Thanks for the advice.
Can TPMS sensor be replaced at home?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Can TPMS sensor be replaced at home?
Hi.
Not sure if a sensor replacement can be accomplished at home.
What would I need besides the new sensor? Is there some kind of kit of fasteners/washers/orings easily available? I have an ATEQ VT30 TPMS tool so I can reprogram the car for the new sensor.
If I deflate the tire (non-runflat Michelin PS2) completely, can I push the side in to expose the sensor or does that require a tire machine?
Thanks.
Not sure if a sensor replacement can be accomplished at home.
What would I need besides the new sensor? Is there some kind of kit of fasteners/washers/orings easily available? I have an ATEQ VT30 TPMS tool so I can reprogram the car for the new sensor.
If I deflate the tire (non-runflat Michelin PS2) completely, can I push the side in to expose the sensor or does that require a tire machine?
Thanks.
Last edited by TLK; Aug 5, 2011 at 01:12 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,544
Likes: 208
From: Huntersville, NC
sensor
best to go to a tire store. They should take the nut off and let the old sensor drop into the tire. Otherwise, the bead might damage the sensor, since it sits real close to the path of the bead when it breaks from the rim. Then, I think they need to be put back the same way, except a fish wire is installed to pull the sensor back out thru the wheel hole after the tire is mounted.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 54
From: slower lower DE
IMO you will never get the bead to break without a tire machine. GY RFs are very stiff tires and seat to the rim very securely. Then you have to get it re-seat. Its not worth even trying for the $20 it takes to have it done right. My understanding is that it is very easy to damage the sensor if not done correctly.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 851
From: Daytona Beach FL
with the above comments - take it to your local Discount Tire. Here's how the sensor mounts in an OE wheel:
When you get a new sensor, make sure you get the proper one for your car. If you're getting a GM OE sensor, the 2005-2009 C6 uses a gray one like you see in the pictures above. The 2010 and newer C6 uses a green one.
And,as mentioned, you'll need to have it programmed into the TPMS computer in the car.
Bob
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
I have an ATEQ VT30 tool, reprogramming is no problem. I just wanted to know if the mechanics of getting inside the tire to get to the sensor was doable at home. Keep in mind that I do not have runflat tires.
You can't get coffee here in Silicon Valley for $20, so I expect going to any shop to do this will get me robbed.
You can't get coffee here in Silicon Valley for $20, so I expect going to any shop to do this will get me robbed.
Last edited by TLK; Aug 5, 2011 at 12:49 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 851
From: Daytona Beach FL
Well.....to break the bead, I've heard that Bubba down at the Shadetree Auto and Lawn Mower Repair shop has been known to jack up his pickup truck, lay a wheel/tire on the ground under a tire of the pickup, then lower the pickup down to break the bead of the tire that's laying on the ground.
Of course, I don't think Bubba is too concerned about the cosmetics of the Pinto and Neon wheels he's working on!!
And, if he busts his hand when the jack slips while his hand is stuck inside the tire, he's got good insurance (Medicaid) and we'll pay him unemployment and OJI welfare benefits until he's ready to work again.
So.....I say don't take it to Bubba (or do like Bubba!).
Take it to your local tire shop. Many owners have reported here on the forum that the shop has been able to replace a sensor without completely removing the tire, and if the bead is just broken and the sensor replaced without the tire being moved on the wheel, then no balancing will be required.
Bob
Of course, I don't think Bubba is too concerned about the cosmetics of the Pinto and Neon wheels he's working on!!
And, if he busts his hand when the jack slips while his hand is stuck inside the tire, he's got good insurance (Medicaid) and we'll pay him unemployment and OJI welfare benefits until he's ready to work again.
So.....I say don't take it to Bubba (or do like Bubba!).
Take it to your local tire shop. Many owners have reported here on the forum that the shop has been able to replace a sensor without completely removing the tire, and if the bead is just broken and the sensor replaced without the tire being moved on the wheel, then no balancing will be required.
Bob
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?
Brett Foote
9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)
Joe Kucinski
8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)
Joe Kucinski
7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made
Brett Foote
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,712
Likes: 3
From: TEXOMA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
i was told it was possible to break the bead and swap out the sensors. btw, i use to break the beads at my dads shop using one of the arms on the lift, worked like a champ, but that was back in the day when 15" rims were HUGE!!! F these low profile tires.
-Carl
-Carl
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 807
Likes: 21
From: Los Altos CA
I successfully replaced one on a front wheel of my C5 (with non run flat tires). However, I have a cheapy Harbor Freight tire machine that I used to break the bead loose. When the bead was loose, it was easy to push the tire in enough to replace the sensor. Nevertheless, I think it is a good idea to go to a tire shop
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Turns out a friend close by has a tire machine at his shop and the valve/stem tools. I ordered discounted new Shrader sensor and service pack ($50 total) and I've got the programmer, so I'm all set.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 851
From: Daytona Beach FL
EXCELLENT!!!!
