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[Flassh]

After running the system for a month or so, very happy with the results, and very comfortable having constant feedback on tire pressure.

With a cold setup of 30 lbs as recommended, I'm finding that pressure increases quite quickly to about 34 psi - haven't taken long enough runs to see how much higher pressure will get.

Ran into one unrelated problem that quickly escalated into a minor disaster. I felt a vibration in the steering wheel with the new tires (OEM RSAs), and felt I was isolating it to the left front. Took that wheel off at the local tire shop, and there was a fairly obvious flat spot. The tire changer was going to try moving the tire 180 degrees on the bead to see if that would make the situation better.

**Note to anyone installing TPMS sensors - know exactly where your sensors are mounted, and make sure the tire changer is aware. I told him about the TPMS, and made sure he know they were mounted at 180 from the tire valves. He still managed to break off the sensor trying to break the bead - of course we didn't know that at the time, until he rotated the tire, and aired it up. There was a clunking sound coming from inside - so now we have to do a complete dismount to remove the broken sensor. Took off the tire, removed the band and the broken parts, remounted the tire - ooops - leaking valve. Apparently when the sensor was broken off, the band moved, and cut into the base of the valve. Off comes the tire, new gasket installed, air up, and to the balancer.

According to the chart on the wall, the TPMS should be mounted within 3" of the valve, and the changer went with that information, rather than what I had told him.

Unfortunately, that whole episode did not solve the problem.

I then mounted the factory wheel with the 24000 mile tire on the left front - like butter again.

Called Goodyear, and they refered me to their local dealer. The Goodyear store in Penticton was extremely helpful, especially considering I had purchased the tires and wheels as a set elsewhere, and ordered a new tire.

Re-installed the new tire this week, with a new sensor, and all is well again. Fountain Tire in Penticton is now the dealer of choice for any future tire purchases.

Found out some tidbits along the way.

First, my thought that the tire valve could be mounted closer to the face to make airing up easier, was off base - the entire front half of the wheel is at the same depth, and damage to the tire or valve is a risk whenever dismounting needs to occur. So, the deepest area at the back third of the rim is the only mounting area for the valve and the TPMS band. Updated info: Mounting a stubby tire valve on the bevel is definitely the way to go. We opted for the button cap type of recessed valve - a raised valve would have to be extremely short to clear the caliper. Airing up with the extension is a pain - anyone purchasing custom made wheels should opt for a tire valve on the angled surface.

The TPMS gauge does drive me a bit crazy - I like symmetry, and even if the tires all start at 30 lbs, there are still minor differences in timing as they heat up - I'm finding myself trying to add a half pound of air at a time to get them closer in operation. That process, by the way, needs to be done with cold brakes. The first time I tried to air up the tires after a downhill run, with the valve so close to the brake rotor, the back of my hand was looking a bit like the broil lines on a Burger King burger.

All in all, except for the tribulations due to the tire problem, a good installation, and one I would recommend for anyone doing extensive road trips. The alarm setting at 3 lbs below normal (ie 27 lbs) should give you enough warning to be able to save a tire from expensive damage, and possibly a much delayed trip waiting for a new tire. The peace of mind is well worth the $400 cost.

The system does occasionally decide it doesn't want to supply all four readings, but they generally come on line within a few minutes.

If anyone does do the installation, PM me regarding "learning" sensor positions - the instructions are somewhat limited, and with a single button to push for multiple functions, it may take a few tries to get the sequence of events right.

Ray