Tire shop says they cn not remove tire pressure sensor

[Humy]

I am trying to get new rims installed and the tire shop is saying they can not remove the TPS, it will probably break if removed. Are there any tricks to getting the TPSs off? If not, I assume I could not buy a used set then. I am going to call the dealership on Monday. I am putting on the thin spoke 5 star wheels from a Pontiac G6

[explorerbigjon]

Those sensors are easy to break but not usually from R&Ring the sensor from the wheel to the new wheel. The nut on the sensor can be troublesome to break loose but usually doesn't cause damage. Or they are finding once the nut is off, the sensor won't drop out of the wheel, in which case, I have experienced that and done it myself, they just need to push the sensor out of the wheel carefully. Unless the sensor type is the one that uses the rubber valve stem that's threaded on the end.

[fdryer]

Review you owner's manual about TPMS and battery life. The average life of these battery powered sensors is 5-7 yrs. An excellent answer given from a good source; "You can definitely reuse OEM t/p sensors. What you can expect is older sensors with batteries dying and then the expense of replacing worn out sensors when they should be replaced at the appropriate time like buying new rims. Some of the issues about reusing t/p sensors; battery life, replacing sensor seals, using incorrect parts that result in premature corrosion resulting in damage or failure that may lead to leaking from broken sensors, incompatible rims incapable of using t/p sensors, etc..

If your sensors are close to battery depletion, it may be wiser to simply replace old sensors and not make the mistake of old sensors failing in a year or so from battery depletion.

[onefunkar]

i might be wrong about this but i thought aluminum can be removed and reused and rubber cant. aura changed early in 08 model year to rubber from aluminum so they are probably rubber stems.

[fdryer]

I don't know what's used in t/p sensor construction but there may be a lack of information for anyone to make assumptions of reusing them without considering some things. One is as you pointed out, the type of t/p sensor and whether they're fragile and prone to damage from handling as well as battery life. While some may presume reusing t/p sensors isn't rocket science, their costs may influence why reusing them may be a bad idea when ignoring limited battery life, using them in new/replacement rims and finding out later that batteries depleted and replacing them becomes another hidden cost when it would be wiser to simply use new sensors. With TPMS becoming standardized, costs come down on replacement sensors if some shopping is done.

[onefunkar]

makes sense to me. good point. interesting some car (my daughters new mazda cx5 for example) now use the old indirect system which has been improved to meet the new standards. doesnt work within seconds like a direct system but no sensors to worry about. a plus for those who use winter tires.

[ssicarman]

The TPM sensors likely can't be removed because the stem nuts are rusted/corroded in place.
Nothing wrong with buying a used set. They are not married to the car. The newer the better for battery life.

Or....
Seeing as you are going to have to get as new set one way or the other keep the original ones with the original rims and get a new set for the new rims.

[fdryer]

Originally Posted by ssicarman

The TPM sensors likely can't be removed because the stem nuts are rusted/corroded in place. ....

I wonder why the tire shop didn't point this out if these sensors are corroded.

[ssicarman]

Originally Posted by fdryer

I wonder why the tire shop didn't point this out if these sensors are corroded.

In a way they did by saying that the sensor would break if it is removed.

Originally Posted by Humy

it will probably break if removed.

To me the only way it would break is if it were corroded together.

[Humy]

Unfortunately, I did not have time to go look at them myself, but he did mention the rubber valve stem would break off. Do I have to use the older rubber valve stem or can I go with the newer aluminum style? I have a 2008

[Humy]

how do you install the rubber style ones?

[onefunkar]

you can use either. actually the aluminum is the older one. 2007 and early 2008 aura had aluminum. changed to rubber when malibu came aboard in october 2007.

[Humy]

Originally Posted by onefunkar

you can use either. actually the aluminum is the older one. 2007 and early 2008 aura had aluminum. changed to rubber when malibu came aboard in october 2007.

I just ordered a set of rubber ones, and would like to test fit on my new rims prior to getting the tires put on... do you know how to install them?

[onefunkar]

ive never installed them.

[ssicarman]

Originally Posted by Humy

Unfortunately, I did not have time to go look at them myself, but he did mention the rubber valve stem would break off. Do I have to use the older rubber valve stem or can I go with the newer aluminum style? I have a 2008

Did not realize that you had rubber valve stem pressure monitor sensors. Like normal rubber valve stems they can't be removed easily or with out likely damage to the sensors.