TrafficStar RTS Alloys - TPMS valve issue

[david.mt]

Ok....I can't resist a bargain so I bought a new set of these at a great price but unfortunately they will not work with my tyre pressure monitoring system . Now the reason for the new wheels was a strong set for track use and therefore also wanted the TPMS which is now hard wired into the car.

The hole for the valve is not in the usual location and they come with fancy angled valves (see below).



The TPMS valve cannot be used in the original location as it will hit the caliper. Only way I can see to make these work is to drill another hole towards the rear of the rim for the TPMS valve (does not need to be accessed if the OEM valve is also used) but this is a bit extreme and makes them useless for anyone else.

Any suggestions before I stick them on eBay and order a set of Compomotives .

[Urbalizer]

I dont see any problem with re-drilling them nearer the outer rim for your pressure sensor valves, the old hole can be plugged with a dummy valve, or you could also put the angled valves in, just have a two valve system, when people ask just say its to inflate the tyres faster.

[Mike Tuckwood]

Can't you modify the tpms valve or get an alterntive valve from the manufacturers that goes to a right angle?

Mike.

[david.mt]

Mike Tuckwood said:

Can't you modify the tpms valve or get an alterntive valve from the manufacturers that goes to a right angle?

Mike.

Thanks Mike - I have already sent them the same photo so waiting for a response - just not hopeful. Hadn't thought of modifying the valve but just looked and it is a single piece alloy construction so probably not possible.

UPDATE

A bit more research has found that you don't actually need to use the supplied valves - they have been designed to secure the sensor inside the wheel but you can actually bond the sensor or use a band just the manufacturer will not honour the warranty if the valves are not used.

Hence problem could be solved by just bonding them into the recess on the rim. Now any recommendations on some decent adhesive as I don't fancy turning my tyres into rattles at serious speed

Edited by david.mt on Sunday 8th November 16:22

[Metalman]

If yor going to bond them in, i would think a good quality double sided tape would be better, like the stuff the lead weights are stuck down with. If it's good enough for them.....

[david.mt]

Metalman said:

If yor going to bond them in, i would think a good quality double sided tape would be better, like the stuff the lead weights are stuck down with. If it's good enough for them.....

Good call - just bought some high strength foamed acrylic double sided tape from eBay that should do the job and will come in handy for other jobs too

[gaz 7404]

Not sure about double sided tape as it can deteriorate with fluctuating temps the reason the wheel weights dont fly off is they are being forced onto the rim but you are trying to throw the sensor off, it would be much better if you could make the valve hold it in imo as its the best way hence the only way the warranty is valid. Gaz

Edited by gaz 7404 on Sunday 8th November 22:27

[BobE]

I`m not sure tape is the answer (or even adhesive). With balance weights the rotational forces are pressing the weights against the rim - with the sensor the forces are trying to pull it off. I thought there was some sort of long cable tie that is used to hold such parts in place.

[roi354]

I'd also suggest cable ties or maybe that plastic packing strap stuff but there is a small amount of weight you'd need to then balance out obviously.

[david.mt]

I have found some 60" cable ties that would also be suitable - maybe some adhesive and a cable tie just in case!

[paulcundy]

david.mt said:

I have found some 60" cable ties that would also be suitable - maybe some adhesive and a cable tie just in case!

I think I'd talk to someone in a tyre shop / company before you did this. The rotaional forces on that cable tie will be enormous and as you rightly say you don't want lumps of metal suddently flying out onto your tyre's inner surfaces.
I think the dual hole idea is best, easiest and safest. That is after all how its designed to be fitted. If you were really stuck getting rid of them (how likely is it you would be selling them without also selling the car?) you could allways get the new hole welded over with a blob of ally and then ground and polished back.

Regarsd
Paul C

[Adrian W]

Marine grade silicon will stick most things to most things permanantly, try a chandlers. I could suggest several industrial adhesives but it will get complicated and the results would be the same. Stickaflex will also stick most things.

[david.mt]

Yes - this is all a bit premature and I am still waiting for the company to give me a solution (they may have emailed my home address) but I want to consider the alternatives when they offer to refund or make some suggestion but without any warranty.

Earlier TPMS sensors were secured with metal bands but these have been superceded with the attachment to valve approach. The sensor really needs to be quite low so that the tyre can be fitted and therefore the location of the valve is quite sensitive to this. It would have to be on the rear of the rim and therefore I need to ensure there is sufficient clearance from the caliper.

I still think some good bonding and maybe a nylon cable ties will be sufficient.

EDIT - Company have come back and said bonding is fine and just use Araldite

Edited by david.mt on Tuesday 10th November 10:04