So what is the real deal with the TPMS sensers in the wheel? Ive done some review searching the internet and asking Mechanic types I know that work in Automotive repair shops! My 2010 JK has rubber valve stems. What I have seen on the net appears that the senser is sorta just shoved in the back side of the valve stem inside the wheel. Asking Mechanic guys I get mixed answers? Some say that on the sensors that use a rubber valve stem the stem is nothing special and one can just use a common rubber valve stem to rebuild them at the time of tire replacement. Others say it is a special stem.

I would like to believe it is just a common stem and the tire shops are trying to tell people it takes special parts that are $6 plus per wheel to rebuild the sensors to make an extra buck?

But, I'm just not sure

Does anyone have some insight on this?

 

TPM's vary in type and size. I have replaced quite a few and have seen them evolve over time. The ones I have changed used to be quite large and the valve stem used to screw into the sensor and then a nut would hold it together on the outside. Most, but not all car manufacturers are now using a one piece TPM and valve stem that you just insert and pull through the rim as you would a new valve without a TPM attached. I have never had these one piece TPM's apart and can not say for sure whether you can just "thread" a new stem into them. The only time you can suspect a TPM failure is if the rim has taken a hit near or around the valve stem, or if you have damaged it by crushing it when breaking down your tires to change them around. They are supposed to, for the most part 'last' at least 5 years.

In answering your cost question, a regular valve stem can not just be threaded onto a TPM because of the wide base that would be absent on a 2 piece TPM sensor. So I guess if they are using a 2 piece TPM, they must have access to the proper stem. With some research, I am sure you can find the stems they use and save some money. Although $5-$6 is still cheaper than a new TPM where an individual one will cost between $25-$45

 

Swapped out my factory alloys today from some Black Rock steel wheels. During the removal and install of the tires I took some pics of the TPM system for anyone to look at.


Underside of installed TPM sensor. Screw is a #10 Torx


The TPM in it's 3 pieces, see the writing on the TPM transmitter? Notice Schrader recommends you change the valve and screw at every tire change?? Ya right........

Check out my TPM album for descriptions or notes on the bits and pieces.

 

PhantomRescue,
Thanks for the great photos,
I always wondered what they looked like

 

Ah ha! I guess that is a special valve So the extra Cha Ching at the time of tire replacement is justified

Mo Money! Mo Money! Mo Money!



Thanks for the pics! Shure does tell a million words!

And all this because big brother says y'all check your tire pressures!

But I always did with out you telling me!

Thanks for the extra bill to pay

 

Ya, the end is actually flat on two sides and it is slotted to match the TPM sensor, the screw is just there to hold it together.

 

Thanks for the pix. Been wondering what they looked like. for you taking the time to shoot and post the pix.