I broke the valve on a rear tire and all the air escaped. I drove about 4 miles at 40mph to a tire dealer called Big10 Tires. Without inspecting the tire they said it was ruined and should be replaced, plus it's usually best to replace the rears in pairs. They had nothing in stock and wanted nearly $1,000 for this. I did not agree.

Discount Tire inspected the tire and said it is fine, and replaced the pressure sensor air valve assembly with a plain valve so I could inflate the tire and drive home. They did not charge anything for this, they said come back when you need tires.

1. Kudos to Discount Tire!
2. My DIC now thinks one tire has no pressure and constantly flags a warning (see below).
3. Should rear tires be replaced in pairs?

I'm going on a 1,000 mile trip soon and may not have time to get the sensor/valve replaced before I go. Do I have anything to worry about?

Thank you.

 

how many miles would you say you have on your tires? obviously if they are fairly worn I would not want to replace only one. I would also replace with the same tire as came off. what tire did Big 10 want to put on for $1000.00 for a pair?

 

Depending on the moleage on the tire I would say you are betterr to replace in pairs but I would not worry about doing this before your trip discount is awesome I just had a screw in my front tire they plugged and patched no charge .Hope this helps

 

The circumference of a new versus a highly worn tire is different. If it is great enough it could cause the active handling system to think one wheel was slipping ( the less worn one) and apply the brake to that wheel.

It is best to keep the circumference of tires on the same axle as similar as possible.

I would suggest that you buy 1 used tire pressor sensor from the C5 parts section if you don't want to spend the $30 it will cost you to buy 1 new one for your '02 from Gene Culley at www.gmpartshouse.com

 

Hi Gary-

1. I too have had great experiences with Discount Tire, and agree with the kudos, add some more, etc...!

2. Mine has a warning also ("service tire monitoring system"), because I used some fix a flat on the way out on a long trip. It's annoying to cancel it every time, and I'll need a new sensor one day, but most cars I've ever owned don't have sensors, warnings, or run flat tires at all. So, I don't think I'd worry about it so much, but you may want to check your pressure each evening since it won't be visibly obvious with run flats if you're low.

3. If the good rear one is more than halfway used up, I'd probably replace both...otherwise not so much. It's not like you're going to wear out your differential accounting for different sized tires left to right or anything like that.

Have a good trip!

 

I had the same thing happen a few years ago on a set of Firestone Firehawk EMTs. The right rear valve stem of the TPS snapped off for some reason as I was coming off the interstate. Tire pressure went to zero by the time I got to the end of the exit.

I drove ~12 miles home on city streets without a problem although the rear was a tad mushy. Took the wheel w/tire off at home and took it to Firestone to have it checked. They said the tire was fine. I also took an old dead TPS with me to replace the broke one just to have a valve stem but they could've done the same as with yours and installed a rubber valve stem. Drove like that around town and on the interstate for several days until my new TPS arrived. Took the wheel back down for the install and drove that tire until the tread was gone without incident.

I wouldn't patently state that both rears need to be replaced together. Depends on how much wear you have on your present set. If your other tires are in good shape for a 1K trip I wouldn't worry about it. Just be real certain that you haven't destroyed the sidewall on your affected tire. I know you said Discount said it was ok but I'd take a real close look at the sidewalls and drive it at freeway speeds on the lookout for vibrations and whatnot. Just my .02

I get my Firestones from TireRack. A hulluva lot cheaper than local plus you don't pay sales tax on internet purchases.

 

If the tire is now not leaking I would get a new tsp overnighted from a forum vendor and have it put in asap so you won't be bothered by the message on your trip.

 

If the tire still has an ample amount of tread, put in a new TPS and go on your trip.