[TRobinson6]

before anyone goes jumping down my back and accuse me of adding to my running "8 weeks of STUPID questions" (as someone told me i was doing) i have just read 78 threads on the tpms post and can't say i am in the clear and probably more confused than ever.

i am going to get two rear rims and put 185/60s on all four wheels. so i am confused if my front sensors will work or not. in the post some people say no problem others say yes you have to change. also whether or not i should rebuild all 4 now while new tires are going on. AGAIN some say they didn't and others say yes do it.

also i don't think i found anywhere that says if i could just do away with them and put standard stems in and if the tpms light would stay on. and if the lite does stay on can i get away with just pulling the fuse....again no thread on that that i found.

if anyone wants to comment ok or i will just go to Discount Tire which is probably what i should have done rather than waste averyones time listening to my ranting and raving


never mind don't anyone reply so i don't have to put up with negative comments

 

[MB DNA]

i am going to get two rear rims and put 185/60s on all four wheels. so i am confused if my front sensors will work or not. in the post some people say no problem others say yes you have to change. also whether or not i should rebuild all 4 now while new tires are going on. AGAIN some say they didn't and others say yes do it.

YES, sensors don't know if they are front or rear - new tires, I'd rebuild all 4 but as svaraman points out the batteries aren't serviceable.

also i don't think i found anywhere that says if i could just do away with them and put standard stems in and if the tpms light would stay on. and if the lite does stay on can i get away with just pulling the fuse....again no thread on that that i found.

YES, lite will stay on if you replace with standard stems, in the interest of safety though I wouldn't. Black tape has been used to cover the shining TPMS by others.

And as with all things smart - YMMV . . .

 

[OliverB]

I would rebuild all 4 if they are a few years old. No problem where the sensors go or what size tires/rims they are on. After new tires are mounted and inflated to pressure you wish, reset the TPMS with the button on the dash. No worries.

 

[svaraman]

YES, sensors don't know if they are front or rear - new tires, I'd rebuild all 4 as the batteries don't last forever.

The rebuild kit for TPMS sensors is just the valve and seals. The battery is not replaceable. If the sensors are over 6 years old, I'd replace them now as they're reaching end of life.

 

[jimvw57]

Most quality tire shops will automatically rebuild them (meaning new seals only) the sensors don't care if they are in the front or back. They only activate after the tire reaches a certain rpm. and the batteries don't last forever. The stems usually corroe and the nuts don't hold air pressure . the stems are replaceable too.

In some states they will not let you have your car if the check engine light , TPMS, ABS or other factory warning lights are on as they may be liable if something happens.

 

[svaraman]

The stems usually corroe and the nuts don't hold air pressure . the stems are replaceable too.

I think that's a Minnesota thing. The stems don't corrode around here but it seldom snows here (most years except this one anyway) and when it does, they don't salt the roads.

 

[jimvw57]

But if they don't salt the roads, then how do they wear out the cars??And the roads from the freezing and thawing cycles?? It just isn't winter without glare ice and below zero temperatures for at least a week!

 

[stevenjb]

Some cities use sand instead of salt

 

[mildensmart]

Discount Tire charges $6 per tire to "rebuild" the TPMS which is only the stem, valve, seal, and Schrader valve (no battery) for a total of 24$ plus tax. For less than $60 you can get a set of brand new ones Lot4 New OEM Mercedes-Benz Smart Fortwo TPMS Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor | eBay

I would opt to spend another $30-ish and get brand new ones.

Yes I have done it both ways... no TPMS (light is annoying) and new eBay sensors (no light is a joy).

 

[jimvw57]

Last set I bought from Tire Rack were about $30 for all 4, but I am sure they are higher now. Amazon has good prices and rebuild kits, plus parts too.