DIY TMPS change?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 359
Likes: 7
From: St. Paul MN
This seems like an odd thing to try and save money on, unless you have the equivalent tools to dislodge and remount the tire. If you have runflats, the sidewalls are even stiffer than normal tires. I've struggled just changing a mower tire with prybars and screwdrivers, so wouldn't ever consider it on my C5. First, I don't want to mark or damage my rims. Second, I would want a rebalance afterward which I can't do either.
I swapped all 4 older pre-'01 TPMS to newer 01+ for $40 total at Discount Tire (I brought the new ones in, and kept/sold the old ones). I originally had the tires installed there, and they had free lifetime balancing. Might not hurt to call around to see what the going rate is for just one.
Todd
I swapped all 4 older pre-'01 TPMS to newer 01+ for $40 total at Discount Tire (I brought the new ones in, and kept/sold the old ones). I originally had the tires installed there, and they had free lifetime balancing. Might not hurt to call around to see what the going rate is for just one.
Todd
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 5
From: Germantown, TN
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
From: Tulsa OK
I don't understand why it is necessary to remove the tire from the wheel. Granted, breaking the bead isn't all that easy but that can be done with little danger to the wheel. Once the outside bead is down you should be able to reach the TPMS with one hand while removing the nut with the other.
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OBD
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Certainly not worth the possibility of damaging the wheel in the process.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
I don't understand why it is necessary to remove the tire from the wheel. Granted, breaking the bead isn't all that easy but that can be done with little danger to the wheel. Once the outside bead is down you should be able to reach the TPMS with one hand while removing the nut with the other.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
I don't understand why it is necessary to remove the tire from the wheel. Granted, breaking the bead isn't all that easy but that can be done with little danger to the wheel. Once the outside bead is down you should be able to reach the TPMS with one hand while removing the nut with the other.
What am I missing?
OBD
What am I missing?
OBD
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 46
From: Springfield IL.
Oldtimer
I don't understand why it is necessary to remove the tire from the wheel. Granted, breaking the bead isn't all that easy but that can be done with little danger to the wheel. Once the outside bead is down you should be able to reach the TPMS with one hand while removing the nut with the other.
What am I missing?
OBD
What am I missing?
OBD
Team Owner
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 22,830
Likes: 13
From: Columbus Ohio
CI 3-4, 8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10
Not worth the trouble.
I helped my older brother change tires at home once a long, long time ago.
We broke the sidewalls loose by putting a jack on the sidewall and jacking up another car to get break them down. Then it went to crowbars and large screw drivers....
I helped my older brother change tires at home once a long, long time ago.
We broke the sidewalls loose by putting a jack on the sidewall and jacking up another car to get break them down. Then it went to crowbars and large screw drivers....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I have changed a few tires at home too. It is not easy. Breaking the beads is really tough. The ones I did were 60 and 70 series so the sidewalls were taller and more flexible.
I have used a tire machine to change tires also. C5 wheels and tires are still tough. The shorter sidewalls and especially run flats the sidewall is very stiff. Even with the bead broken the tire is wide enough that it stays close to the bead. It is tough to push down far enough to change a valve stem/sensor.
I wouldn't even think about doing it without a tire machine.
I have used a tire machine to change tires also. C5 wheels and tires are still tough. The shorter sidewalls and especially run flats the sidewall is very stiff. Even with the bead broken the tire is wide enough that it stays close to the bead. It is tough to push down far enough to change a valve stem/sensor.
I wouldn't even think about doing it without a tire machine.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
From: Tulsa OK
Well after I rebuilt my sensors, I took my tires to DT to have my new Hankooks installed. I had one sensor that wouldn't read the air pressure so I had to replace it. Didn't want to drive all the way to DT again so I went down to a local tire shop close by. I had them just break down the outside so I wouldn't need a rebalance. Let me tell ya it's a heck of a job to try and pry the tire down enough to replace the sensor. Those sidewalls are really stiff, scratched the heck out of my hands. Won't do it again.
Thanks for the info.
OBD
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
It can be done, All you need to do is break the bead at the sensor, But it is a lot easyier said than done, It is only a few bucks to have a shop do it and that is what I would do.