Repairing flat with TPMS

[RDer]

Just brought a tire with TPMS to BIg O for a flat repair. Was told they could not repair the tire w/o rebuilding the the valve stem and recalibrating the TPMS on the wheel. Any truth to this, or is Big O ripping my knickers? They want $20.00 for the rebuild kit and $25.00 for the recalibration. Thanks

[Medic721]

Sounds like bull to me.

The OEM TPMS sensor has no way of calibrating it, and there is no need to pair it with the vehicle (like bluetooth). as soon as a sensor starts spinning on the 'axle' the vehicle recognizes it.

As for the rebuild kit, if the problem is the tire, there is no need to rebuild the tpms sensor. The 'rebuild kit ' if Honda OEM, would replace the valve, rubber gasket and valve cap. $11.53 from Majestic Honda. The entire TPMS assembly from them is about $44.78.

I have changed tires w/o changing or calibrating the TPMS.

BTW, don't ever use fix-a-flat or tire slime to quick fix a flat or you WILL need to replace the TPMS sensor.

-Mike.

[CMasten]

Horse Crap and I would call them on it

The tires should be fixed with a plug and a patch, if its done right. the TPMS unit is never touched and will recalibrate itself when its put back on. In fact its always calibrating itself.

I just went through this with a couple of local dealers, in my case I screwed them up by using fix it flat which killed the TPMS units. i had to have the dealer replace those and a week later got a flat on one of my Cross Terrains and had it plugged and patched from the inside.

[kean]

Got a TPMS activated after a day I'd arrived from NJ and when I check the pressure it was 20psi so I'd inflated to 35psi but after a day it goes down to 28psi.Decided to bring to Lucas tire and it cost 25$ to check the tire and 50$ for the TPMS check & calibration and I walk away.And I go to auto service near the shell station and they just plug two leaks cause from a staple wire.But they plug it from outside they didn't remove the tire from the rim.Are they doing right but anyway tire pressure was okay and no sign of deflating.

[CMasten]

Originally posted by kean
Got a TPMS activated after a day I'd arrived from NJ and when I check the pressure it was 20psi so I'd inflated to 35psi but after a day it goes down to 28psi.Decided to bring to Lucas tire and it cost 25$ to check the tire and 50$ for the TPMS check & calibration and I walk away.And I go to auto service near the shell station and they just plug two leaks cause from a staple wire.But they plug it from outside they didn't remove the tire from the rim.Are they doing right but anyway tire pressure was okay and no sign of deflating.

I guess some of these guys see TPMS units as a way to make a quick 50 bucks.. shame on them.

I have used many plugs in tires over the years, some work, some didnt work, but the correct way to patch a tire is to core/plug and apply a patch from the inside. When they put the wheel back on, the TPMS system is pretty transparent, there is nothing for a mechanic to do, there is no "reset" switch or anything they even have control over.

[breakfastchef]

[i]And I go to auto service near the shell station and they just plug two leaks cause from a staple wire.But they plug it from outside they didn't remove the tire from the rim.Are they doing right but anyway tire pressure was okay and no sign of deflating. [/B]

My local tire dealer - Tire Kingdom - refuses to plug a tire. They only will patch from the inside claiming that this is the preferred method of fixing a tire hole and they will not guarantee a plug. Additionally, here in S. Florida where we get the occassional hurricane, Tire Kingdom is permitted to plug a tire after a storm on the ok from the home office. The argument is convincing.

[VettePilot]

Originally posted by breakfastchef


My local tire dealer - Tire Kingdom - refuses to plug a tire. They only will patch from the inside claiming that this is the preferred method of fixing a tire hole and they will not guarantee a plug. Additionally, here in S. Florida where we get the occassional hurricane, Tire Kingdom is permitted to plug a tire after a storm on the ok from the home office. The argument is convincing.

I agree, the best way is to patch it on the inside.

However, on some of my cars, I have very expensive rims.
And, many tire "jockeys" don't give a hoot what they do to a rim fixing the tire.
So, depending on the vehicle and rims, I plug it myself.

[RDer]

Just wanted to let you all know; I sent an email to Big O Corporate and they called me back the next day. Talked to a VP and he said he was told by his local Honda dealer that the rebuild of the valve stem was not necessary as long as the tire is removed carefully. VP offered me a full refund on the tire repair. Got a call yesterday and was told that the refund check was in the mail. I was impressed that I got a personal phone call and my concerns were taken care of. Kudos to Big O. Hopefully they pass this info onto their stores.