C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

TPMS O rings?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 12:11 PM
  #1  
autocolor's Avatar
autocolor
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Aspenden Hertfordshire U.K.
Default TPMS O rings?

I am changing wheels on my C5 to C6 five spoke alloys, I am swapping over the TPMS valves but find they are not sealing well, I am unsure if the machining is the same in both types of wheel?
To overcome in the short term I have added an extra O ring around the valve stem and this seems to have cured the problem, but my question is: - is the original O ring on the monitor actually moulded to the valve stem and in the plastic casing? or is it removable and replaceable?
Your thoughts please
Mike.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 01:30 PM
  #2  
Trios's Avatar
Trios
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 15
From: Seattle WA
Default

It's recommended to replace the o ring and such each time you remove the sensor (or at least, by the places that sell the kits to do so).

From Tire Rack: "Many times you can purchase a TPMS rebuild kit if you are trying to re-use your sensors on a new wheel. This would allow your service technician to service any rubber parts or lock nuts that are not designed to be re-used. Usually these kits range from 3-7 dollars each, so a good precautionary measure for sure!"

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/hot-se...t-great-prices
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 01:43 PM
  #3  
autocolor's Avatar
autocolor
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Aspenden Hertfordshire U.K.
Default

THanks for response, but where do I get a TPMS service kit? I am in the UK so will need to buy online, I did look on tirerack but they only talk about them on the blog, they do not seem to have them for sale.
FYI the Vette is a 2001 coupe but full Euro spec so slightly different to the US models of that year, I believe the sensor assembly is the same but with different frequencies.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 03:37 PM
  #4  
QCVette's Avatar
QCVette
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
Liked
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
Default

I changed wheels on my 99. The original o-rings are not molded into the sensor, but mine were old enough that they remained squished flat and filled the groove so that they almost looked like they were molded in seals.

I took out the old seals and replaced them with o-rings I got at our local Home Depot. A package of 10 only cost a buck or two.

They are a #9 O-Ring 5/8" O.D x 7/16" I.D x 3/32"

I reused the nuts.

No leaks in over 2 years.

Good luck.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 03:46 PM
  #5  
XXXLTRP's Avatar
XXXLTRP
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
From: VA
Default

I forgot the exact inch pound torque specs, but it's tighter than one would expect. I would not have tightened them that tight without a torque wrench. Mine leaked when I tightened them "by feel" ...and they leaked. Put the inch pound torque wrench on them and had to tighten them up considerably more.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 04:10 PM
  #6  
DeeGee's Avatar
DeeGee
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by autocolor
THanks for response, but where do I get a TPMS service kit? I am in the UK so will need to buy online, I did look on tirerack but they only talk about them on the blog, they do not seem to have them for sale.
FYI the Vette is a 2001 coupe but full Euro spec so slightly different to the US models of that year, I believe the sensor assembly is the same but with different frequencies.
Mine has US 02 standard TPMs with integral seals. I didnt need the extra seals when I fitted my Crays. I think the euro TPMs should be OK without seals. As you say, the differences are in frequency.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 05:09 PM
  #7  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

There are TWO types of sensors. The early design that only works with 97-2000 RFA's uses a standard hardware store O ring for the seal and it looks like this:



The 2001 - 2004 TPS Sensor is better was redisigned and operates on a different frequency and will NOT work with the early RFA. It also has a unique seal that looks like this:









Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 04:41 AM
  #8  
autocolor's Avatar
autocolor
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Aspenden Hertfordshire U.K.
Default

Thanks to all for the responses, and it seems from Bills pics that the sensors on my 2001 are the early type so just need to replace the O rings. I cant post pics on here so have sent an email to you Bill with pics of my sensors to confirm exactly what they are, hope you dont mind.
A bit confusing as the according to the cars numbers it is a genuine 2001 and was not registered new until June 2001 but perhaps being a Euro import it still carries some 97-2000 parts?
I will wait for your response to the email Bill before I proceed any further
Thanks again
Mike.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 09:37 AM
  #9  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Mike

Please resend the e-mail. For some reason the one that you sent will not open.

WOOPs,, Never mind,, I was able to open it and you DO indeed have the early sensors!! The O rings look very compressed and flat so,, new O rings should fix you right up. I will save the pictures tonight and get them in PHOTOBUCKET and attach them to this post.



Bill

Last edited by Bill Curlee; Nov 20, 2011 at 10:06 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 10:34 AM
  #10  
autocolor's Avatar
autocolor
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Aspenden Hertfordshire U.K.
Default

Thanks Bill you are a star, I have pulled out the old O rings and replaced with new to the spec shown earlier in this thread, final two tyres fitting on Wednesday so will see if the new rings work, if so I will need to pull off the other two tyres and replace the rings in there as currently I have simply added an extra ring which I feel may move over time.
Thanks again for your time and patience
Mike.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 11:56 AM
  #11  
Elliswon's Avatar
Elliswon
Heel & Toe
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Default

All 4 TPMS on my new to me 99FRC are leaking. The previous owner put Y2K replica wheels on it. I don't know who made them. Since the TPMS are giving good pressure readings I'm assuming they are the early style since the later style sensor work on a different frequency.

