R55 Off with those dull, ugly valve stem caps!
#26
rrcaniglia - I did a little more research after alicecooper's post about using a metal cap on the aluminum valve stems. Apparently, even an aluminum cap on an aluminum valve can cause problems. I found an Acura recall notice, where they mailed owners with the TPMS aluminum valve stems replacement caps made of plastic, and told them to discard their original aluminum caps. Apparently some caps and stems were corroding to the point that the cap couldn't be removed without damaging the stem. Acura attributed the corrosion to the salt used on roads in Winter. I'm going to follow alicecooper's advice and use the original caps for now.
#27
rrcaniglia - I did a little more research after alicecooper's post about using a metal cap on the aluminum valve stems. Apparently, even an aluminum cap on an aluminum valve can cause problems. I found an Acura recall notice, where they mailed owners with the TPMS aluminum valve stems replacement caps made of plastic, and told them to discard their original aluminum caps. Apparently some caps and stems were corroding to the point that the cap couldn't be removed without damaging the stem. Acura attributed the corrosion to the salt used on roads in Winter. I'm going to follow alicecooper's advice and use the original caps for now.
#29
Modnar - not sure what could be done to redesign the decorative caps, unless MINI has changed the caps to plastic, or lined the inside threads with a non-metallic material. It seems this TPMS / aluminum valve stem corrosion issue has caught a few auto makers. Since TPMS systems are now mandated for all passenger cars, I think we haven't heard the last of fused or corroded aluminum valve stems and caps.
#30
What really bothered me every time I washed the car were those ugly mushroom shaped valve stem caps. I finally got around to replacing them with a set of simple chrome caps ($3, Auto Barn), and it really improves the overall look of the wheels. I would have gotten a set of the MINI caps, but they're too tempting an item in my area, and would probably not last past the first trip to the mall. Now I can detail my wheels without wincing.
#33
They are nice ones: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...alve-caps.html I like the wings, myself.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
molala
MINIs & Minis for Sale
1
10-02-2015 01:53 PM
joshuatrost
1st Gen Countryman (R60) Talk (2010-2015)
1
09-05-2015 02:58 PM
Mini Mania
Drivetrain Products
0
09-02-2015 09:05 AM