Community Forums

Sky_Boss · 02-08-2013, 05:40 PM

I have valve extenders on my inner drive wheels that come straight out and thread onto the valve stems. I also have TPMS sensors that then thread onto the extenders. When I try to remove the sensors the extensions screw off first. Not a really big deal but annoying.

Does anyone see a problem with using LocTite Blue on the valve stem threads to keep the extensions on? Any other suggestions?

CampDaven · 02-08-2013, 06:14 PM

Loctite makes Guntite. Holds but still comes loose without a fuss

jfran304 · 02-08-2013, 06:29 PM

Invest in some Dually Valve Stems and do away with the extenders. You will be able to attach the monitors to the solid metal dually valve stems.

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Dr4Film · 02-08-2013, 06:34 PM

Loctite is made in four colors I believe, Green, Red, Blue and Purple.

The colors are not necessarily stronger than another but are used for different applications.

I think the Purple is one of the most general use ones with the lightest application.

Do your research before choosing the color you want to use.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

docj · 02-08-2013, 06:35 PM

I had the same arrangement on my duals and disliked the fact that the extensions were a potential source of pressure loss. I installed CrossFire equalizers on my duals. In addition, now I can monitor both wheels on each side with a single TPMS sensor.

Tha_Rooster · 02-09-2013, 05:42 AM

Blue is a medium, red takes heat to break it loose. I would use very little to try.

wa8yxm · 02-09-2013, 08:34 AM

Locktite green woudl be my choice, this is one of the weaker formulas.

Another suggestion would be to use pliars when you remove the TPMS caps/sensors from the extensions.

ga traveler · 02-09-2013, 08:50 AM

I always used locktite on the extenders. Just be careful not to use too much I would not want it to get into the valve core. To prevent this I always applied it to the outside of the threads of the valve stem.

MaverickBBD · 02-09-2013, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

Loctite is made in four colors I believe, Green, Red, Blue and Purple.

The colors are not necessarily stronger than another but are used for different applications.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

They also make a Yellow (404) that is a super quick setting and VERY expensive $25 to $50 an oz.

Hikerdogs · 02-09-2013, 10:18 AM

All Loctite threadlockers except the red 271 are removable with hand tools. They are designed to prevent accidental loosening due to vibration or other motion. The 271 requires heat. In essence that means you're still going to have to hold the extension with some type of tool or your hand to keep it in place while unscrewing the TPMS.

Personally I'd live with the inconvenience. Once you apply the Loctite it hardens in the threads. When you try to remove the extension the loctite breaks into small strings. You'll have to be extremely careful not to get any inside the stem by the valve core. You also have to be careful when you remove the extensions that the strings don't fall into the stems.

The extensions we use have a hex on both ends. They can be tightened to the stem using a wrench. We take our sensors off when putting the motorhome in storge and have never had a problem with the extensions loosening when they are tightened in place using a wrench.

Sky_Boss · 02-09-2013, 04:10 PM

Thanks all! I will take a closer look at the extender issue. I am a little concerned about supporting the inner extenders since they now have the weight of the sensors.

I like the concept of the Cross Fire system but am left with 2 questions/concerns.

1. Given that the rear axle might see some variations of weight due to water amounts being carried, I would think that I would have to run the tires at the max weight for that axle with a fudge factor for balance. Not the worst thing in the world but if I was running light because my water tanks were empty, the tires would then be over "inflated".

2. How do TPMS sensors work with them? I was under the impression that sudden loss of air in one tire causes the system to seal off the other tire. Does the Cross Fire still properly show that at least that side had a blow out? At the same time, If one tire has a slow leak, I assume the Cross Fire would then show a drop in combined pressure. You wouldn't know which tire was leaking but that at least one of the duals is behaving badly.