My $650 tire valve caps
11-21-09, 12:18 AM
#16
You said it was the getting cold. so it could be the valve cap metal contracted more than the aluminum and it pretty much clamped down on it. did you try warming up the valve cap? cause that's the first thing i would've done after the wd-40 didn't work and before the pliers.
11-21-09, 06:18 AM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
I think a dremel with a cutting disk and 10 minutes could have saved the day here.
Regardless, your dealer should be ashamed of themselves. They ripped you off, and they 100% know it.
Regardless, your dealer should be ashamed of themselves. They ripped you off, and they 100% know it.
11-21-09, 11:19 AM
#18
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I guess it's also OK for Lexus dealers to cheat you since you seem to have that mindset!
11-21-09, 06:49 PM
#20
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really? How is that lexus' fault? He readily admitted that he was at fault here for using aftermarket components right? so....where in line does that become lexus' problem? I just get frustrated with this mentality that lexus is expected to foot the bill for whatever comes our way. Listen, if he was a regular customer, I prolly would have waived the fee for pairing the sensors, especially since I was replacing the tires. HOwever, if he was taking the car elsewhere for service and only comes to me when it's a problem no one else can fix, then yeah, I'm gonna hit them up for my time. It's my exclusive knowledge/ablility that he needs to have his vehicle repaired. just my 2 cents.
11-21-09, 09:58 PM
#21
Lexus Champion
Of course all of this could have been avoided if the OP had just followed common sense and good practice and manually checked his tires once a month with a good tire gauge. Going six to nine months and not checking the tires is not good maintenance. Checking them once a month would not have allowd them to fuse on.
11-21-09, 10:29 PM
#23
To the OP, I would not have let them do the swap for new sensors. you do know that the sensor itself can be mounted in the wheel inside using a strap (heck you can even duct tape it in the wheel inside) and then a regular old valve stem could have been used (you know the $2 one at the tire store). That would have taken care of it.
11-22-09, 03:50 PM
#24
really? How is that lexus' fault? He readily admitted that he was at fault here for using aftermarket components right? so....where in line does that become lexus' problem? I just get frustrated with this mentality that lexus is expected to foot the bill for whatever comes our way. Listen, if he was a regular customer, I prolly would have waived the fee for pairing the sensors, especially since I was replacing the tires. HOwever, if he was taking the car elsewhere for service and only comes to me when it's a problem no one else can fix, then yeah, I'm gonna hit them up for my time. It's my exclusive knowledge/ablility that he needs to have his vehicle repaired. just my 2 cents.
11-23-09, 05:47 PM
#25
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Of course all of this could have been avoided if the OP had just followed common sense and good practice and manually checked his tires once a month with a good tire gauge. Going six to nine months and not checking the tires is not good maintenance. Checking them once a month would not have allowd them to fuse on.
11-24-09, 07:27 PM
#26
Pole Position
Thread Starter
To the OP, I would not have let them do the swap for new sensors. you do know that the sensor itself can be mounted in the wheel inside using a strap (heck you can even duct tape it in the wheel inside) and then a regular old valve stem could have been used (you know the $2 one at the tire store). That would have taken care of it.
11-25-09, 05:37 AM
#28
If you research TPMS sensors, you will find warnings about two things. First, only use aluminum or plastic caps as any other metal will corrode to the stem, especially in areas that use road salt. And the caps must have an internal gasket. Second, you must use TPMS approved valve cores that are plated - again for corrosion avoidance. This could cause an air leak. The old days of the mechanic ripping out the core, throwing on top of the changer, then grabbing any old one out of the pile is gone. Also, it is important to use a torque wrench to tighten the core to about 4 in/lb. I bought a Lisle 18810 for about $14 online to check mine. Since the stems are aluminum rather than the brass in a normal rubber stem, the chance of stripping is increased.
