Installed 05 18 inch sports on my X today...
Originally Posted by Gdup35sedan
Mikeee,
You dont HAVE to rebalance the tire if you take it off the rim. If you mark the tire with chaulk where it meets the valve stem all you have to do is line it back up when you put the tire back on and it'll be the same as when you take it off. It doesnt work well with low pro tires though because it's hard to turn the tire while its on the rim.
But what the installer was saying is correct if you dont line it up how it is before you took it off. When you dont line it up the weight of the tire shifts to a different part of the rim, therefor it throws off the balance. Same thing if you flip flop tires (putting a tire from going right to left, now the weight is on the other side of the rim)
You dont really need a digital tire gauge, just make sure you dont have a $hitty plastic one. If you get a metal hand held gauge that should be sufficient enough. I've had the same metal tire gauge for over 9 months and it still reads accurate. If the tire is still leaking you could have a small nail letting it leak out slowly or a leak in the bead somewhere.
Also, did the installer take the tire off the rim when he took the TPMS out of your 17's? If so, he isn't very skilled at what he's doing. You dont have to take the tire off to get the TPMS out and install a new valve stem. All you gotta do is break the bead and push the tire down, unscrew the TPMS and pop in a new stem (then there's no need for balancing because the tire hasn't moved from it's original spot on the rim.)Where did you take the tires to get it done?
-GP-
You dont HAVE to rebalance the tire if you take it off the rim. If you mark the tire with chaulk where it meets the valve stem all you have to do is line it back up when you put the tire back on and it'll be the same as when you take it off. It doesnt work well with low pro tires though because it's hard to turn the tire while its on the rim.
But what the installer was saying is correct if you dont line it up how it is before you took it off. When you dont line it up the weight of the tire shifts to a different part of the rim, therefor it throws off the balance. Same thing if you flip flop tires (putting a tire from going right to left, now the weight is on the other side of the rim)
You dont really need a digital tire gauge, just make sure you dont have a $hitty plastic one. If you get a metal hand held gauge that should be sufficient enough. I've had the same metal tire gauge for over 9 months and it still reads accurate. If the tire is still leaking you could have a small nail letting it leak out slowly or a leak in the bead somewhere.
Also, did the installer take the tire off the rim when he took the TPMS out of your 17's? If so, he isn't very skilled at what he's doing. You dont have to take the tire off to get the TPMS out and install a new valve stem. All you gotta do is break the bead and push the tire down, unscrew the TPMS and pop in a new stem (then there's no need for balancing because the tire hasn't moved from it's original spot on the rim.)Where did you take the tires to get it done?
-GP-
At first the installer was thinking about not taking out the entire tire but he was afraid to damage the TPMS so he took all the tires out first. I had it done at STS tire and Auto Store.
I was just curious about the re-balancing. I won't be keeping it so when I sell it I just want to let the buyer know that it needs re-balancing.
As for the air leak, I doubt it's a nail (I HOPE NOT) Either I wasn't measuring it correctly or maybe I am just scaring myself or maybe the installer didn't do a perfect job on one of the wheels. The guy told me he's only been installing wheels for 1 and half month.
One thing I notice is when I see the guy installing a wheel for someone else, he brush on some black sealant but when he was doing all my 18 inch rims, he only brush some kinda transparent liquid on it and then install it. He didn't put any of those black sealant. What's with that?
Originally Posted by KingTuTG35
you may need to torque down the needle plunger thingy in the nipple.
when I first got my G it leaked about a pound every week. got one of those needle screwdrivers and tightened them all down a bit and the psi has stayed steady for the past two months.
also - regarding balancing. if you reinstall a tire and you dont match up the original points on the wheel and the tire then is will need to be rebalanced. hard to explain - but basically a tire is only balanced based on one orientation on the wheel. make sense?
when I first got my G it leaked about a pound every week. got one of those needle screwdrivers and tightened them all down a bit and the psi has stayed steady for the past two months.
also - regarding balancing. if you reinstall a tire and you dont match up the original points on the wheel and the tire then is will need to be rebalanced. hard to explain - but basically a tire is only balanced based on one orientation on the wheel. make sense?
Also, where do they sell those needle screwdriver thing?
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: TX
Originally Posted by mikeee2
I saw him replacing a new needle plunger thing on all the TPMS. I guess he threw out the old ones. Why?
