Autel TPMS Sensor Valve Stem Leak: How to Save $ and Replace Just the Valve Stem

A leak at the TPMS sensor often means a new sensor will needed with the expense of reprogramming. However some sensors, such as Autel have replaceable valve stems. This video details separating the sensor from the valve stem and replacing the stem.

[@jtr990]

The Autel MX-Sensor's press release mechanism is a time saver, especially when it comes to putting together winter wheels and tires for cars with TPMS. Good work on the repair job.

[@JosephWarner77]

Nice job.
I noticed all my rubber stems from Mavis/STS slowly leaked air since they replaced the TPMS and a tire change. I was frustrated losing 2 lbs every couple of days that I'd be airing up 3x a week. The shops don't clean the corrosion when they replace them and as far as the bead, they just add more bead sealer trying to stop leaks everywhere. It doesn't work. They blamed me for having corroded old rims.
Well, I decided to go the grassroots route and got a harbor freight manual tire changer lightly used. Then I found a good deal on a used dynamic balancer machine. I'm never going back for tires or TPMS work again.
Anyway, I'm writing to help others. Take note if your wheels used to have metal clamp-in valves. It looks like my wheels has thinner wheel thickness at the valve seat given that they originally were metal clamp in wheels. So, there's a millimeter or two play when the rubber valves are used in those wheels as a replacement. Everyone says the rubber ones should be more snug in the wheels. I bought replacement Schrader EZ valves because the shop put in EZ sensors on a couple wheels, and the other two are MX1. The gap from back of the plug to front were the same. But I can definitely see the gap from the outside of the wheel. So while the valve is out I used a dremel tool with wire brush and one with plastic bristles to really clean the hole out on both sides of the wheel.
So, here's some more advice. I also used the silicone gasket maker black stuff and a touch of tire lube to make it easier to pull it through the hole. After you break the bead, break it all the way around, starting away from the sensor so you don't damage it. This will give the tire more play to maneuver and not drop the parts in the tire. When you need the extra space, it's easier to just step on the tire and let it crush. I'd say I trust my weight on it more than a board that can flip out and hit you in the face, seen it happen. You can mark your tire to valve location just in case the tire slips around to avoid having to balance it.
Good luck out there.

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

That's some tremendous great detail. Thanks for sharing. Great to see someone take full control of a job almost always handed over to the tire shops due to lack of needed equipment. You've given me some great ideas for next time I have a TPMS problem. Well written and well done!

[@EarmuffHugger]

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