Community Forums

trn the page · 04-02-2011, 05:41 PM

Do you need metal value stems? And why?

H. Miller · 04-03-2011, 05:14 AM

No.
"sending units" weigh .3 of an ounce

HobbyTalk · 04-03-2011, 05:40 AM

Yes, if you do not use metal valve stems the rubber ones will fail from flexing. There have been many reports of rubber valve stem failure when using TPMS sensors.

Tha_Rooster · 04-03-2011, 06:52 AM

Are you talking about MH or tow?I have them on my tow also with rubber stems which were just long enough to get them on. Check with manufacture I believe they say metal.

baraff · 04-03-2011, 09:46 AM

Be aware that vehicles manufactured after 2007 may have aluminum valve stems. Some of the after market TPMS's come with either brass or aluminum sensors. You need to determine what you have and make sure that you don't mix aluminum with brass and vice-versa, due to electrolysis (corrosion).

trn the page · 04-03-2011, 05:05 PM

Thanks for all the answers on this issue, I am positive metal stems are needed, having been a OTR tractor trailer driver an blew a right front tire in big hills, don't ever want to do that again!

otr

AFChap · 04-03-2011, 05:27 PM

You do need metal stems on the RV/tow truck so the longer valve stems don't flop around with the weight of the sensors. But toad or trailer tires will work fine with some TPMS systems if the wheels have short/stubby rubber stems. Some TMPS companies recommend metal stems on a car, and some don't. My TireTraker sensors work fine on my Honda with short rubber stems. TireTracker/Hawkshead/Tire Minder sensors weigh .3 oz. I believe they are the lighest. Presure Pro I believe are .67 oz. TST sensors are .8 oz.

As mentioned above, some TPMS mfg'ers may offer different sensors depending on what metal your valve stem threads are.

Ernie n Tara · 04-04-2011, 09:32 AM

What AFChap said. But, I've had a valve stem torn out of a 16-inch tire. Make sure you don't have a long stem or valve extender.
Ernie

HobbyTalk · 04-04-2011, 01:37 PM

To each their own. 10 bucks is cheap insurance against the cost of a new tire, rim and damage to the rig.

From the Hawkshead FAQ

14 DO I NEED METAL TIRE VALVES

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE TIRE VALVES THAT ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION EITHER METAL OR RUBBER. METAL ARE PREFERRED. IF USING RUBBER WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU MAKE SURE THE VALVE HAS NO VISIBLE CRACKS OR DAMAGE. VALVES SHOULD BE CHECKED ON A REGULAR BASIS

Wayne-H · 04-19-2011, 06:12 PM

I have a 2004 Ford ranger that I use for my toad, where do I find metal valve stems for it, I have looked all over town (San Antonio) no luck, where did you guys get yours, I am thinking the whole valve system is replaced with the metal valve and stem.

JimM68 · 04-19-2011, 06:43 PM

ten bucks?
When I had my jeep tires balanced a couple months ago it was FIFTY! So, ten buck for metal valve stems. TWENTY PER TIRE tire to break em down and install them, and another fifty to balance all 4 again. you can have your "cheap insurance" I'll keep my hundred and ninty bucks. The short rubber stems will be fine. Even if I have to rebalance again.

HobbyTalk · 04-19-2011, 09:43 PM

Sorry you got taken. My local Belle Tire quoted me $40 to $60 total depending on if they would have to modify the valve stem washer to fit the wheels.