Also, where do they sell those needle screwdriver thing?
Also, where do they sell those needle screwdriver thing?
actually the term I was looking for was valve stem - duh.
inside the valve stem is a needle plunger thingy that - basically the pin that gets pushed when you air up. well that thing screws in - and if it's not screwed in well enough then air will leak from around it.
you can find the screw tool at any parts store or even walmart - shouldnt cost you more then $1. I keep one in the car always just in case.
also - that liquid you mention is just water I believe
Originally Posted by blackonblackG
I think $150 was way too much to pay. I paid $200 for my springs/shocks installed and also 4 new tires mounted and balanced so I would say that you over paid.
Originally Posted by KingTuTG35
actually the term I was looking for was valve stem - duh.
inside the valve stem is a needle plunger thingy that - basically the pin that gets pushed when you air up. well that thing screws in - and if it's not screwed in well enough then air will leak from around it.
you can find the screw tool at any parts store or even walmart - shouldnt cost you more then $1. I keep one in the car always just in case.
also - that liquid you mention is just water I believe
inside the valve stem is a needle plunger thingy that - basically the pin that gets pushed when you air up. well that thing screws in - and if it's not screwed in well enough then air will leak from around it.
you can find the screw tool at any parts store or even walmart - shouldnt cost you more then $1. I keep one in the car always just in case.
also - that liquid you mention is just water I believe
Oh...it's water? haha...maybe just soapy water
Originally Posted by mikeee2
Smack him for me when you get a chance. The Avon's I have fits 7.5 - 9 inch rims. It doesn't really buldge out much at all if there is any. I would of gotten 245/40/18 if I can lower my X (but no springs yet). Plus if I run 245/40/18 the fender gap will increase a bit so I went with the 45 series which lessens .2 inch of fender gap. I learned it from the man CHICO !!!
CHICO...you reading this?
The Avon's I have fits 7.5 - 9 inch rims. It doesn't really buldge out much at all if there is any. I would of gotten 245/40/18 if I can lower my X (but no springs yet). Plus if I run 245/40/18 the fender gap will increase a bit so I went with the 45 series which lessens .2 inch of fender gap. I learned it from the man CHICO !!!CHICO...you reading this?
Originally Posted by Chico
Car looks tight bro. I think it looks great the way it is without a drop. But if that's what you'd like to do, you should consider a mild drop like the 350Z springs which will lower your car about 0.50". Congrats!
Yeah, it's the first time I can accept the way it looks without a drop. With the 17's a drop is a must. 350z springs fits the X?
Maybe those pictures I post didn't justify the gap. Here's a closer pic of it and you can see the gap. I am just curious. Since the 45 series tires close up .20 inch of gap, how does the fender gap compare to the rwd models with sports?
A fender pic of the car. It lines up with the fender better than the 17's now.
Last edited by mikeee2; Feb 12, 2006 at 10:49 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: TX
Originally Posted by mikeee2
What is that tool call? how does the tip look? philips? flat head? round?
Oh...it's water? haha...maybe just soapy water
Oh...it's water? haha...maybe just soapy water
I believe it's just called a valve stem tool - here's a pic
http://www.wakularacing.com/VALVE%20STEM%20TOOL.jpg
if you pay more than $2 you're getting ripped off. usually they're less than a buck.
the tip in the top right hand corner of this pic is what tightens the needle in the valve stem -
just give it a very light tightening with your finger tips - dont over tighten it or you could damage the rubber seal. just make sure it's snug
Originally Posted by KingTuTG35
I believe it's just called a valve stem tool - here's a pic
http://www.wakularacing.com/VALVE%20STEM%20TOOL.jpg
if you pay more than $2 you're getting ripped off. usually they're less than a buck.
the tip in the top right hand corner of this pic is what tightens the needle in the valve stem -
just give it a very light tightening with your finger tips - dont over tighten it or you could damage the rubber seal. just make sure it's snug
http://www.wakularacing.com/VALVE%20STEM%20TOOL.jpg
if you pay more than $2 you're getting ripped off. usually they're less than a buck.
the tip in the top right hand corner of this pic is what tightens the needle in the valve stem -
just give it a very light tightening with your finger tips - dont over tighten it or you could damage the rubber seal. just make sure it's snug
ENVautoDetailing.com
iTrader: (47)
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,257
Likes: 136
From: San Diego/Redondo Beach
Alright, all these questions in so little time...
