Valve Stem TPMS Programming and Mounting and Balancing

Flow225 · 03-09-2009

I just picked a set of new rims and tires and 2 concerns come to mind.

1. The guy I purchased the set from said that the rims and tires are equipped with TPMS sensors but are NOT the TPMS sensors that are attached to the band that wraps around the rim but are "Valve Stem TPMS" sensors. Do such sensors exist and how would they be programmed?

2. The tires are already mounted on the rims. What's the best way to tell they were mounted and balanced properly?

Any help would gladly be appreciated. Thank you.

Back@itagain · 03-09-2009

Yes they do exist. Ford OEM are band style but the valve stems systems are available. Your stem should be steel and the cap will indicate sensor inside. They are programed using a small hand held wireless device. If the balance is out you should notice a vibration coming up through the steering wheel. The lower the profile the more noticeable it will be. The tires will also wear improperly and you will be able to both see it and feel it if you run your hand over the tread.

Flow225 · 03-10-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Back@itagain

Yes they do exist. Ford OEM are band style but the valve stems systems are available. Your stem should be steel and the cap will indicate sensor inside. They are programed using a small hand held wireless device. If the balance is out you should notice a vibration coming up through the steering wheel. The lower the profile the more noticeable it will be. The tires will also wear improperly and you will be able to both see it and feel it if you run your hand over the tread.

Thanks for your response...Where can I get this handheld device to program the sensors?

Back@itagain · 03-10-2009

any reputable tire shop will have it. The sensors transmit a radio frequency which the computer monitors in the vehicle. The hand held tells the computer which tire is transmitting on which frequency so it can advise of which tire is low. It's probably not worth purchasing one unless you plan on opening a shop.

Flow225 · 03-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Back@itagain

Yes they do exist. Ford OEM are band style but the valve stems systems are available. Your stem should be steel and the cap will indicate sensor inside. They are programed using a small hand held wireless device. If the balance is out you should notice a vibration coming up through the steering wheel. The lower the profile the more noticeable it will be. The tires will also wear improperly and you will be able to both see it and feel it if you run your hand over the tread.

How much of a vibration would it be? Would it be a subtle vibration, or very noticeable gyrations of the steering wheel?

Back@itagain · 03-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flow225

How much of a vibration would it be? Would it be a subtle vibration, or very noticeable gyrations of the steering wheel?

It all depends on how poorly the balance was done, aligment and maybe any other suspension issues that might be going on. I have been going through the same issues with some new wheels and tires. I also have the valve stem tpms system. I went so far as to replace the stock ball joints with Steeda X5 pieces and bump steer kit to try and eliminate any sources of vibration. I still have a slight oscilation through the steering wheel. I just got it back from the shop after the third try. It was very noticable prior to due to a crappy balancing effort. Now I can barely feel the oscilation but it is present between 62 mph to 68 ish

Flow225 · 03-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Back@itagain

It all depends on how poorly the balance was done, aligment and maybe any other suspension issues that might be going on. I have been going through the same issues with some new wheels and tires. I also have the valve stem tpms system. I went so far as to replace the stock ball joints with Steeda X5 pieces and bump steer kit to try and eliminate any sources of vibration. I still have a slight oscilation through the steering wheel. I just got it back from the shop after the third try. It was very noticable prior to due to a crappy balancing effort. Now I can barely feel the oscilation but it is present between 62 mph to 68 ish

Thanks for all your help...I have noticed there are some noticebale, but slight vibrations through the steering wheel around 30-35 MPH. The alignment might be slightly off as well as when I let go off the wheel with both hands going straight, it tends to veer ever so slightly to the right...bummer.

So what would be the most economical way off fixing the balancing issue? Having the wheels/tires removed from the vehicle and then have the tires re-mounted and re-balanced? Seems like a pain in the ass.

Back@itagain · 03-13-2009

your car wanting to pull to one side or another is a good indication that your alignment may be out but just remember that it is also affected by road crown, width of your tires and other factors. Best way to see what is going on is by tread wear. Run your hands against the directional pattern of the tire and if there are high and low spots then something will need to be corrected. Any tire shop can throw your car up on the rack and check the alignment. All four tires rebalanced shouldn't cost more than about $20. Just make sure there machine acounts for road force variation.