Tire replacement and TPMS

[Donald]

When one gets a tire mounted and gets "valve stem / TPMS" what do they actually replace with the TPMS. Do they unscrew the old TPMS, install a new valve stem and then screw the old TPMS back on.

A new Motorcraft TPMS sensor with valve stem is over $42 so that obviously not getting replaced with a $20 tire install.

 

[dogememe]

A TPMS service kit is typically new seals and valve stem. Sensors are about $50 each so if you’re paying less than that they aren’t changing the sensor itself. But I suspect most places don’t even do the service kit. Who knows!

 

[EvoMan]

You can get a set of 4 TPMS sensors from Amazon, any where from about $25-$50.

 

[GSCJR]

You get new hardware @Donald. A nut, screw, seal, valve and valve cap (certain models).

 

[Donald]

I am not doing it myself just trying to figure out what one gets when the service includes a valve stem/TPMS.

The last two tire leaks I had were problems with the valve stem/TPMS. I suspect nothing was changed when I got new tires.

 

[GSCJR]

I recently repaired a slow leak for my parents after the TPMS indicator illuminated; I traced the leak to the metal valve stem (the seal more precisely). The Nissan dealer does not sell service kits, only the entire sensor/valve assembly. I ordered an aftermarket service kit which contained all the necessary components to repair the leak @Donald.

 

[Nukeman7]

This Schrader video explains what is a TPMS service pack.

 

[Doc8404]

Thanks for asking. My 2013 is probably due for new sensors when I swap back to all seasons.

 

[cheech279]

Walmart has a set of four Autel MX sensors for $109, and they purportedly fit 98% of vehicles that have TPMS.

 

[Donald]

Walmart has a set of four Autel MX sensors for $109, and they purportedly fit 98% of vehicles that have TPMS.

Why would you need new sensors? I assume replacing the valve stem is typically what's needed unless a sensor is actually broken.

 

[Chevyc10]

Why would you need new sensors? I assume replacing the valve stem is typically what's needed unless a sensor is actually broken.

You replace sensors when battery dies. And new TPMS service pack whenever tires replaced. The gaskets and seals degrade over time.

 

[Trav]

At 10 years the battery is probably on short time, I would replace them with the new tires it will be cheaper in the long run and a lot less aggravation. OE only, aftermarket may have a much shorter battery life.

 

[Doc8404]

Wow. Ford OEM is $84 each plus tax.
Might use my independent. Whatever they use carries a better warranty on all the parts they use. 50/5k.

 

[Donald]

Wow. Ford OEM is $84 each plus tax.
Might use my independent. Whatever they use carries a better warranty on all the parts they use. 50/5k.

Motorcraft is $42 at RockAuto.

So does that mean I should get the tires at Ford?

If I bought the Motorcraft sensors at RockAuto and gave them to BJs or Walmart would they actually use them? How would I know?

 

[Doc8404]

Good questions. Can’t wait to see what my independent shop charges.

 

[Trav]

Something like this on a visible part like the stem..

clear UV ink

 

[Donald]

I ordered 4 Motorcraft ones from Rock Auto. I see Trav posted UV marker. Maybe just ask for the old ones back. Say I want to test the battery.

Probably go to Walmart for tires. Hoping Presidents Day sale.

 

[z71bill]

Last set of tires on my SUV -

I had Discount Tire price match Sam's on 4 tires -

Sam's will install TPMS and program them - if you bring them in - for free.

They replace the seals as part of the normal tire installation, which means they are taking them off and reinstalling them anyway.

I showed Discount Tire I could buy them for $18 off Amazon and have Sam's install them for free.
Sam's also had a Thanksgiving deal - FREE tire installation if you buy 4 tires.

So I got new tires - with free install and DT only charged me $18 each to replace the TPMS.

 

[PandaBear]

TPMS "typically" last 10-12 years since new and they aren't replaced every tire change. I personally have waited and just ask Discount / America Tire to swap them for labor only with my provided sensors when I am not near any time I need new tires. They charged me like $10 extra with tire replacement or $20 without tire replacement (they popped the tire off a bit and just replace the TPMS and put it back on the same spot without rebalancing) and copy the TPMS info in between (I was using Autel MX).

My old car without TPMS just get new valve stem for $6 on each new tire install. TPMS doesn't need that if not replacing TPMS.

 

[cheech279]

TPMS "typically" last 10-12 years since new and they aren't replaced every tire change. I personally have waited and just ask Discount / America Tire to swap them for labor only with my provided sensors when I am not near any time I need new tires. They charged me like $10 extra with tire replacement or $20 without tire replacement (they popped the tire off a bit and just replace the TPMS and put it back on the same spot without rebalancing) and copy the TPMS info in between (I was using Autel MX).

My old car without TPMS just get new valve stem for $6 on each new tire install. TPMS doesn't need that if not replacing TPMS.

Yes, most people agree that original TPMS sensors on new vehicles last about 10 years, but many aftermarket sensors have batteries that only last 6-7 years. Sometimes that makes it a tough call on when to replace them.