Wheel noob confused about TPMS and aftermarket valve stems

Hi all,

I just spent significantly more than I ever thought I would on some sick Volk wheels and I want to be sure I have everything in order when I get them put on. I would really appreciate any tips you can provide!

I got the center caps, I'm about to order the lugs, and I thought also the Rays Valve Stem caps. That's where I'm stuck - will the TMPS sensors work with an aftermarket stem?

Also will the local tire shops know how to make it work? I would assume so, but I have never done this before so I thought there might be something else I should be doing before just showing up with wheels and a box of parts.

Thank you!

 

The TPMS sensors are the stems. The old set should fit I’m guessing.

 

I still have my original TPMS in my 4 2017 wheels. Yes, they are the valve stem on outside and a plastic housing on inside.
I see their pressure on my Scanguage2.
My 2008 Accord has replacement TPMS sensors as precaution to aged out batteries last new tire install. My tire shop provided and learned them to the Accord. Alerted my wife twice to nail punctures so seem to work.
Somewhere I read the TPMS sensor reading devices used by shops can also measure battery life.

 

so the old TPMS should fit on the new Rays stems? that's what I guess I'm trying to understand as I would like to use the Rays stems but no big deal if I can't I suppose. I just don't want to order them only to send them back.

 

No, the Ray’s stems won’t work with the factory TPMS sensor units, because they already have a stem as part of the sensor unit.

Is there anything special about the Ray’s stem that you like?

Nice wheels, by the way!

 

I have same wheels in mag blue. The old stems with TPMS will work, not the Rays. Also, these wheels are not hubcentric. You can either add rings or center caps but not both. I went with rings - OD 112mm to ID 106mm.

 

ok, thank you!

just the colors really. I'm going with red lugs and wanted to get the red stem to match but it's no big deal.

nice! I was very temped by the blue and green

thanks, I got the center caps. sounds like I should have considered the rings instead?

 

Welcome

 

Rays valve stem caps should be more or less universal. They should fit the TPMS sensor valve stems. Hell, they're advertised to fit bicycles. Beware if your region sees road salt, aluminum valve stem caps will typically be seized after one winter.

The factory TPMS sensors should be able to transfer to your new wheels. The shop should install a new sensor service kit (clamp nuts, valve cores, and O-rings) or there's a 25% chance you will get air leaks.

You'll need to be picky with the tire shop you select so they don't butcher your wheels.

 

Thanks for this reminder! I've already discovered that having to grind them off is not how I enjoy spending my time

ok, that's helpful, thank you

I've been wondering about that a lot. Any tips beyond just stressing the need to take care? Where I live online reviews can't really be trusted since they are usually going to be related to cost vs actual quality service. I was leaning towards the major chains vs the local businesses since it feels like I might be better off if they did mess something up. Feels weird though as I would normally think of the chains as the worst place to go for most things.

 

Chains will depend on region. Due to cost pressures they may be the ones with the minimum wage kids doing the tire mounting.

You can call around your local import/European speed shops and ask for recommendations. Can also get it done at your local BMW or Audi dealer, as they're used to handling expensive wheels with low-profile tires.

 

this is a photo for #2 post , you should return the rays stems and purchase some sweet trpdor stickers ; left is tpms | right is rays

 

those are good ideas, thanks a lot!

yes, this I know, but due to my noobness with wheels didn't know if there's some solution to using rays. I think I'm all set now, thanks!