Forum Discussion

Travelin2's avatar
Travelin2
Explorer
Oct 16, 2017

Best valve stems for TPMS

I just ordered 4 Goodyear Endurance tires for my TT. I would like to try a TPMS that uses the senders that screw on the outer end of the valve stem and would like to install the best stems when the new tires go on day after tomorrow. I would appreciate any advice from folks that have experience in using these. I fear that the standard issue rubber valve stems will be "Made in China" and the constant centrifugal force would make short work of destroying them. If there is a particular type that works well I will purchase separately and take them to the tire shop and insist on them being installed. Thanks for any advice.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2017
    The tire shop may or may not have the metal stems you want. If you can find stainless steel stems, that would be best. Check at a Ford dealer to see if he might have some in stock that will fit. Be sure to allow room for that large sensor so that it doesn’t hit the wheel.
  • bailer6334's avatar
    bailer6334
    Explorer
    Oct 17, 2017
    If you buy the TST TPMS 510 system the rubber or steel stems will work.
  • mike-s's avatar
    mike-s
    Explorer
    Oct 17, 2017
    TR-416 valves. That's an industry spec for metal stems, good for over 65 psi, and they won't be bothered by the weight of the sensors. The tire dealer should have them, as will any autoparts store.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Oct 17, 2017
    Autozone, O'Riely's, Pep Boys, NAPA all have bolt on stems. All I use now (after having a Chinese made rubber stem fail on a steer tire at speed.

    I prefer Milton myself. A bit more expensive but will last the life of the rim. If I'm not mistaken the 416's are good for 105 psi.

    Last set I had mounted, I pre bought the stems and handed them to the tire jockey and said..."Install these'.

    No clamp on weights for me either. Stick on only.
  • Travelin2's avatar
    Travelin2
    Explorer
    Oct 17, 2017
    Thanks guys. Looks like everyone believes in the all metal stems. I'll be getting some today.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Oct 17, 2017
    Considering that you really have no idea where the rubber ones are made at and Chinese rubber has a bad habit of decomposing, it's just prudent to use metal valve stems.

    Problem is, metal stems won't work (far as I know that is) with factory TPMS (internal sensors). So, for oem TP monitors you are screwed, pun intended.

    You will never find a rubber stem on a commercial truck, that should tell you something right there.
  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Oct 17, 2017
    Stainless stems along with stainless nuts and washers. My TST 507 flow throughs would not fit on the stock fancy 5 spoke aluminum wheels that came on my camper. I switched them out for plain white Dexstars.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Oct 17, 2017
    On my forged Alcoa's I had to machine a set of nylon spacer washers to 'lift' the securing flange and hex nut up 1/8" so it would not contact the lip of the hole where the valve stem inserted. No biggie, 5 minutes with a lathe and a piece of nylon bar stock.

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