TPMS, valve stem caps

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lockerc18

New member
Are the valve stem caps part of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System? I ask because I just got new tires. The mechanics replaced 3 of my valve stem caps. My original ones were metal, and these new ones are plastic. When I saw that the caps were different, I complained to the guys, and they looked for the original metal ones, and couldn't find them. Pissed me right off. These plastic caps look like crap on the alloy wheels.

But I need to know how much of a stink I should make about this. If these caps are just cosmetic and don't function as part of the TPMS, then I'll let it go because it's too much trouble to get all agitated about this. But, if they do have some role in TPMS, then I'll make a stink, even if only because these guys really ticked me off.

I checked the TSB which described the TPMS system and it didn't say that the valve caps have any role in the system, but it didn't say they didn't, either.

Thanks.
 
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lockerc18 said:
Are the valve stem caps part of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System? I ask because I just got new tires. The mechanics replaced 3 of my valve stem caps. My original ones were metal, and these new ones are plastic. When I saw that the caps were different, I complained to the guys, and they looked for the original metal ones, and couldn't find them. Pissed me right off. These plastic caps look like crap on the alloy wheels.

But I need to know how much of a stink I should make about this. If these caps are just cosmetic and don't function as part of the TPMS, then I'll let it go because it's too much trouble to get all agitated about this. But, if they do have some role in TPMS, then I'll make a stink, even if only because these guys really ticked me off.

I checked the TSB which described the TPMS system and it didn't say that the valve caps have any role in the system, but it didn't say they didn't, either.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Just caps. You can use any that will fit...
 
Re: Re: TPMS, valve stem caps

tomhaney1 said:
Just caps. You can use any that will fit...
Click to expand...

Not sure about that. Not that the caps necessarily are part of the TPMS system. But, I remember seeing posts where others have replaced the caps with something different and then had trouble removing them from the stems. Not sure if it was because of corrosion or what, but they caused problems.
I believe these were different metal caps.
 
Ok, let me rephrase, they have no bearing on how the system functions...bizarre happenstances of material interaction cannot be ruled out.
 
The caps are just cosmetic.

I took mine original ones, because I just didn't want to lose the original ones that came off the truck from the factory. I replaced them w/ the green caps that Costco give you after they replace your tires. (green caps from another car that had tires replaced.)

Now...I have RX350 valve caps, because they match the color of the TPMS on the 4Runner.

But again...yes, they are just for looks.
 
Dis-similar Metals

Even Steven said:
The caps are just caps... they will not affect the functionality of the TPMS.

That said, you can go to just about any local auto parts store and find a 4 pack of chrome valve stem caps for about $3.00 if you want to replace the ones they lost. Your originals were not chrome, so consider it an upgrade;)


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CAR-...014QQitemZ330189510740QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Click to expand...

NOT TRUE. Do a a search on this topic. Many of us, me included, had been using chromed steel caps and had problems with the caps fusing on to the alloy stems. A problem to the tune of over $150/stem. Probbaly more of an issue to those of us up north over the winter months.

I now use the chaep plastic ones again. I don't
need fancy caps to bring bling to my Runner anyway.
 
The valve stem is part of the tire pressure sensor. If you have to replace the stem, you have to replace the whole sensor assembly. Going rate for a sensor is about $150, give or take.

For that reason, don't use a metal cap that will react with the stem and lock itself into place through corrosion!
 
Here's a pic of the valve stem / sensor assembly.
 

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  • toyota tire pressure monitor.gif
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Okay guys, lets keep this in perspective here.... My 4Runner came with metal caps from the factory. No, not chrome, but they look to be the same alloy as the valve stem itself.

If you are worried about dissimilar metals fusing together, then just make sure you buy valve caps with a rubber seal inside (you'd probably have a hard timing finding them without) and put a 1/2 drop of anti-seize compound on the threads. You will never have a problem getting your valve caps off again!!!

BTW, the original question asked if the valve caps were part of the functionality of the TPMS. I'll repeat what I said before---NO, they are not. The caps are simply caps and WILL NOT affect the functionality of the TPMS.
 
Re: Dis-similar Metals

Gromulus said:
NOT TRUE. Do a a search on this topic. Many of us, me included, had been using chromed steel caps and had problems with the caps fusing on to the alloy stems. A problem to the tune of over $150/stem. Probbaly more of an issue to those of us up north over the winter months.

I now use the chaep plastic ones again. I don't
need fancy caps to bring bling to my Runner anyway.
Click to expand...

Okay, which part of my post in not true? I said "The caps are just caps... they will not affect the functionality of the TPMS." This statement is true.

I also said "...you can go to just about any local auto parts store and find a 4 pack of chrome valve stem caps for about $3.00 if you want to replace the ones they lost." This statement is also true.

So I can't figure out what think is not true.
 
I had the stock metal caps fuse to my spare tires valve stem. I was lucky enough to be able to get it off with some plyers without damaging them though. I'd suggest swapping the cheap metal ones out as soon as you can to prevent them from fusing permanently. I bought a set of cheap caps with a rubber inner and haven't had a problem since.
 
Re: Dis-similar Metals

Gromulus said:
NOT TRUE. Do a a search on this topic. Many of us, me included, had been using chromed steel caps and had problems with the caps fusing on to the alloy stems. A problem to the tune of over $150/stem. Probbaly more of an issue to those of us up north over the winter months.

I now use the chaep plastic ones again. I don't
need fancy caps to bring bling to my Runner anyway.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I knew I did not imagine this.

Probably the best thing to do is just use the cheap plastic caps if you need to replace them.
 
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