adult. If someone's driving a car, they're old enough to know better and I don't cut them any breaks.
The following users liked this post:
JB in AZ (12-27-2020)
#10
Drifting
Well, I would say that it's one thing to do something wrong if you're a kid -- although having a kid that age suggest leaving school when you're in elementary school is pretty mind-boggling to me and probably should lead to the old school ass-beating at home -- and another thing to do it as an adult. If someone's driving a car, they're old enough to know better and I don't cut them any breaks.
But then I also "married" a girl in 6th grade during lunch! I had forgotten all about that also! She was very pretty, I have no idea where she is today or even the next year in 7th grade...my parents had moved to a different town.
#12
Racer
As for replacement caps, I’d avoid the metal ones on Amazon and find the OEM accessory ones. Apply anti-seize grease when installing.
I’d frankly like to find some plastic Acura ones to avoid any hassle. I don’t know why people even make them out of metal - it doesn’t look that much better to risk ruining your stems.
#13
Suzuka Master
https://www.acuraoemparts.com/oem-pa...pl4200b?c=az0x
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/rp-part-images/assets/60d179e186ab5dbe09d67fab0ffb93c0.png)
#14
Racer
Dont know about chrome, but ASPEC ones are plastic and well made.
https://www.acuraoemparts.com/oem-pa...pl4200b?c=az0x
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/rp-part-images/assets/60d179e186ab5dbe09d67fab0ffb93c0.png)
https://www.acuraoemparts.com/oem-pa...pl4200b?c=az0x
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/rp-part-images/assets/60d179e186ab5dbe09d67fab0ffb93c0.png)
#16
I didn’t pay extra, that’s just how my tires came. It’s weird that Acura delivered the car this way. Sounds like my short term solution of black plastic caps might be best for the long term too. The Acura ones look good, but not sure they are worth the headache as I’ll inevitably lose one I’m sure.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post