Forum Discussion

supercub's avatar
supercub
Explorer
Aug 18, 2015

Replacing tow vehicles tire rubber valve stems with steel?

I just bought an 09 Ford Escape Hybrid. Went to a tire store today to have the rubber valve stems replaced with steel. They said it can't be done, because the Ford tire pressure sensors are part of the stems and if they repalced them with steel, I wouldn't have sensors any longer. The reason I want to replace them, is I have sensors that screw onto the end of the valve stems, for the motor home tire pressure monitoring system. My understanding is to use steel stems when using sensors. Anyone else run into this problem?
Brian
Class A
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Aug 18, 2015
    Here is a set of four with steel stems. You can find the procedure online to program them to your vehicle. Not that difficult and better than paying someone else to do it. TPMS valves
  • cvbdsl's avatar
    cvbdsl
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2015
    On my previous toad (2003 CRV) I was also worried about having rubber stems but used the screw on TPMS (big black sensors) and they worked just fine - except if you don't take them off for a year or so they seize onto the stem and you ruin the stem trying to take them off, But that's a different issue.

    Some say the weight (of the TPMS) will cause leaks on rubber stems but I never found it to be an issue.

    Tire Rack does seem to sell steel TPMS stems as well.

    Chris
  • Hoosier_Cruiser's avatar
    Hoosier_Cruiser
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2015
    My Chev Equinox has the rubber stems, and I use screw on TPMS sensors. The only problem I had is that they stick out beyond the rim; therefore, when I go through a carwash I have to take them off. Also, one time I clipped a high curb and broke the valve stem. Instant flat tire, but I was in a Walmart lot and they replaced with a metal stem. It was not TPMS.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Aug 18, 2015
    You can buy sensors made with the steel shaft. The rubber shaft sensors are cheaper but steel sensors are available, which is what came on my Chevy HHR toad.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2015
    Who says we have to KEEP the OEM sensors? We seemed to get along just fine without them for more than 100 years! Every time I add air to my rubber stems on my TV I cringe. The metal stems on my RV seem so much more solid and reliable and handle the Pressure Pro Sensors so well.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2015
    If the rubber stems are short, the external TPMS sensors shouldn't bother them. Most of the sensors weigh less than a half ounce. If you happen to have 16" wheels, Wheel Masters makes a clip on valve stem support that could be used on longer stems.

  • Corkey05's avatar
    Corkey05
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2015
    My Ford Edge has the same stems with the OEM internal Ford TPS ... I've never had a problem with them serving both systems. My Blazer had rubber stems and they worked fine too.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2015
    All cars since 2007 must have TPS sensors of some kind installed. Many are part of the valve stem assembly. For those it won't be easy to convert...

About Motorhome Group

38,708 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 04, 2025