If the sensors were removed and used on other wheels are the original bands OK to have new sensors or the same ones reinstalled?

 

Factory bands are not reusable but aftermarket bands are. If it was factory tires/wheels that were removed then you would have had to buy new bands. If it was aftermarket tires/wheels that were removed it just depends on whether or not the original shop that installed them used OEM or aftermarket bands.

 

well I just had my factory wheels and tires put back on and I think they used the factory bankds because they didnt say anything about needing new bands.

 

They could have. Did you have the sensors removed from your factory wheels/tires when you swapped the first time? Do you remember if you had to buy new bands and sensor cradles? If you did buy them the first time around chances are they left the OEM band and cradle in your OEM wheels and just reinstalled the sensors when you swapped back.

 

Yes I bought new bands when I had the wheels installed the first time.

I just read the Ford workshop manual and it looks like there is a cradle mounted to the band. Does the tire shop carry this peice and maybe replace it if damaged when they took it off?

 

That's what I was saying. The sensor basically snaps into the cradle and can be taken off pretty easily. Since you bought new bands when installing the wheels to begin with they probably just popped the sensors out of the aftermarket cradles and back into the OEM cradles.

 

ahh ok very good. I just looked at the aftermarket wheels and the cradles were pretty scared up, I wonder if they replace them on the stock wheels today?

 

I doubt they replaced them on the stock wheels unless they made you pay for aftermarket bands. The only way to get the cradles off is to remove the band and you have to cut the OEM bands to get them off. The aftermarket bands are a screw type clamp -- basically a huge hose clamp.

 

What is the reason for mounting the sensor 180 from the valve stem? Is it for balancing reasons?

 

FYI tire rack as well as Saleen sell bands and cradles. I think Saleen had them cheaper than tire rack did. Also search on Ebay for the Sensor tire programmer tool. I bought this off a guy (i think he worked at Ford) on ebay and it allows me to program the sensors to my truck. If you don't do this you will still have the TPMS light on even though you do have sensors.

 

Can the cradle be replaced on stock bands?

 

Can the cradle be replaced on stock bands?

Are they normally damaged when the sensor is removed?

 

Yes this should work for you just remember to install it 180 from the valve stem as stated above

 

Reread THIS thread. Hopefully it helps. I do have all the parts if interested.....