byungkuk

Hi,
I'm facing a slow leak problem on my 13 ES350. I've been reading a lot of posts here and thought I could just rebuild the TPMS valve stem with a new core, nut, etc. I took my car to my mechanic and he couldn't find any actual leaks on the tire but he also told me that because the TPMS and the valve stem are one-piece, that it is impossible to rebuild the it since you can't take it off of the TPMS sensor itself. This didn't make any sense to me because I found TPMS rebuild kits for my car on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIRE-PRESSURE-SENSOR-REBUILD-TPMS-TPS-SERVICE-PACK-KIT-WITH-NUT-VALVE-CAP-GASKET-/251189537345?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ALexus&hash=item3a7c102a41&vxp=mtr
First, is it actually possible or do I need a new TPMS sensor/valve stem and pay for the reprogramming? Second, should I just take it to a local tire shop and ask them to rebuild it? Or go to another mechanic?

Thank you.

sarah

don't know how much the TPMS sensor is for the '13 ES350, but my Lexus dealer replaced my TPMS sensor for only $125(plus tax). The receipt showed the new sensor as only $74.95.

byungkuk

Well that kit is like $6 and a valve stem remover is also $5 so if it is possible to replace the valve stem core then I would like to give that a try... Just want to confirm what my mechanic said is true or not

sarah

If you're anywhere near Chantilly, take it to Pohanka.

J$mooth23

iTrader: (14)

I too would like to know if anyone has more info on this as I'm currently experiencing the same issue with just my front right tire. I've taken it to two shops now and both have not found any nails or problems with the tire but the leak still remains as I'm having to add air every few days or so. Is it something with the wheel? I know both work wheels and nitto tires are good quality brands. Don't know why this is happening? If someone could please help!

wyepass

yes,Just want to confirm what my mechanic said is true or not

tfeni52355

Could be wheel corrosion. I am replacing the Foose wheels after 6 years which replaced the Lexus wheels due to corrosion on the inner lip of the front wheels. If its front wheels it may be that. They can check by breaking down the tire and wheel and inspecting the inside of the rim.

Rickna

iTrader: (3)

This is exactly what happened on my BMW. I had slow leaks on both fronts. I had both tires unmounted & cleaned, no problems since.

BieberNutz

I'm actually having the exact same issue and oddly enough with the exact same wheel (front right) and with a set of Works (CR2P's). Scary coincidences aside, have you or your shops sprayed the wheel/tire down with soapy water and checked for bubbles? I just pulled my wheel yesterday expecting to find a nail/screw and when I found nothing I did as described and found a small area on the inside of the wheel that was bubbling up. I have to take it to my shop to see if there's a problem with the wheel itself (being bent) or if there's something that's simply preventing a good seal from being made (bad bead or crack in the tire). I'm hoping to get lucky like Rickna described and a breakdown, good cleaning and re-mount will do the trick. Either way, this simple test should hopefully point you, or your tire person, in the right direction. Good luck!