Damn! Seized valve stem cap problem

[YotaDriver]

So for the past several months I haven't been able to remove two of my valve stem caps because they've become seized to the metal valve stem. This morning, for reasons unbeknownst to me, I decided to attempt to remove them using some vice grips. Needless to say, it didn't go as planned. :cry2:

Here's what's left of my valve stem:

Here's the cap:

I just checked with the local garage in my town and that small part is going to cost me $101 plus about 30-45 minutes labor. That includes him attempting to remove the other cap which is still seized, but damn, that's a lot of money for a valve stem. At that rate, I figure my rig is worth about a $1.5 million.

 

[YotaDriver]

Before I go and buy a $101 part, does anyone know if I can just get a couple of these instead?

Dorman 974-000 Tire Pressure Monitor Valve Replacement Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[LTDSC]

So for the past several months I haven't been able to remove two of my valve stem caps because they've become seized to the metal valve stem. This morning, for reasons unbeknownst to me, I decided to attempt to remove them using some vice grips. Needless to say, it didn't go as planned. :cry2:

I just checked with the local garage in my town and that small part is going to cost me $101 plus about 30-45 minutes labor. That includes him attempting to remove the other cap which is still seized, but damn, that's a lot of money for a valve stem. At that rate, I figure my rig is worth about a $1.5 million.

While you may think its excessive, its the price of them. Plain and simple. I absolutely hated the people that were angry and told me how expensive things were. Its a TPMS valve stem, not a normal rubber one. Stuff isnt free. Dont like it then do buy it or replace without the TPMS system.

 

[YotaDriver]

While you may think its excessive, its the price of them. Plain and simple. I absolutely hated the people that were angry and told me how expensive things were. Its a TPMS valve stem, not a normal rubber one. Stuff isnt free. Dont like it then do buy it or replace without the TPMS system.

I didn't get angry or complain about how expensive the part was, I just asked him to order it and made an appointment. My question is can I just use the cheaper part contained in the Amazon link. The TPMS sensor is still working and it's only the very end - the threads, basically - that broke off.

 

[LTDSC]

I didn't get angry or complain about how expensive the part was, I just asked him to order it and made an appointment. My question is can I just use the cheaper part contained in the Amazon link. The TPMS sensor is still working and it's only the very end - the threads, basically - that broke off.

sadly its a one piece item if i remember correctly. Should be replaced as a whole.

 

[oljedi11950]

tpms for wheels

You've probably looked on ebay might be cheaper but don't how much you'd get charged to recalibrate for ya only an option !

 

[Doozi]

Were you using metal valve caps? Plastic caps are recommended for TPMS valves due to galvanic corrosion.

 

[YotaDriver]

Were you using metal valve caps? Plastic caps are recommended for TPMS valves due to galvanic corrosion.

Yeah, it still had the metal valve stem caps on it. I definitely should have known better.

 

[YotaDriver]

You've probably looked on ebay might be cheaper but don't how much you'd get charged to recalibrate for ya only an option !

I can re-calibrate the tmps sensor, I just was curious if it was a repairable part. I figure since they're selling the part, it's got to be. I'll take $7.50 over $101 any day.

 

[TRDCal]

I agree with just replacing the senors with regular rubber valve, then use the money saved to buy a tire pressure gauge and check it yourself. I mean do you really need a light to tell you when your tire is low.

Having said that, if your set on replacing the senor, check one of those online Toyota parts stores, they're stuff is usually cheap compared to dealers

 

[YotaDriver]

I agree with just replacing the senors with regular rubber valve, then use the money saved to buy a tire pressure gauge and check it yourself. I mean do you really need a light to tell you when your tire is low.

Having said that, if your set on replacing the senor, check one of those online Toyota parts stores, they're stuff is usually cheap compared to dealers

The mechanic tells me that if I don't put the tmps-compatible part in there then I'll always have the low-pressure light in the dash, which I couldn't stand. I don't need a nanny system to tell me I have low tire pressure, but at the same time it's now federal law and my car's already got it, so I'll pay what it costs to fix it...just wish it were cheaper.

 

[TRDCal]

I don't need a nanny system to tell me I have low tire pressure, but at the same time it's now federal law and my car's already got it, so I'll pay what it costs to fix it...just wish it were cheaper.

Well you could get rid of the light in your dash but I see were coming from and it makes sense. Are you saying its federal law that all vehicles sold in the USA now need a TPMS?

 

[gm350reratliff]

If you still feel the need to run metal caps, apply some anti-seize to the threads first.

 

[YotaDriver]

Well you could get rid of the light in your dash but I see were coming from and it makes sense. Are you saying its federal law that all vehicles sold in the USA now need a TPMS?

Yeah, it's a federal law as of 2008, I think, that all new vehicles come equipped with tpms:

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; TPMS; Controls and Displays. Final Rule.

 

[YotaDriver]

If you still feel the need to run metal caps, apply some anti-seize to the threads first.

I did put anti-seize on the two I was able to remove today, but the other two were already too far gone.

 

[Sungod]

Were you using metal valve caps? Plastic caps are recommended for TPMS valves due to galvanic corrosion.

He lives in NH. Even plastic will rust with that nasty stuff they put down on the roads up there. :thumb:

 

[jdkilroy]

There are good quality rubber TPMS sensors out there.

I bought the Dorman's from Rock Auto and the tire place was unable to match them with the system. Bought a set of Schraders and they worked fine; they are rubber with brass workings/threads.

OP is correct in that if a vehicle has TPMS as original equipt, law requires that it be kept functional and a commercial tire place is obligated to maintain that if they are taking the wheels off the vehicle and it is clear that this is a system that came with the vehicle from the factory.

Work arounnd: would need to remove the wheels from the vehicle and take to the tire place with some story that you just bought these and the vehicle I'm putting them on does not have TPMS.

The other detail is that if you decide to do away with the system, you will need to address the warning light problem. Not real complicated but everyone's comfort level with this stuff is different.

Yes, it is a nanny but there is nothing inherently wrong with the system (that is, if being forced to spend a lot more isn't somehow inherently wrong). hwell:

 

[jdkilroy]

He lives in NH. Even plastic will rust with that nasty stuff they put down on the roads up there. :thumb:

Amen !

 

[Asmara]

I had the same thing happen to me in Turkey. Two valve caps wouldn't come off despite lots liquid wrench etc. To make matters worse, not even the Toyota dealer had the equipment to program new sensors into the system.

I ended up doing the TPMS bypass and just put in traditional rubber valves.

It's kind of crazy that the stem isn't replaceable on the factory part. I noted that on many aftermarket ones, it looked like you could replace it.

I actually didn't mind the feature since the vehicle is primarily my wife's and she would let me know whenever the light came on (typically in the summer to winter transition). Now I have to watch the tires personally.

 

[YotaDriver]

I had the same thing happen to me in Turkey. Two valve caps wouldn't come off despite lots liquid wrench etc. To make matters worse, not even the Toyota dealer had the equipment to program new sensors into the system.

I went ahead and ordered the replacement valve stems I referenced in my second post on this thread. They cost me $15 for two and since the actual sensor is still fine, this seems like a much cheaper fix. I doubt many people have actually broken the valve stem like I did, but if anyone does I'd try going this route before purchasing a $100 part you may not need.