air valve caps

[jwanorcal]

I feel ridiculous...I bought my 2003 4 Runner used recently, I cannot get my air valve caps off. Are the anti theft type valve covers standard on 4 runners or are these probably specialty? Either way how can I remove them without a key which was not provided to me by the dealer.

 

[toto]

Welcome!
They must be specialty... never seen them before. The factory provides metallic ones, which can sometimes cause a problem in snowy (and therefore salty) climates, but they don't lock with any sort of key.

 

[Uneek]

If it's the metal ones from the factory, chances are they corroded and fused themselves to the stem. IIRC, I don't think the 2003 came with tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) though. If it doesn't have TMPS, it'll be a much cheaper fix for you. Probably looking at having the tire dismounted and the valve stem replaced. If it has TMPS, add another $100 or so to have the TMPS stem replaced. There have been a few here who experienced the corrosion with the caps and stems. I read about that and once I took delivery I tossed the metal caps in favor of the cheap plastic ones.

 

[toto]

Uneek - good point. TPMS wasn't added until 2004. The 2003's have normal valve stems.

 

[pickerdd]

Are valve stem covers similar the one pictured below?

If so, then it requires a little plastic wrench that comes with the air stems. You might be able to get them off with a pair of pliers, but it will tear the caps up.

 

[Uneek]

Are valve stem covers similar the one pictured below?

If so, then it requires a little plastic wrench that comes with the air stems. You might be able to get them off with a pair of pliers, but it will tear the caps up.

Or use a 6-point socket.

 

[pickerdd]

No, the 6-point socket won't work. There is a plastic inner sleeve that isolates the outer silver hex collar. You can use a pair of pliers and crush hte solver collar to get to the inside plastic sleeve. Here's a photos of the inside and the removal tool.