Tire Valve Stem/TPMS

[NYC4RUNNER]

Hello everyone. Im a recent 4runner owner. The first thing I did was replaced the tires with stock size Duratracs.(love the look and finally it rides like a truck!) In the process, I think the Firestone guy messed up the valve stem. I did a leak/bubble test and sure enough its leaking at valve stem. The TPMS seems to be working because when I added air to spec, the TPMS light sensor turned off. I know that the TPMS sensors are a very expensive replacement but I think my sensors are working fine. Is it possible to just change the valve stem nut/washer and reuse the TPMS sensor? Im not sure if this item is one piece. Im going to the dealer tomorrow, but would like to hear your opinion before I get ripped off. lol. I appreciate any input. Thanks.

(PS: Ive used the search, but could not find any definite answer)

 

[1engineer]

You can get a TPMS rebuild kit that does not cost much unless the actual sensor was damaged. Tire place should pay though.

 

[NYC4RUNNER]

Thank you Sir!

 

[Snooperstyle]

This happened to me when I first changed out tires. It happened on all four of my tires. Take it back to the tire place! I believe that there is a rubber washer/gasket between the rim and the sensor/stem that they likely failed to put back in and/or damaged it during changing out the tires.

 

[Michigander]

Hello everyone. Im a recent 4runner owner. The first thing I did was replaced the tires with stock size Duratracs.(love the look and finally it rides like a truck!) In the process, I think the Firestone guy messed up the valve stem. I did a leak/bubble test and sure enough its leaking at valve stem. The TPMS seems to be working because when I added air to spec, the TPMS light sensor turned off. I know that the TPMS sensors are a very expensive replacement but I think my sensors are working fine. Is it possible to just change the valve stem nut/washer and reuse the TPMS sensor? Im not sure if this item is one piece. Im going to the dealer tomorrow, but would like to hear your opinion before I get ripped off. lol. I appreciate any input. Thanks.

(PS: Ive used the search, but could not find any definite answer)

I would start simple first.

You said that it is leaking at the valve stem, if it is leaking at the inside of the stem (where the core is), put soapy water or spit on the end of the valve stem, if it bubbles, then it is the valve core, not the gasket where the stem attaches to the rim.

If it is leaking at the core, get a core screw driver tool and try tightening the core. The tire tech may not have tightened the core enough. It may be as simple as that.

Good luck.

 

[NYC4RUNNER]

So i took the truck back to firestone to have it repaired. I felt they were responsible since i had no leak issues before the tire swap. They told me the pin on the valve stem that was loose and replaced it. I did another soap water test after at the valve stem and seems to have fixed it. Im just glad my sensors were fine because I've read many posts here how a careless tire installer damaged their TPMS. Thanks for ur help