Originally Posted By: DBMaster
Originally Posted By: Cooper
... with TPMS rebuild kits.
Please do not take this the wrong way. Perhaps I am wrong, but I think "TPMS rebuild kits" are a boondoggle for tire stores. The seals and valves ought to last at least as long as the batteries in the TPMS sensors (4-6 years). The tire places are taking advantage of ignorance and this is one of those things I think is a rip off.
Please, if you know I am wrong, tell me why.
You're wrong.
Here's why: TPMS valve stems corrode like nobody's business. If you leave the collet nut or valve core on too long, they will rust-weld themselves to the threads and make it impossible to remove them without breaking the stem. Often the threads on the stem will corrode away to dust. The reason for service packs/rebuild kits is that replacing the screw-on parts every time the tires are serviced is the only defense against corrosion.
Also, the rubber gasket seals do not and will not last as long as the batteries. Rubber dries out, stiffens and cracks. The gaskets need to be replaced often to prevent leakage.
Tire installers really don't make all that much profit on rebuild kits, and they're usually not much more expensive than rubber valve stems.