New valve stems.........
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 600
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From: Elyria, Ohio
New valve stems.........
I know it's recommended that new valve stems are put in when
buying new tires, but how are the tire pressure sensors attached?
I've seen (in the magazines) some newer are a metal stem and sensor
in one unit, but what about the older ones?
I'd just like to know a little bit about them before I turn the
tires guys loose and tell them to do what they have to do.
Probably doesn't matter in this case but it's a '96 with stock
sawblades and rubber stems. This is the first time I'm changing tires.
buying new tires, but how are the tire pressure sensors attached?
I've seen (in the magazines) some newer are a metal stem and sensor
in one unit, but what about the older ones?
I'd just like to know a little bit about them before I turn the
tires guys loose and tell them to do what they have to do.
Probably doesn't matter in this case but it's a '96 with stock
sawblades and rubber stems. This is the first time I'm changing tires.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Does the car have the Low Tire Pressure Sensor option? On the Service Parts Identification sticker, that option is identified as "UJ6" and would also show a "WY5" which is Extended Mobility Tires and N84, Spare Tire Delete. LPTWS was not standard equipment on C4's
Without that option, the tire installer won't have a problem. New valve stems are usually installed with new tires anyway. There are chrome metal stems that can be used as an upgrade but unless you want the "bling", just have them use standard short stems.
C4's that have sensors use a steel band to hold the sensors in place at the center of the rim. If your car does have LPTS, make sure you tell the tire shop so they know how to dismount/mount the tires.
Without that option, the tire installer won't have a problem. New valve stems are usually installed with new tires anyway. There are chrome metal stems that can be used as an upgrade but unless you want the "bling", just have them use standard short stems.
C4's that have sensors use a steel band to hold the sensors in place at the center of the rim. If your car does have LPTS, make sure you tell the tire shop so they know how to dismount/mount the tires.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,218
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From: San Antonio Texas
I don't know how the sensors are attached on that year Vette. I know when I had new Firestones installed on my Wife's 08 Saturn, they INSISTED on changing all the stem/sensors. I argued they were in good shape and worked just fine. They wouldn't put the tires on unless they did the sensors too. Finally relented. Since then I've had to replace ALL of them under Firestone's warranty at least TWICE for each one! I don't know what kind of POS stems they use but they ALL cracked and spring a leak around the mounting hole. Rotten/cheap rubber, I don't know. I let them know I'm not happy and will not put Firestones on anything I own again. Doesn't matter if their tires are any good or not, if I tear one up when a junk stem blows out!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 600
Likes: 56
From: Elyria, Ohio
c$cruiser, I guess I should have said that I have the LPTWS. I just assumed it was standard on Corvettes.
Another thing I didn't know was the positioning of the sensors.
The ones that triggered the question from me were shown to be attached to the valve stem itself.
Apparently a later model year, not C-4's. I did ask the guys (Discount Tire)
if they were familiar with them and they said it was no problem, they had done them before.
I think I'll ask to see what they look like when the tire is off the rim.
Klondike, I can't imagine what relationship the new tires would have to the existing sensors,
other than a money-grab by the dealer. This is hindsight of course but I'd tell them "No, Thanks" and go elsewhere.
Thanks for your comments, guys!
Another thing I didn't know was the positioning of the sensors.
The ones that triggered the question from me were shown to be attached to the valve stem itself.
Apparently a later model year, not C-4's. I did ask the guys (Discount Tire)
if they were familiar with them and they said it was no problem, they had done them before.
I think I'll ask to see what they look like when the tire is off the rim.
Klondike, I can't imagine what relationship the new tires would have to the existing sensors,
other than a money-grab by the dealer. This is hindsight of course but I'd tell them "No, Thanks" and go elsewhere.
Thanks for your comments, guys!
