Stuck Valve Caps - Help And Advice

[bomber06]

I replaced the tyre valve caps on the 2 weeks ago as the original Aluminium ones were getting quite difficult to get off with my fingers. I replaced then with stainless steel ones from Halfords that looked quite well made and robust. I WD40'd the valve and the cap before putting them on to ensure that they were easy to unscrew then next time i check my pressures

When I have come to try and unscrew this morning they are stuck solid. Tried WD40, heat and eventually resorted to long nice pliers to get better grip but with no luck.

When I took the pliers to the first one the out cover of the cap just sheared off. In the end i had to resort to cutting the remains of the cap off with a hack saw. Maybe stupidly i tried again on the next tyre and the same happened.

In the end my DIY job has left the 2 valves looking pretty shabby and caused couple of scratches to the alloys.

Has anyone any idea how might get the other 2 off without causing anymore damage??

I understand that these valves cost a small fortune for the T180. Hopefully the damage to the valve is superficial I might have squashed one of the valves a little with the pliers, would this cause any problems when I come to get the tyre replaced?

Any help would really appreciated!!

[john1944]

I replaced the tyre valve caps on the 2 weeks ago as the original Aluminium ones were getting quite difficult to get off with my fingers. I replaced then with stainless steel ones from halfords that looked quite well made and robust. I WD40'd the valve and the cap before putting them on to ensure that they were easy to unscrew then next time i check my pressures

When I have come to try and unscrew this morning they are stuck solid. Tried WD40, heat and eventually resorted to long nice pliers to get better grip but with no luck.

When I took the pliers to the first one the out cover of the cap just sheared off. In the end i had to resort to cutting the remains of the cap off with a hack saw. Maybe stupidly i tried again on the next tyre and the same happened.

In the end my DIY job has left the 2 valves looking pretty shabby and caused couple of scratches to the alloys.

Has anyone any idea how might get the other 2 off without causing anymore damage??

I understand that these valves cost a small fortune for the T180. Hopefully the damage to the valve is superficial I might have squashed one of the valves a little with the pliers, would this cause any problems when I come to get the tyre replaced?

The valve caps probably took one look at the R F T's and said 'Oh *****'. I would suggest you take the car to a tyre specialist, they must come accross this problem every day.

Any help would really appreciated!!

[Dippy]

Is this anything to do with chemical corrosion when two different metals meet? Might be a stupid suggestion, sorry.

Can't help with getting them off, but the idea of heat treatment around there scares the hell out of me...

[chatman]

Is this anything to do with chemical corrosion when two different metals meet? Might be a stupid suggestion, sorry.

Can't help with getting them off, but the idea of heat treatment around there scares the hell out of me...

Yes there is....but i'm not qualified enough to go into the molecular breakdown :unsure:

I would always use the plastic one's....as it's gonna be sod's law that when you need to get the shiny one's you placed on there off :censor: :censor: :censor:

[cfc1]

As a tyre fitter I see this every day... unfortunately your only option is to get the valves replaced.

I would never fit those alloy cap.. you know, the light weight coloured ones?.. better with steel caps, but use a little grease before fitting them and remove them twice per week.

[junebug1701]

Remember, they're not just valve stems, they're TPMS sensors, and very expensive to replace. I've heard many times from others not to use metal caps on these because they will corrode and seize up. Mine came from the factory with plastic caps, and that's how I'm going to leave them.

[Davrav]

If you really can't abide the plastic caps, some of the alloy 'styling' caps are big enough that they could be drilled out and a plastic cap glued inside. Good luck with getting the others off.

[cfc1]

Ah!.. didn't realise it was a T180 and as these are Toyota only (or Bridgestone aprooved/trained) fitting centres it will be a difficulty.

There are a few different types of TPMS out there, some are built into the valve stem whilst others (such as BMW and Mini) use a different system and the valves can be replaced as they are just normal valves.

[Hoovie]

Remember, they're not just valve stems, they're TPMS sensors, and very expensive to replace. I've heard many times from others not to use metal caps on these because they will corrode and seize up. Mine came from the factory with plastic caps, and that's how I'm going to leave them.

just on this note, it may vary by types of TPMS, but the chances are the valves can be replaced seperately from the sensors, even though they MAY WELL BE special valves and more expensive then normal ones, but unlikely you will have to buy new sensors as well.

