RomanoM

I e-mailed a former colleague at Ford about the TPM system.

Now he has no idea exactly who the supplier is for the RX-8, but since Mazda is a Ford family member maybe this is accurate for the RX-8.

As you all know the RX-8 uses a valve mounted direct sensor. Now the system that is going to be used on a future large Ford sedan also has a valve mounted sensor.

The stem is integral to the sensor. You maybe able to mount it on to another wheel since the sensors are designed to be "universal." In other words there is no wheel specific sensor, as that would make it far more expensive.

However, installing it on another wheel is not straight forward. There are wheel specific seals, so if the stock seals does not fit then you'll need to find one that does. Depending on the wheel design that MIGHT be difficult.

You will at that point need to use something like "liquid seal" to make your own. The sensor is not servicable, when the battery dies or the sensor is damaged you'll need to replace the whole thing.

Note: the below sensor may or may not be the same on the RX-8

This sensor is being used on Ford, GM and Chrysler products:



Here's what happens when you don't know how to remove the tire. You can see the valve stem broke off:

Digisan

Excellent post

Supercharger

VW is recalling about 620 Touareg SUVs so that they can inspect the routing of a wire for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The parking brake in the affected vehicles may rub against the TMPS wire, and could pose a risk for fire.