Let us know if you're able to remove/replace the sensor without completely removing the tire.
Take some pics and post them up if you can to document how it's done.
Good luck!!
Bob
Let us know if you're able to remove/replace the sensor without completely removing the tire.
Take some pics and post them up if you can to document how it's done.
Good luck!!
Bob
Last edited by BEZ06; Aug 8, 2011 at 12:59 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Just got back from the shop. Yes indeed, the bead can be broken and the sensor replaced without the need for removing the tire. See my newly created thread at http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...post1578430096 for pictures and details.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 49
From: Northridge CA
Just to resurrect and old thread, I did this today using a Harbor Freight bead breaker (I use it to change tires on my motorcycle) and it was easy weasy. Went to Americas Tires and they reset the sensors in 2 minutes. It would have been shorter, but I had to prove to the guy that a magnet will not work on the C6s (though I read some early models got the old TPMS sensors). Thanks for this.
I used Dorman 974-012 sensors that are two pieces. Just match up to the old sensors, and tighten the screw. No Leaks and no low battery for now, Yay. $166 for four online.
I used Dorman 974-012 sensors that are two pieces. Just match up to the old sensors, and tighten the screw. No Leaks and no low battery for now, Yay. $166 for four online.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,982
Likes: 9,735
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Just to resurrect and old thread, I did this today using a Harbor Freight bead breaker (I use it to change tires on my motorcycle) and it was easy weasy. Went to Americas Tires and they reset the sensors in 2 minutes. It would have been shorter, but I had to prove to the guy that a magnet will not work on the C6s (though I read some early models got the old TPMS sensors). Thanks for this.
I used Dorman 974-012 sensors that are two pieces. Just match up to the old sensors, and tighten the screw. No Leaks and no low battery for now, Yay. $166 for four online.
I used Dorman 974-012 sensors that are two pieces. Just match up to the old sensors, and tighten the screw. No Leaks and no low battery for now, Yay. $166 for four online.
House of Wheels sells the GM sensors for a competitive price so if you start having issues with your Dorman sensors give them a call.
Bill
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 34
I use my milling machine w/drill chuck to break bead on my motorcycle tire - after making the "T" shape bead breaker with 1/2" cres rod welded onto 3/16" thick x 2 3/4" round cres plate. Also a great combination for crushing soda cans.
But for car tires, I take it to tire shop and let them have my $25.
But for car tires, I take it to tire shop and let them have my $25.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 7
From: no. jersey Photo by Stro
St. Jude Donor '08
I have an ATEQ VT30 tool, reprogramming is no problem. I just wanted to know if the mechanics of getting inside the tire to get to the sensor was doable at home. Keep in mind that I do not have runflat tires.
You can't get coffee here in Silicon Valley for $20, so I expect going to any shop to do this will get me robbed.
You can't get coffee here in Silicon Valley for $20, so I expect going to any shop to do this will get me robbed.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 34
Just an observation in life.
Back in the days while I was going to University of Hawaii, one of my part time job was working delivery for "Chicken Delight". The worst tipper was from the wealthy people in all the well to do neighborhood!
Lesson learned in life: For the most part, the rich gotten rich because they know how to manage their money.
Back in the days while I was going to University of Hawaii, one of my part time job was working delivery for "Chicken Delight". The worst tipper was from the wealthy people in all the well to do neighborhood!
Lesson learned in life: For the most part, the rich gotten rich because they know how to manage their money.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 564
Likes: 5
Just to resurrect and old thread, I did this today using a Harbor Freight bead breaker (I use it to change tires on my motorcycle) and it was easy weasy. Went to Americas Tires and they reset the sensors in 2 minutes. It would have been shorter, but I had to prove to the guy that a magnet will not work on the C6s (though I read some early models got the old TPMS sensors). Thanks for this.
I used Dorman 974-012 sensors that are two pieces. Just match up to the old sensors, and tighten the screw. No Leaks and no low battery for now, Yay. $166 for four online.
I used Dorman 974-012 sensors that are two pieces. Just match up to the old sensors, and tighten the screw. No Leaks and no low battery for now, Yay. $166 for four online.
I did a grand sport conversion on my 06 and didn't realize at the time GM nicely changed the TPMS sensors, I thought the tires were filled with nitrogen because of the green caps, now I know not.
Any how I bought one Dorman 974-012 for now to see if it will register with my POS VT5 tool and the vette, thing is I sold the old rims so I have TPMS to test on the vette. My VT5 works on my escalade though, but I can't get it to work with the Dorman, it isn't mounted in the rim yet, but shouldn't it still work, or am I missing something here?
Thanks
