Retroplay

So, I was on my way back from a 3 hour trip tonight and a Corvette decided it wanted to play (same color as my SC, oddly.) I figured WTH. Obviously I'm not crazy and know the Corvette could smoke me if the driver had the guts.

But anyway, I was getting the best of him, especially at take off (I think I surprised both of us with that.) But then as soon as I hit 150, the fricking TPMS sensor triggered a warning. So, I had to pull out and get off at the next exit. Driver's side tire apparently overheated and lost about 8-10lbs of air pretty suddenly.

What's weird though is that as soon as I slowed back down, the TPMS light turned back off. So it must have thought the air was even lower.

Anyone else have that happen before?

Oh well, we both probably would have hit the governor limit in a few more seconds anyway and it wouldn't have been any more fun. It definitely felt like the car had a whole lot more to go, but the stock governor is 155, right?

Scarletti

Yep, 155.

I had 158 out of mine (on a stretch of unrestricted Autobahn) on a slightly downhill section. A few minutes and someone wanted to pass me... fair enough, I'd had my fun and restrictions were a few miles ahead so was time to ease off soon anyway.

Retroplay

No TPMS warning, though? I need to check whether the tires are V rated or not. Maybe the air was a bit lower in that one tire already.

JohnnyCake

Glad to hear that the sudden tire pressure loss did not cause any control issues.

This has been discussed before a few year back and is usually related to improper torque on the TPMS valve stem or (less often) a worn out O-ring.

It seems to be reported almost exclusively on the front tires and usually the driver's side. Not sure why. Supposedly it has to do with the centrifugal force especially at high speed. Was yours front or back?

Retroplay

Front Driver's side. Keep in mind they were still hot when I checked them, but the driver's side was at about 32lbs while the rest were steady at about 40lbs.

The tires (Cooper Zeon RS3-A) are W rated (168mph) FWIW.

Something that can be fixed by replacement of the sensor? Not that I make a habit of hitting those speeds, but if I want to for some reason, I don't want the tires to blow out! EDIT: NM, I misread what you wrote. I'm going to be replacing the rims and tires here shortly, I will make sure they check those things.

And yeah, no loss of control at all. I wouldn't have known anything was wrong if the light didn't kick on. Surprisingly over 100, the car felt smooth as a baby and the air really pushed the car to the ground and traction felt solid. I've been getting some vibration at around 65-75mph but it cleared right up around 95-100.

Scarletti

Nope. No issues at all. I was only tanking it for 5 mins or so, but cruising at 120-130 on the unrestricted bits.

This was some years ago. Think I had Dunlop SP1's which were Y rated (186mph) at the time, which were the standard fit for SC430's in the UK IIRC. And had the TPMS still.

(I since removed my TPMS valve stems due to the sealed batteries running out, and Dealer wanted a lot of cash for new ones. However will put a new set in on the next set, plenty of TPMS sets available on Amazon, esp from Germany bypassing Dealer)

Retroplay

Here in the U.S. I just had Discount Tire give me a quote when I was looking at a new set of rims and tires and to put some winter tires on the OEM rims. I think they said $90 a sensor, which is not too bad. I'll have to confirm that, but I thought it was pretty reasonable.

Scarletti

Not too bad.

I think it would be cheaper for you to source the sensors yourself and get them to fit them (under your close supervision!) next time you have your tyres -> wheels done.

€186.07 (inc taxes and shipping... not sure if they ship for that cost to USA) on Amazon.de for a set of 4. That is £142 / $ 208.08 at today's exchange rates.

Bgw70

Retro, bring your tech stream with you because discount tire may not be able to program the sensors.
My discount tire thought could and then figured out they could not.

BTW, check rock auto for the sensors...I purchased one from them and discount installed it at no charge, I programmed it sitting in their bay...discount is a really good company, IMO.

Retroplay

Great tip!

Scarletti, wow. Great price. I am going to need to do some shopping around. I thought $90/piece was good compared to the dealer.

You got new/reconditioned/used?

Retroplay

They don't ship to the USA, but it appears Amazon does have them much cheaper. I'll need to figure out if they are complete kits.

100% new (aftermarket) $143.60 for the set of 4.

Scarletti

Good find!

Stating the obvious, as I know you will, but just make sure you check the part numbers (and frequencies).

Those 315MHz look right for US models (given ISM in USA includes 315), whilst 433MHz is more likely for Europe (as that is one of the ISMs over here).

Retroplay

Harold57

Retro, the TPMS is likely okay, just have Discount Tire replace the seals in all of your tire sensors every time when they replace the rims or tires. (JohnnyCake is right about the typical cause.) That will get rid of the leaks, most likely. It did for me. Other folks have found that occasionally the sensors aren't tightened properly down and cause leaks.

Just a couple of things to look out for. BTW, sensor kits are usually in the $5 range from DT.