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maui
09-29-2014, 01:37 AM
I am buying some OEM 5 spoke aluminum wheels. The guy removed the TPMS sensors to use on his new wheels. I have sensors on my steel OEM wheels.
Both cars are '08 hatchbacks.

It look like the tires must be taken off the rims to remove the TPMS sensors
Can someone please verify this? I assume this just takes an extra minute but please correct me if its more complicated or requires any special mechanical skills.

Thanks
IllusionX
09-29-2014, 04:23 AM
Yes you need to remove the tires in order to reach the sensors.

I am not sure the steel wheels use the same sensor than the alloy wheels though.
CTScott
09-29-2014, 09:13 AM
Same sensors work for both wheel types. It is recommended that you replace the seals for the sensors when moving them to new wheels.
maui
10-01-2014, 02:58 AM
Can I use a regular valve stem on the aluminum wheels that originally came with TPMS sensors? The hole looks a bit larger...
CTScott
10-01-2014, 07:33 AM
Can I use a regular valve stem on the aluminum wheels that originally came with TPMS sensors? The hole looks a bit larger...

Yes - Regular valve stems fit on TPMS wheels with no problem. I run a set that way.
maui
10-01-2014, 01:55 PM
thanks CT, is it possible to install the rubber valve without dis mounting the tire?
CTScott
10-01-2014, 02:02 PM
thanks CT, is it possible to install the rubber valve without dis mounting the tire?

Kind of. You can break the bead on that side and insert the stem in to the inside of the rim without pulling the tire off.

Are your tires mounted with no stems?
maui
10-01-2014, 02:19 PM
yes, they original owner dis mounted them to get the sensors for his new 18" wheels

then he had the tire put back on without a valve so I just have the holes...
CTScott
10-01-2014, 02:26 PM
yes, they original owner dis mounted them to get the sensors for his new 18" wheels

then he had the tire put back on without a valve so I just have the holes...

That's a bummer. I don't know why he would not have just had them slap a set of normal stems on them while the tires were off.
IllusionX
10-01-2014, 03:18 PM
Most likely someone told him that new TPMS valves are 150$ and said just to reinstall the tires without them instead...