Tire pressure sensor install DIY?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
Tire pressure sensor install DIY?
Local tire shop wants $25CDN for changing the TPMS from one wheel to another (per wheel!). Plus another $20 per tire (inlcuding balancing). With tax, that's around $200!
Is there a way to change the TPMS yourself? If yes, please let me know.
Thanks!!!!!
Is there a way to change the TPMS yourself? If yes, please let me know.
Thanks!!!!!
Last edited by Indy; May 15, 2009 at 05:38 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 12
From: Farnham Virginia
Changing out a TPMS sensor is a very simple procedure. You just remove the nut, push out the old sensor, put in the new sensor, and torque the nut back down. You should also put in new O-rings when changing them out. The difficult part is removing the tire from the rim to get to the old one. This is even more difficult if you have run-flat tires due to the stiffness of the sidewalls.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
Is that it? They're just attached with a nut, nothing else? Sounds fairly simple. Do they have to be reprogrammed when on new wheels?
How could I get the tire off by myself? Or should a shop do that for me?
How could I get the tire off by myself? Or should a shop do that for me?
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 512
Likes: 0
Basically your not going to get to the TPS units without a tire machine.
Are you thinking of changing the batteries in the units themselves?
This might be a good idea if they are anywhere near 10 years old.
I just replaced the batteries in all 4 of mine last week ( it took about 2hours )...but your going to have to let the silicone dry for about 24hrs.
before you can run them.
Also if your going to another type wheel you may have to " band" them if the wheel countour is different.
Re programming just requires a magnet be held aginst the valve stem. And you do a little button pushing on the dash.
There are videos of this battery replacement on you tube.
Mike
Portland OR
Are you thinking of changing the batteries in the units themselves?
This might be a good idea if they are anywhere near 10 years old.
I just replaced the batteries in all 4 of mine last week ( it took about 2hours )...but your going to have to let the silicone dry for about 24hrs.
before you can run them.
Also if your going to another type wheel you may have to " band" them if the wheel countour is different.
Re programming just requires a magnet be held aginst the valve stem. And you do a little button pushing on the dash.
There are videos of this battery replacement on you tube.
Mike
Portland OR
Last edited by mnfmkf; May 15, 2009 at 04:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 6
From: Oilerville Edmonton
St. Jude Donor '08
again, not trying to be a jerk...just hoping for a different answer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 9
From: Northwest CT
Hey Mike, I am not trying to call you out on your info at all but is there not way to get at the TPS without having a shop do it? I was just hoping I could get the sensors out myself, fix/get them fixed and then have the tires re-mounted and balanced.
again, not trying to be a jerk...just hoping for a different answer
again, not trying to be a jerk...just hoping for a different answer
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 679
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From: TremontonUT UT
Get another bid before going nuts. Just a regular tire balance is $13 a wheel and a road force is $20 here in my area. You want someone that knows what they are doing. I watched the guy break one of my tires down to do the road force balance. It was a little tricky working around the sensor. I would not let an inexperienced shop touch mine. Later! Frank
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
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From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Basically, if you don't have a tire machine, or hydrualic press, you aren't going to get the sidewall pushed down far enough to accomplish the task Indy.
As far as programming goes....so long as you put them back on the car in the same location as they were(RF, LF, RR, LR) they will work the same as when they were in another wheel. They stay programmed to the car.
Get another quote from another shop.
Last edited by sneakelman; May 15, 2009 at 09:24 PM.
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If you have a tire machine and know how to use it, then yes, you can DIY. Otherwise, doubt you are going to get the tire off the bead to get to the sensor. Shop around, they should be able to do it for a lot less.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
Not going to be a DIY job. I'm not sure of the exchange rate right now, since the US dollar is in the toilet, however the price you were quoted sounds insane 
Just today I had my tire shop change my wheels. it included dismounting all 4 tires, removing the TPMS and putting them in the new wheel. the rear TPMS required a little custom work. Re-mounting the tire to the new wheel. Laser balancing the 4 wheels and re-programing the TPMS (which took two guy's about 45 seconds to do). All this was done in about 45 minutes and cost $100 US.
Just today I had my tire shop change my wheels. it included dismounting all 4 tires, removing the TPMS and putting them in the new wheel. the rear TPMS required a little custom work. Re-mounting the tire to the new wheel. Laser balancing the 4 wheels and re-programing the TPMS (which took two guy's about 45 seconds to do). All this was done in about 45 minutes and cost $100 US.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
but I have taken tires down at home when the wallet was empty. I have also changed TPS in 99 wheels.
I have a tractor
with loader that I use to break the bead
. Please this is done by professionals don't try this at home.
If you mark the tire to the rim you can get away w/o balance many times.
If you don't have the tools to break the bead down you will have to have a tire shop do it. But changing the sensor is easy. You will need a metric deep socked that will fit the nut and a drop of oil to lube the o-ring so it will seat.
Do not overtighten the nut on installation it is possible to break off the valve assembly.