The black sealant he was putting on the rim is called "Bead Sealer" sometimes tires will leak at the bead and bead sealer is a rubber compound that will seal it up, hence the name.
The transparent stuff he put on your tires before installing them is just tire lube (most of the time its silicone mixed with water).
The "little needle plunger thingy" is called a "Valve Core"
The little tool you guys are talking about to tighten the valve core is called a "Valve Core Remover"
It would be pretty handy to have if it ever comes loose (not likely)
The guy at the tire place didnt need to replace the valve core, you could use a valve core from the 70's and it would still work. (There is one exception with the TPMS though) Take off the valve cap and make sure the valve core is silver or chrome, if it's bronze take it back to the tire place and have them replace them with chrome ones. The bronze ones can get corosion on them over time and arent reccomended for TPM systems.
I'm not sure you will have much luck getting a valve core remover in a retail store though. Because you could go around to everone's car and take out their valve cores.
Mikeee,
the car looks great with the sports, a drop with 350Z springs would really finish it off.
-GP-
The black sealant he was putting on the rim is called "Bead Sealer" sometimes tires will leak at the bead and bead sealer is a rubber compound that will seal it up, hence the name.
The transparent stuff he put on your tires before installing them is just tire lube (most of the time its silicone mixed with water).
The "little needle plunger thingy" is called a "Valve Core"
The little tool you guys are talking about to tighten the valve core is called a "Valve Core Remover"
It would be pretty handy to have if it ever comes loose (not likely)
The guy at the tire place didnt need to replace the valve core, you could use a valve core from the 70's and it would still work. (There is one exception with the TPMS though) Take off the valve cap and make sure the valve core is silver or chrome, if it's bronze take it back to the tire place and have them replace them with chrome ones. The bronze ones can get corosion on them over time and arent reccomended for TPM systems.
I'm not sure you will have much luck getting a valve core remover in a retail store though. Because you could go around to everone's car and take out their valve cores.
Mikeee,
the car looks great with the sports, a drop with 350Z springs would really finish it off.
-GP-
Originally Posted by Gdup35sedan
Alright, all these questions in so little time...
The black sealant he was putting on the rim is called "Bead Sealer" sometimes tires will leak at the bead and bead sealer is a rubber compound that will seal it up, hence the name.
The transparent stuff he put on your tires before installing them is just tire lube (most of the time its silicone mixed with water).
The "little needle plunger thingy" is called a "Valve Core"
The little tool you guys are talking about to tighten the valve core is called a "Valve Core Remover"
It would be pretty handy to have if it ever comes loose (not likely)
The guy at the tire place didnt need to replace the valve core, you could use a valve core from the 70's and it would still work. (There is one exception with the TPMS though) Take off the valve cap and make sure the valve core is silver or chrome, if it's bronze take it back to the tire place and have them replace them with chrome ones. The bronze ones can get corosion on them over time and arent reccomended for TPM systems.
I'm not sure you will have much luck getting a valve core remover in a retail store though. Because you could go around to everone's car and take out their valve cores.
Mikeee,
the car looks great with the sports, a drop with 350Z springs would really finish it off.
-GP-
The black sealant he was putting on the rim is called "Bead Sealer" sometimes tires will leak at the bead and bead sealer is a rubber compound that will seal it up, hence the name.
The transparent stuff he put on your tires before installing them is just tire lube (most of the time its silicone mixed with water).
The "little needle plunger thingy" is called a "Valve Core"
The little tool you guys are talking about to tighten the valve core is called a "Valve Core Remover"
It would be pretty handy to have if it ever comes loose (not likely)
The guy at the tire place didnt need to replace the valve core, you could use a valve core from the 70's and it would still work. (There is one exception with the TPMS though) Take off the valve cap and make sure the valve core is silver or chrome, if it's bronze take it back to the tire place and have them replace them with chrome ones. The bronze ones can get corosion on them over time and arent reccomended for TPM systems.
I'm not sure you will have much luck getting a valve core remover in a retail store though. Because you could go around to everone's car and take out their valve cores.
Mikeee,
the car looks great with the sports, a drop with 350Z springs would really finish it off.