Are the later wheels machined differently to accept the later style TPMS and seal? I'm worried I have wheels that won't seal with the early style TPMS O-rings. Please tell me that all I have to so is replace some o-rings.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 12:13 PM
  #12  
65GGvert's Avatar
65GGvert
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,132
Likes: 4,154
From: Kannapolis NC
Default

Originally Posted by Elliswon
All 4 TPMS on my new to me 99FRC are leaking. The previous owner put Y2K replica wheels on it. I don't know who made them. Since the TPMS are giving good pressure readings I'm assuming they are the early style since the later style sensor work on a different frequency.

Are the later wheels machined differently to accept the later style TPMS and seal? I'm worried I have wheels that won't seal with the early style TPMS O-rings. Please tell me that all I have to so is replace some o-rings.
Have you tried torquing the correct amount? Seems odd that all four leak. Maybe the wrong o rings were used.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 12:37 PM
  #13  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Ill give this a shot as it is all I have to offer.

IF,,, the new style wheels have different seating surfaces and the O rings will not seal in them, Call the dealer and see if they sell the NEW STYLE seals separately for the NEW STYLE sensors.

If the dealer doesn't have any, see if some local tire shops know if there are any available. You can even call Tire Rack and see if they have any thing that can make them seal properly..

You may be able to make the new style seals work on the old style sensor stems. Its worth a shot..

IF,,,, that fails, go to the hardware store and look in the plumbing department. They sell an assortment of rubber seals for sink faucet seats. You may be able to get creative and get some that you can make work.

Last resort,, a little RTV and the O rings may work.

They also sell a mount that allows you to place the sensor totally inside the wheel and the valve stem that attaches to the will seal properly or the EASY SENSOR that TRIOS posted on.

BC
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 12:50 PM
  #14  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

I found the internal pressure sensor mounting system that I was thinking about. Check out this link:

http://g35driver.com/forums/brakes-s...-work-etc.html

Bill
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 09:20 AM
  #15  
Luke@tirerack's Avatar
0Luke@tirerack
Former Vendor
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 147
From: 877-522-8473 ext. 4362
St. Jude Donor '11-'12
Default

call me we have TPMS hardware kits available
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 02:41 PM
  #16  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

Originally Posted by Luke@tirerack
call me we have TPMS hardware kits available
Luke

What OEM Sensor serviceable parts are available and what aftermarket equipment is available??

Do you have any repair parts for our Tire Pressure Sensors? I know they sell the replacement Valve Stem Cores. Do you have any replacement seals, gland nuts or caps?

Bill
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 03:09 PM
  #17  
Luke@tirerack's Avatar
0Luke@tirerack
Former Vendor
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 147
From: 877-522-8473 ext. 4362
St. Jude Donor '11-'12
Default

valve stem cores, o-ring seals, gland nuts and caps?
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To TPMS O rings?

Old Nov 22, 2011 | 11:37 AM
  #18  
autocolor's Avatar
autocolor
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Aspenden Hertfordshire U.K.
Default

Fitted the second set of tyres to the C6 18" rims, replaced O rings on the sensors and so far all seems good, I will see how they are after a run and a few days to settle in but it appears the new O rings have done the trick. I just need to pull out the rear sensors and do the same and hope I get the same result.
So does anyone have any idea why I have the "early type" sensors on a 2001 car ? plus what other parts may be from earlier models?
Mike
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2011 | 02:02 PM
  #19  
MG RED 99's Avatar
MG RED 99
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
Default

Originally Posted by Elliswon
All 4 TPMS on my new to me 99FRC are leaking. The previous owner put Y2K replica wheels on it. I don't know who made them. Since the TPMS are giving good pressure readings I'm assuming they are the early style since the later style sensor work on a different frequency.

Are the later wheels machined differently to accept the later style TPMS and seal? I'm worried I have wheels that won't seal with the early style TPMS O-rings. Please tell me that all I have to so is replace some o-rings.
They should work fine. Either the nut isn't torqued enough or the o-rings weren't replaced and are shot. Try spraying some soapy water around the valve stem to pinpont the leak.

FYI, I have a 99 with the older style sensors and changed my tires out for replica Z06 motorsport style rims with no problems. This style of rim was designed when the newer style sensors were being used (2001 when the Z06 came out) so I would think you would also be ok.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2011 | 03:23 PM
  #20  
autocolor's Avatar
autocolor
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Aspenden Hertfordshire U.K.
Default

Hopefully a nice easy question, there has been a lot of talk about the correct torque for these sensor nuts but no actual figures being given, I have searched the forum but found several different recomendations, the most popular for the C5 seems to be 106 inch pounds or 12 Newton Metres does everyone agree this is correct?
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:44 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE