I have 2007 f150 with factory 18" wheels and stock banded sensors. I just bought some used factory 20's without sensors.

My questions are these:

1. Can I use the valve stem sensors instead of the banded ones in the 20's?
2. Do the valve stem sensors need a cradle or do they just stay attached via the valve stem?
3. Will I need the tool Ebay sells to bond them to my truck?
4. SHould I just swap my old sensors over? If so what do I need to do this?

Any answers,advice, or tips are greatly appreciated!

 

1. No, although there are some manufacturers that now make valve stem sensors for the 07/08 models. You cannot use Fords valve stem sensor.
2. Valve stem sensors are screwed (by a screw) onto special valve stems which you would also need.
3. You will need a reset tool to use new sensors.
4. May be the cheapest option as you will only need new bands. No special valve stems, no new sensors, and no reset tool.

 

1) Revolutionsupply.com ORO-TEK # OSE-7635 Valve stem type sensors
2) Stay attached to the valve stem
3) Yes
4) This depends. Are you going to utilize both sets of wheels ?? as in two different sets of tires. If not, it would be cheaper just to buy new bands for the 20's and reuse the original sensors. All you would need then are the bands...this would be the most least expensive route. The truck wouldn't have to re-learn different sensors.
AmericanMuscle.com is one source for the bands, there are others though, IIRC they will run around the $50 mark for the bands. just mt .02

 

^^^ Hummm.....3min apart king ....

 

Buy new bands for the 20's, use the old sensors, take it ford and they will reset them for free most of the time....

 

If using the original sensors they won't need to be re-set.

 

Sam, sensors are separate from the valve stems, at least on the OE. That way if new tires and stems are mounted, you do not need new sensors. I would assume aftermarket would do it the same way. If not, it would not be economical to buy aftermarket as valve stems should be replaced when tires are replaced. Just like tires, the dry rot, so should be replaced at the same time.

 

But if the tire pressure range is different from the original, don't the sensors need rerogrammed for the new tire pressure?

 

No, they go by percentages. After losing a certain percentage of air, it will set the alert.

 

Thanks for all the responses guys. Only issue now is how much it will cost to break down the old rims and tires, remove the sensors,and then swap them to the new ones. I'll have to call around and get some prices!

 

All I was saying was that stem type sensors are available for his truck if he wanted them. The ones I have in my spare wheels you can replace the stems and re-attach the sensors to them if wanted. I have two sets of wheels/tires..one set has the band type and the other has the stem type of sensors.

 

Not to hi-jack your post but did you have trouble getting the stem type sensors activated? I purchased a set of rims & tires and I'm starting to think they have the stem mounted sensors and have been to 3 places so far and havent been able to get them activated. I believe mine are TPMS OTI-001. Thats what it said on the invoice.

edit: Just did some searching and mine look to be universal sensors made by ORO-TEK. Gonna put up a seperate post for it.

 

The stems on the ORO-TEK sensors are metal covering they go on with nuts and rubber washers..don't need replacing as all rubber ones do. If you do the sensor can come off and put on the new stem..

 

No, Mine activated just fine. If they are the stem mounted sensors, you have to hold the tool to activate them by the valve stem, not on the opposite side of the tire as in the OEM band style.

 

I have that type of valve stem before. They are not permanent. The rubber around the seal does rot and deteriorate.