kurtruk

Hello everybody,
Just want to share and at the same time warn you against using non OEM aftermarket air valve caps. I purchased a set from Ebay made by TVG Mfg.
When I tried to remove them to refill air into my tires they broke the air stem/valve so now I have to replace whole tire pressure monitoring sensor. I was so stupid that I broke 3 out of four.
I patched hissing valves somehow and drove rapidly to nearest tire shop . They could not order any 2010 Acura TL original ones in stock so I asked them to put regular rubber stems without tpms.
Today I already ordered 3 OEM sensors.
Where should I have it installed? Dealership or regular tire shop? Do I need to program it? I know I have to buy new washer, seal etc...
Here is the link to picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7278182...57636772139716

I already calculated that this $5 mistake gonna cost me $300

weather

^^ Well, at least you have a valuable lesson....trying to save money can actually cost you more money!!

That being said, once your OEM valve arrive, you can take them to either the dealer or a reputable tire place. Myself, when it comes to tire, the dealer is not always the best place to go but make sure that wherever you decide to go, that you ask them to be careful about removing the tires off the rims and not do any more damage.

As far as the OEM TPMS...they are self locating but I think the initial install needs to get them programmed. Once they are programmed, you can rotate the tires and such and they will self locate.

Either the dealer or a good tire shop will enable the TPMS and shouldn't be any problems.

Keep us posted and best of luck....

potmilkz

so why did you want to use non-oem valve caps? is it because they look cool?

i see no point of changing the oem caps to anything else but oem stuff..

vivmike

OP --->

Kenstlshawd

iTrader: (2)

I use the aluminum caps from Pepboys and never have any issues. The Pepboys caps are only a few bucks to.
The oem sensors don't need any programming. Have them install and call it a day.

dirtyo2000

How do you break a valve stem?

probmxstyle

Did you tighten them with a wrench or something? I am willing to bet that they were too tight.

potmilkz

a seized cap can tear the thread part of the valve stem off.. if left too long..

wreak

I feel bad for you, it definitely sounds like someone over tightened them.

jim_c

Wow, noom. (new one on me!)

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

metal stem caps can bind via chemical reaction to valve stems, just fyi for future reference

google search 'valve stems stuck' or something similar and check out all the results.

potmilkz

heat shrinks metal,, so if you attempted to take the valve stems off right after you drove the car.. it can be a problem.. shrinking metal + threads do not work well..

wreak

Especially with cheap caps made from god knows what with shitty threads. Lesson learned the hard way on this one.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Sorry Kurt....

kurtruk

Caps were actually hardened plastic ones. Last time tires been refilled with those caps on were at the dealership. I have a feeling they over tighten them.

Hogan9166

iTrader: (1)

LOL...I think you may have missed a few days of science class. Heat expands metal as its atoms gain more kinetic energy. Your theory is false.

potmilkz

or the other way around lol.. someshit like that.