TPMS Valve Stem Issue....

So, I've got an unfortunate issue with the valve stem on my truck. I did some research and I know what caused it. Here is what happened. I went to check the tire pressure on my truck yesterday and every single valve cap was impossible to movie. I figured they must have got cranked on there a little to hard and now that winter is over maybe some gunk got in there and is preventing me from turning the caps. So i got an adjustable wrench to see if I could get it to break lose. Oh, it broke loose all right. Snapped the valve stem, the valve came flying out and I had nearly an instant flat tire.





The issue is, they were metal valve caps on the metal valve stem. I believe they were on there when i got the truck, and I never had an issue before. But, I guess my luck has run out.



So, if I did my research correctly, I am going to need a new TMPS sensor since it broke off at the stem.



No problem, I'll mark that up as a learning lesson. However, I'm really not trying to be 4 new sensors, or need to run my spare tire 3 more times... Is there any way to remove the other caps so I can switch them to a plastic cap without breaking all of the other ones?

 

there are numerous aftermarket TPMS valve stems which are rubber vs the failure prone aluminum. a reputable tire shop legally, will not remove the TPMS sensors and replace with only rubber valve stems. Given the age of your Tacoma, the button-cell batteries inside the TPMS sensors are reaching their “end of life”, so I would recommend finding a quality 2-piece rubber valve stem TPMS sensors and replace all four.

 

Maybe spray some pb blaster on them and let it soak, lightly tapping the cap with like a screwdriver handle, basically hard plastic not metal, to try to break up whatever is keeping it stuck together. that really is a stupid design where the valve stem is part of the sensor. I believe youll have to go to a shop to program the new sensor to the truck, i think non toyota places can do it like firestone

 

Tire Discounters has a device that can clone the sensors. Old sensor goes in one end the new sensor goes in the other. Push of a button...done. They keep the new cloneable sensors in stock.

 

I dropped off the tire this morning at the local shop. They said they can replace the sensor on that tire no problem and reprogram it to the truck. I'm really not trying to do this 3 more times right now, i just dont have the cash to throw at the truck right now. Other than PB blaster, would heating up that valve cap possibly help? i'm going to wait to try anything until i have my tire back, i only have one spare so i'm really not trying to tow this thing anywhere.

Edit: they also said the one that will replace it will have a rubber stem iinstead of the aluminum.

 

One sensor replaced, and they gave me some tips to try and get the other caps loose without breaking them. I'll give it a shot this weekend and see what happens.

 

Yup, i'm gonna have to replace the other 3. I messed with these metal caps for about 90 minutes on saturday and couldnt get any of them to budge....

 

Dang that sucks. Glad I don't have the metal caps.

 

I just broke one of mine off while off roading in a very steep, very sideways angled and rocky area.

 

I should have consulted TW before buying metal caps. Dang. Won't happen again.

 

The same thing has happened with me with garden hoses connected to outdoor faucets. They seize together and become permanently bonded over time. Best to spray a little lube to prevent, and occasionally unscrew. Im told it happens when fittings are two different types of metal, copper and aluminum, for example.

 

Sure, its happened with a cheap garden hose but the cap on my stem fused with my tire sensor and two had to be replaced. Plus I was without a vehicle for 3 days. Not fun.