Troubleshooting tpms/tire inflation issue

[Melntb1]

First off let me say that I am trying to figure this out and I'm not real sure what everything is called so be patient with me! My husband is out of town and I was trying to get our new rv up and going with the tpms. We have the Tireminder A1A model. I have all 5 other tires up and going but the last tire kept losing air. I can actually hear it. The tires have a silver valve looking thing on the end of the stems (see picture) that I screw the tpms sensor onto. I noticed on this tire that the silver thing has a a groove in the tread. Could this be what is causing the tire to lose air when I put the tpms sensor on?

[Joe_GA]

That's an odd looking groove and I'm wondering what could have caused it. Anyway, in answer to your question, if that groove is stopping the sensor from screwing all the way to its rubber seal...yes. Inside the sensor, you should see a round donut like rubber seal. When the sensor is screwed onto that adapter, the rubber seals around the top edge of that adapter. Do you really need that adapter? Can you screw the sensor directly onto the tire valve? If so, try that.

[bluefin]

looks like the threads are shot. if the sensor won't screw down all the way that could cause it to lose air

[Melntb1]

I tried just screwing the tpms sensor onto the tire valve without the silver adapter and I can still here air coming out when it's screwed on so could it be the tpms sensor itself? Will it help to change the o-ring? The kit came with extras.

[Joe_GA]

Originally Posted by Melntb1

I tried just screwing the tpms sensor onto the tire valve without the silver adapter and I can still here air coming out when it's screwed on so could it be the tpms sensor itself? Will it help to change the o-ring? The kit came with extras.

Yup. I would try changing the O ring and see what happens.

[Melntb1]

Changed the o-ring and screwed it directly on the stem and still leaking air when the sensor is on. Can it just be a bad fit sensor? Does that happen?

[Melntb1]

So I went to get a replacement for the tire stem cover and all the auto store had that was remotely similar was these valve extenders. (See photo) I initially thought this would be great because it was difficult for me to maneuver the tpms on the current stems because they were in such an awkward position. BUT then I read on the package once I'm home that they are not be used on "tires with TPMS devices or brass valve stems" which the tpms have brass valves. Ughhh. What to do? Any advice for this lady please!

I've also sent an email to Tireminder if the "losing air" could be a defect in the sensor itself.

[Bama Rambler]

Swap that sensor with another sensor just to make sure it's the sensor.
I bet it's most likely a bad sensor, and has nothing to do with the extender.

Hopefully Tireminder will determine the problem and get you another sensor if required.

[Joe_GA]

Like Bama said, swap that sensor for another. If no leaks, put the suspect sensor on another tire and see if it leaks there. If so, call the manufacturer. I wouldn't use any valve extenders unless absolutely necessary. That just adds another point that could leak and it places the sensor out where centrifugal force would be multiplied.

[tomrob1161]

I would call Tire Minder. They have helped me a lot in the past. I have found them to be very knowledgeable.


Good luck

[Melntb1]

I actually have 6 tires on the rv and one spare. I never even thought of having one for the spare too :duh: [emoji4]

[Joe_GA]

I don't have sensors on either of my spare tires because the sensors are too expensive. However, I have an air compressor on my truck, so I can air up the spare if I have to use it.
Have you tried swapping sensors yet to narrow down the source of the leak?

[Melntb1]

I swapped out sensors and when I screwed on the alternate sensor the leaking happened again so I'm thinking it's something with the actual stem. Would y'all come to the same conclusion?

[Bama Rambler]

If you tried a different sensor and it leaked on the same stem, then yes; I'd assume that it's the stem.

You could try tightening the valve core a little to see if that helps, before you take the tire off.

[Joe_GA]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

If you tried a different sensor and it leaked on the same stem, then yes; I'd assume that it's the stem.

You could try tightening the valve core a little to see if that helps, before you take the tire off.

X2

[Joe_GA]

Another thought. Could it be that something is stopping the sensor from screwing all the way onto the valve stem? I would examine the threads of the valve stem for damage or dirt. If there is something between the threads, a small wire brush may clear it up. More than likely, you will need a tire shop to install a new valve stem.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by Joe_GA

Another thought. Could it be that something is stopping the sensor from screwing all the way onto the valve stem? I would examine the threads of the valve stem for damage or dirt. If there is something between the threads, a small wire brush may clear it up. More than likely, you will need a tire shop to install a new valve stem.

Just to insure the threads on the valve stem are in good condition there is a small tool available at any auto parts store for a few dollars. It will thread onto your valve stem and refresh/repair the threads if they are damaged.

A picture of one can be seen on the following link:
4pc 4 Way Valve Stem Core Repair Removal Installer Reamer Tube Tire Tool N8D

It also has a slotted hollow stem that you can use to tighten the valve core to insure it is not too high and causing the problem. MUCH cheaper than a trip to the tire shop, so I would try both things with this one tool first if I were you.

[Melntb1]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

Just to insure the threads on the valve stem are in good condition there is a small tool available at any auto parts store for a few dollars. It will thread onto your valve stem and refresh/repair the threads if they are damaged.

A picture of one can be seen on the following link:
4pc 4 Way Valve Stem Core Repair Removal Installer Reamer Tube Tire Tool N8D

It also has a slotted hollow stem that you can use to tighten the valve core to insure it is not too high and causing the problem. MUCH cheaper than a trip to the tire shop, so I would try both things with this one tool first if I were you.

I will go see if our auto store has one and hopefully it has full instructions on how to use it. Thanks so much for everyone's help! I'm trying to be a big girl and get it fixed by myself...with all of your help too! [emoji6]

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by Melntb1

I will go see if our auto store has one and hopefully it has full instructions on how to use it. Thanks so much for everyone's help! I'm trying to be a big girl and get it fixed by myself...with all of your help too! [emoji6]

Id print out a picture of it and take it with you to insure you get the right tool. Then ask them to help you by demonstrating to you how it works. Im betting the clerk will be MORE than happy to help you.

My only advice is to insure you do not get it cross threaded when first chasing the threads on the outside. It should screw on with no more force than the valve cap at first. If you reach a bad part of the threads it will require more force though to correct them.

On the valve stem tighten it til it is very tight and does not turn any longer.

[Bama Rambler]

I carry one of those 4-way valve stem tools in every vehicle. You don't need one very often, but when you do, you do.