-GP-
Valve Core remover are all over ebay. Maybe I should pick one up.
I am not sure what color the valve core is but he removed them from those cheap rubber valve stems so my guess is, it's bronze. I'll check tommorrow.
I thought there's nothing avaiable to drop the X. The Z spring/shocks work?
ENVautoDetailing.com
iTrader: (47)
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,257
Likes: 136
From: San Diego/Redondo Beach
No issue with not applying bead sealer, you only use it if the tire is leaking at the bead. You shouldnt have new tires leaking at the bead.
I dont know about the springs, Chico suggested that you do 350Z springs if you want a mild drop, i was just backing him up that it would look good. You might want to ask him if it's possible on the X.
-GP-
I dont know about the springs, Chico suggested that you do 350Z springs if you want a mild drop, i was just backing him up that it would look good. You might want to ask him if it's possible on the X.
-GP-
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: TX
Originally Posted by Gdup35sedan
Alright, all these questions in so little time...
The black sealant he was putting on the rim is called "Bead Sealer" sometimes tires will leak at the bead and bead sealer is a rubber compound that will seal it up, hence the name.
The transparent stuff he put on your tires before installing them is just tire lube (most of the time its silicone mixed with water).
The "little needle plunger thingy" is called a "Valve Core"
The little tool you guys are talking about to tighten the valve core is called a "Valve Core Remover"
It would be pretty handy to have if it ever comes loose (not likely)
The guy at the tire place didnt need to replace the valve core, you could use a valve core from the 70's and it would still work. (There is one exception with the TPMS though) Take off the valve cap and make sure the valve core is silver or chrome, if it's bronze take it back to the tire place and have them replace them with chrome ones. The bronze ones can get corosion on them over time and arent reccomended for TPM systems.
I'm not sure you will have much luck getting a valve core remover in a retail store though. Because you could go around to everone's car and take out their valve cores.
Mikeee,
the car looks great with the sports, a drop with 350Z springs would really finish it off.
-GP-
The black sealant he was putting on the rim is called "Bead Sealer" sometimes tires will leak at the bead and bead sealer is a rubber compound that will seal it up, hence the name.
The transparent stuff he put on your tires before installing them is just tire lube (most of the time its silicone mixed with water).
The "little needle plunger thingy" is called a "Valve Core"
The little tool you guys are talking about to tighten the valve core is called a "Valve Core Remover"
It would be pretty handy to have if it ever comes loose (not likely)
The guy at the tire place didnt need to replace the valve core, you could use a valve core from the 70's and it would still work. (There is one exception with the TPMS though) Take off the valve cap and make sure the valve core is silver or chrome, if it's bronze take it back to the tire place and have them replace them with chrome ones. The bronze ones can get corosion on them over time and arent reccomended for TPM systems.
I'm not sure you will have much luck getting a valve core remover in a retail store though. Because you could go around to everone's car and take out their valve cores.
Mikeee,
the car looks great with the sports, a drop with 350Z springs would really finish it off.
-GP-
thanks for the suggestion about maliciously using a core remover tool - here in TX though we have right to carry laws - carry guns that is, so I wouldnt go messing with anyone's car indiscriminantly. Got mine from walmart for like 80 cents. and since I torqued the needles down on my G it hardly loses any air. When I first got her she was losing like a 1 psi per week. I'm pretty **** about tire pressure - have a fancy gauge and my own compressor in the garage so I check my tires frequently.
Originally Posted by Gdup35sedan
No issue with not applying bead sealer, you only use it if the tire is leaking at the bead. You shouldnt have new tires leaking at the bead.
I dont know about the springs, Chico suggested that you do 350Z springs if you want a mild drop, i was just backing him up that it would look good. You might want to ask him if it's possible on the X.
-GP-
I dont know about the springs, Chico suggested that you do 350Z springs if you want a mild drop, i was just backing him up that it would look good. You might want to ask him if it's possible on the X.
-GP-
If I just unscrew the valve cap, I can see what color the valve core is right? I really don't remembered what color it was.
Also, when I got the 18 sports, the seller sent me metal valve stems that came with his new rims. He gave those to me since he kept his TPMS valve stems. Those valve stems are probably silver/chrome. If I have to change the valve core myself, is it hard assuming if I have the tool.