tyrenfroe

Did you happen to observe the service pack installation procedure used by the shop? After dismounting the tires/rims and pulling the valve core to deflate the tire (usually done at the tire changing machine), did the tech go directly to stripping the deflated tire OR did he disassemble the valve stem and push it into the deflated tire prior to stripping? Just curious, thanks.

texas008

I watched the whole procedure from outside the shop, could not see very clearly
deflated the tire first (did not notice how)
use the machine arm to press the tire rim to de-bond it from the wheel, only the tire rim that is near the valve stem is pressed
then the tire is lay horizontally on another machine, the tire rim near the valve stem is pressed to half of the tire width, the TPMS is then exposed. (hopefully this kind of local deformation in tire won't damage it)
then using a screw driver or wrench, the TMPS is separated from the wheel,
then some parts of the TMPS (near the tip of it), are threw to the trash,
then he put on the service pack to the tip of the TMPS, (some small pieces, could not see clearly)
TMPS then attached to the wheel using screw driver or wrench
then apply glue to the tire rim that is separated with wheel (instead of applying glue to the whole rim of tire. hopefully tire will seal properly)
then push tire back to position on wheel,
inflate with Nitrogen
balance tire
put it back.

Hope it helps,

tyrenfroe

Thanks for reporting the procedure. You have keen eyes to see all that from the crappy viewing location usually afforded customers!

Remember, the original, somewhat justifiable reason for installing a TPMS service pack was that the TPMS/valve assembly had to be disassembled PRIOR to tire stripping or else the TPMS sensor and/or the rim itself could be damaged. And even then, the only compromised component was the sealing grommet. Unfortunately, the tire shops have been using this ANCIENT excuse for over a decade in order to tack on an unnecessary expense to all tire changes. Since they did not break down your TPMS/valve assemblies during your initial tire change, there was NEVER any need for service pack installation in any of the tires on your car.

As I mentioned above, the first (and ONLY) component actually requiring replacement when a TPMS/valve assembly is broken down is the sealing grommet. But while they're at it, why not replace the valve core, the locking nut, and the valve cap as well? That way, the "SERVICE PACK" contains a whole panoply of mysterious, complicated-looking gizmos to impress and intimidate the unknowing customer.

Valve cores used to be (back in the stone age) made of raw brass and could theoretically result in galvanic corrosion, thereby compromising the integrity of the system. But, even before TPMS went in over a decade ago, valve cores have been nickel-plated to avoid any potential corrosion issue entirely. So guess what they replaced your pristine factory-installed nickel-plated valve core with? Yup, another pristine nickel-plated valve core. And the locking nut that secures the TPMS/valve assembly to the rim? That's made of aluminum and the only hazard it ever experiences is the cross-threading and over/under-torquing possible when being replaced by a careless technician. Finally, we come to the valve cap. If you let those guys toss your solid aluminum, gasketed, high-precision valve caps for POS grey plastic ones, then they OWE you a decent set of caps (that they claim are necessary to keep corrosive elements out of the valve stem), but just try collecting on THAT!

Long story short, you got had. The only "good" news is that millions of victims just like you get the same treatment every day of the year, year after year, with lobbyists, lawmakers, and tire shops colluding to rip them off.

texas008

Thanks for the explanation,

guess I'm not totally clear about
the components of the TPMS system,
how it works,
what happens to it when the tire is being replaced,
why it needs the service pack
what's the risk of not replacing the service pack,

Need to learn those things someday,

by the way, according to some articles, the plastic cap is actually safer to use, the metal caps may fuse with the TMPS stem valve.

tyrenfroe

Please link the "articles." I'd love to know what just what "fuses" aluminum caps to aluminum stems other than arc welding! And, if the OEM caps are so prone to fusing the OEM stems, what of the much larger OEM aluminum retaining nut that holds the valve stem in place? Surely these much larger components are also culprits in "fusing" as well? No? Oh, that's right - the ones in the "service packs" are made by Schrader so they can't possibly be implicated in aluminum-aluminum "fusing." Get real. And, PLEASE, examine your OEM valve caps closely. They are marvels of engineering and can in NO WAY be replaced by cheap plastic POS caps without losing sealing integrity. USE YOUR EYES to see what's in front of you, NOT to read some industry-sponsored B.S. designed to lighten your wallet!

I agree, you have a LOT of learning to do. You might start with looking at the TIA (http://www.tireindustry.org/). Then, give Schrader a once-over (http://www.schraderinternational.com..._lang=en-US-NA). Make sure you understand the subtleties in their statement "our training programs ... help our customers drive efficient and profitable TPMS services." Hmm...just who are their "customers," and what's that about "profitable"?

Then, if you're really interested, you can dig into how these guys (lobbyists like TIA and companies like Schrader) are "working the refs" to ensure regulations are adopted that force car owners to pay when, for whatever, and how much THEY decide you should. Oh, and if you're thinking of just telling them "forget it, just mount the tires," YOU can forget it. The TIA is recommending EVERY tire shop in the country refuse to do what customers want if it conflicts with Schrader's grab for your money. Don't believe me? Go on YouTube and watch some Schrader TPMS videos. Notice how they conflate "government requirements" (to have a TPMS system) with "OEM recommendations" (to install service packs) that results in YOU (and me!) paying more for their unnecessary components and extra labor for simple tire changes. This whole thing is a racket and it PISSES ME OFF that sheeple just let it roll right over them to the point where those of us who DO object will soon be facing LAWS that REQUIRE compliance under threat of force. "What a revoltin' development this is!"

texas008

Thanks a lot for so much information. There really is a lot to read and learn.

Seems that this is true in many parts of the real life, there are so many traps in life, that if you don't pay attention, you will need to pay a price for it (money, time, etc. )

That's why so many people enjoy DIY, but to DIY tires, it could require lots of equipment i guess.

Thanks again for sharing so much information,

tyrenfroe

I spent my whole life trying not to be careless. Women and children can afford to be careless, but not men. - Don Corleone.

texas008

Nice, very famous saying from a very famous movie,