They always recommend you replace the valve when a tyre is replaced either new or after repair, so it would be a pricey thing to have to replace a TPMS sensor each time.

And this reminds me also I better grease mine up - my TPMS sensors & valves came with smart looking metal caps and want to be able to remove them when need be!!

[anchorman]

If we fit special ones around here the "magpies" are attracted to them. I put plastic ones on and they seem no trouble.

[Guest The-Nark]

I replaced the tyre valve caps on the 2 weeks ago as the original Aluminium ones were getting quite difficult to get off with my fingers. I replaced then with stainless steel ones from halfords that looked quite well made and robust. I WD40'd the valve and the cap before putting them on to ensure that they were easy to unscrew then next time i check my pressures

Typical DIY'er, why dont you leave things alone, you changed them for something from Halfrauds and it's now gunna cost a small fortune to put right............Next time you want yus tyres checking, go to a garage F :censor: g DIY'ers

You have been Narked!

[bomber06]

I replaced the tyre valve caps on the 2 weeks ago as the original Aluminium ones were getting quite difficult to get off with my fingers. I replaced then with stainless steel ones from halfords that looked quite well made and robust. I WD40'd the valve and the cap before putting them on to ensure that they were easy to unscrew then next time i check my pressures

Typical DIY'er, why dont you leave things alone, you changed them for something from Halfrauds and it's now gunna cost a small fortune to put right............Next time you want yus tyres checking, go to a garage F :censor: g DIY'ers

You have been Narked!

Thanks for the advice! I will bear that in mind next time!

[stuck in dubs]

I've had this problem as well with seized dust caps on my T180, in fact on one wheel I managed to sheer off the end of valve. I hate to say it but the TPMS sensors on T180 are one complete unit so it ended up costing me £128 plus fitting plus VAT £181.65 in total!!

[vivianM]

I replaced the tyre valve caps on the 2 weeks ago as the original Aluminium ones were getting quite difficult to get off with my fingers. I replaced then with stainless steel ones from halfords that looked quite well made and robust. I WD40'd the valve and the cap before putting them on to ensure that they were easy to unscrew then next time i check my pressures

When I have come to try and unscrew this morning they are stuck solid. Tried WD40, heat and eventually resorted to long nice pliers to get better grip but with no luck.

When I took the pliers to the first one the out cover of the cap just sheared off. In the end i had to resort to cutting the remains of the cap off with a hack saw. Maybe stupidly i tried again on the next tyre and the same happened.

In the end my DIY job has left the 2 valves looking pretty shabby and caused couple of scratches to the alloys.

Has anyone any idea how might get the other 2 off without causing anymore damage??

I understand that these valves cost a small fortune for the T180. Hopefully the damage to the valve is superficial I might have squashed one of the valves a little with the pliers, would this cause any problems when I come to get the tyre replaced?

Any help would really appreciated!!

I am sure that it is dissimilar metal corrosion - an electrical current forms between dissimilar metals especially when salt solutions are present, especially on the current treated roads - I could tell you of major probems with 316 stainless steel in contact with aluminium - stick with the plastic caps to be safe.

Rightly, as stated, grease might break the contact and help - I am not sure what the valve stems are made of but brass does made a good bond with rubber - I am now going to look at my T180 ones !!

Guy

[vivianM]

I replaced the tyre valve caps on the 2 weeks ago as the original Aluminium ones were getting quite difficult to get off with my fingers. I replaced then with stainless steel ones from halfords that looked quite well made and robust. I WD40'd the valve and the cap before putting them on to ensure that they were easy to unscrew then next time i check my pressures

When I have come to try and unscrew this morning they are stuck solid. Tried WD40, heat and eventually resorted to long nice pliers to get better grip but with no luck.

When I took the pliers to the first one the out cover of the cap just sheared off. In the end i had to resort to cutting the remains of the cap off with a hack saw. Maybe stupidly i tried again on the next tyre and the same happened.

In the end my DIY job has left the 2 valves looking pretty shabby and caused couple of scratches to the alloys.

Has anyone any idea how might get the other 2 off without causing anymore damage??

I understand that these valves cost a small fortune for the T180. Hopefully the damage to the valve is superficial I might have squashed one of the valves a little with the pliers, would this cause any problems when I come to get the tyre replaced?

Any help would really appreciated!!

