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Valve stems

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by mjones12, Jan 23, 2013.

  1. mjones12

    mjones12 Member

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    Unless you have fingers the size of a child's, the valve stem caps are almost impossible to get off without removing the wheel covers. I had to use a pair of needle-nose pliers just to get my caps off today, and I have small hands. What a ridiculous design flaw for a car that depends on proper tire inflation for the best mpg.
     
    #1 mjones12, Jan 23, 2013
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  2. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    If it is a real problem, You can stop by a auto parts store and buy extensions, they are cheap.
     
    #2 retired4999, Jan 23, 2013
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  3. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Another alternative when you change tyres have longer valves fitted.
     
    #3 Britprius, Jan 23, 2013
  4. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    +1 better than my option, but a little more expensive. :)
     
    #4 retired4999, Jan 23, 2013
  5. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    The stems are part of the TPMS sensor. It will be expensive to lengthen.
     
    #5 Jonny Zero, Jan 23, 2013
  6. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    True, kind of forgot about that, my bad.
     
    #6 retired4999, Jan 23, 2013
  7. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Fair comment running a gen2 I do not have that problem. However when fitting new TPMS valves is this not an option "just wondering". TPMS systems seem to be a money maker for dealers and tyre fitters. Why can't they be made sepperate to the valve and screw into the rim externally so they could be serviced "battery change" and even changed from rim to rim for summer to winter tyres. Yes I know the answer "no profit".

    John (Britprius)
     
    #7 Britprius, Jan 23, 2013
  8. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Customer friendly, Never!
     
    #8 retired4999, Jan 23, 2013
  9. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    This is what CAN be replaced on a TPMS.
    TPMS Rebuild Kits
     
    #9 Jonny Zero, Jan 23, 2013
  10. ftl

    ftl Explicator

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    See this thread for a good solution - you don't need to take these off to check the tire pressure or add air.

    I looked into getting them from the source in that thread, not a bad deal at $2 each - but the shipping would have been almost $11! I ended up buying a box of 50 from another source, and so I have some extras. If anyone wants them I can do a few sets at $8 for four, free shipping in the USA. PM me if interested.
     
    #10 ftl, Jan 23, 2013
  11. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Thats like nothing! :eek:
     
    #11 retired4999, Jan 23, 2013
  12. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Thats just what they need great job! (y)
     
    #12 retired4999, Jan 23, 2013
  13. hlunde

    hlunde Member

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    All vehicles rely on proper inflation pressures, for both fuel economy and safety.
     
    #13 hlunde, Jan 23, 2013
  14. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    I have never had an issue removing the valve stem caps, and I have huge fingers.


    iPhone ?
     
    #14 The Critic, Jan 23, 2013
  15. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    OP, valve extensions were a good suggestion. ;)

    Or, you can do what I did. Ditch the wheel covers, I have no problem accessing the valve covers on my naked wheels. :D
     
    #15 xliderider, Jan 23, 2013
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  16. mjones12

    mjones12 Member

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    So am I understanding correctly that the simple extensions would have no harmful effect on the sensor system? Thanks.

    No argument there. My point was that a vehicle specifically designed, on many levels, to provide high gas mileage should - more than other vehicles - make it easier to access to the valve stem caps. The Prius is all about gas mileage. Many other vehicles are not.
     
    #16 mjones12, Jan 24, 2013
  17. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    TPMS sensors measure the pressure inside the wheel. Putting valve extensions on the valve stem will have no effect on the TPMS sensor.
     
    #17 xliderider, Jan 24, 2013
  18. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Extensions no; I was commenting on since the valve stem is part of the TPMS assembly, replacing it with a longer one means replacing the TPMS assembly.
     
    #18 Jonny Zero, Jan 24, 2013
  19. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Hmm, my wheel covers have no effect on access to the valve caps. I guess that's because they are hanging on the garage wall. ;)
     
    #19 David Beale, Jan 25, 2013
  20. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    I just purchased some valve stem caps at WalMart and noticed the cheap black plastic ones are marked TPMS safe, and the fancy metal ones are not.

    A little research online indicated TPMS do not like metal caps, because dissimilar metal electrolysis can produce a current big enough to damage the sensor.

    Word to the wise, do not put metallic caps or extensions on TPMS valves...
     
    #20 Jonny Zero, Jan 27, 2013
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