tst 507

[boingram]

...want to install a tst 507 tpms on my fiver and tv...tst says to install on metal valve stems. ..my solitude had rubber ones coming out of the wheel...can I do it?...thx..bo

[Dayle1]

As already suggested, Discount Tire will replace your rubber valve stems with metal ones for a reasonable fee. I just had all 5 of my truck valve stems replaced and tires/wheels rebalanced for $50.

And the reason that TST gives is correct, the added weight can lead to earlier failure of rubber valve stems.

Finally even if you were not installing tire sensors, metal valve stems are much safer. I suspect that many tire failures are really caused by valve stems failing first. In the years before I installed a tpms, I had two rubber valve stem failures. One on my tow vehicle failed while I was waiting to get fuel and the other one failed on my trailer as I was checking tire pressure before leaving a campground. If either had failed while driving, it would have been a 'blow out'. I've also had one real tire fail while using the TST system and I was able to stop w/o damage to the trailer.

[TucsonJim]

I called TST when I installed mine on the Reflection. They told me that "the added weight causes the rubber stems to flex too much which could lead to premature failure of the stem". They definitely wanted me to switch to metal stems. I took the FW to Discount Tire and they switched the stems and balanced the tires for a reasonable amount. They also put each tire/rim into a water tank to make sure there were no leaks before reinstalling them on the coach.

[alid]

I would call TST and talk to them.. they are great for Tech Support they will be able to tell you why you shouldn't use them on rubber valve stems. I suspect that the rubber valve stems can't handle the stress...

I use the TST system on metal valve stems on both the MH and the Jeep.