I am sure that it is dissimilar metal corrosion - an electrical current forms between dissimilar metals especially when salt solutions are present, especially on the current treated roads - I could tell you of major probems with 316 stainless steel in contact with aluminium - stick with the plastic caps to be safe.

Rightly, as stated, grease might break the contact and help - I am not sure what the valve stems are made of but brass does made a good bond with rubber - I am now going to look at my T180 ones !!

Guy

Just checked my T180 plastic caps and they come off easily - brass valve stems, so brass chrome plated caps should be ok as there will be little plating inside the cap area, a very little little grease on the threads should help for the future.

Diesel oil is very good as a penetrating oil, wrap a tissue wetted with diesel oil round the stuck on cap, try to have the valve at the top so the oil can penetrate into the threads but keep it off the tyres - leave overnight before trying to remove the cap.

Guy

[vivianM]

I replaced the tyre valve caps on the 2 weeks ago as the original Aluminium ones were getting quite difficult to get off with my fingers. I replaced then with stainless steel ones from halfords that looked quite well made and robust. I WD40'd the valve and the cap before putting them on to ensure that they were easy to unscrew then next time i check my pressures

When I have come to try and unscrew this morning they are stuck solid. Tried WD40, heat and eventually resorted to long nice pliers to get better grip but with no luck.

When I took the pliers to the first one the out cover of the cap just sheared off. In the end i had to resort to cutting the remains of the cap off with a hack saw. Maybe stupidly i tried again on the next tyre and the same happened.

In the end my DIY job has left the 2 valves looking pretty shabby and caused couple of scratches to the alloys.

Has anyone any idea how might get the other 2 off without causing anymore damage??

I understand that these valves cost a small fortune for the T180. Hopefully the damage to the valve is superficial I might have squashed one of the valves a little with the pliers, would this cause any problems when I come to get the tyre replaced?

Any help would really appreciated!!

I am sure that it is dissimilar metal corrosion - an electrical current forms between dissimilar metals especially when salt solutions are present, especially on the current treated roads - I could tell you of major probems with 316 stainless steel in contact with aluminium - stick with the plastic caps to be safe.

Rightly, as stated, grease might break the contact and help - I am not sure what the valve stems are made of but brass does made a good bond with rubber - I am now going to look at my T180 ones !!

Guy

Just checked my T180 plastic caps and they come off easily - brass valve stems, so brass chrome plated caps should be ok as there will be little plating inside the cap area, a very little little grease on the threads should help for the future.

Diesel oil is very good as a penetrating oil, wrap a tissue wetted with diesel oil round the stuck on cap, try to have the valve at the top so the oil can penetrate into the threads but keep it off the tyres - leave overnight before trying to remove the cap.

Guy

Just an extra thought - you say the original ones were aluminium - my T180 ones are plastic - was there a problem that made Toyota change from ali to plastic? If so might be worth a try with the garage you bought the car from if new.

Guy

[bomber06]

Thanks Guy!

Just wrapped tissue soaked in 3in1 penetrating oil around the caps I will have everything crossed overnight!

[vivianM]

Thanks Guy!

Just wrapped tissue soaked in 3in1 penetrating oil around the caps I will have everything crossed overnight!

Bomber,

I hope it works - I am surprised they are so badly stuck on - any chance someone does not like you and used some super glue!!

Guy

[bomber06]

Thanks Guy!

Just wrapped tissue soaked in 3in1 penetrating oil around the caps I will have everything crossed overnight!

Bomber,

I hope it works - I am surprised they are so badly stuck on - any chance someone does not like you and used some super glue!!

Guy

Couldnt see any evidence of glue, but anyway the soaking made no difference and had to resort to a dremmel.

Thanks for your help!

LESSON LEARNT

[bomber06]

Update:

The RAV went in for a 3 year service on Thursday and they checked the valves after i cut the valve caps off and there is no damage to the valves so good news.

They did say that it was a known problem with the T180 valves especially fleet cars who do a lot of miles and their wheels are not cleaned as often as they should be. They said they have had cases of the valve being ripped off when trying to remove the caps, and Toyota have agreed to replace the valve under warranty. So Beware!

Again I was very impressed with Minories of Durham. As well as having a trouble free experience they replaced the front disc and pads and re-skimmed the rear discs under warranty. They said that this was known problem they were experiencing with RAV4's something to do with the softness of the metal.

A Couple of Things to look out for!