Warning!! Don't Use Metal Valve Caps
#1
Warning!! Don't Use Metal Valve Caps
I took my car in for its first A service and my tires had the Mercedes metal valve caps on them from my 211. My dealer gave them to me as a freebie when I leased my 211. When I got the 212 I moved them on to the wheels. Apparently Mercedes has found that the tire valves can swell and the metal valve caps don't give and they can actually become stuck. This happened to my right front tire and the valve literally broke trying to remove it. They had to replace the valve and tire sensor the whole deal. They covered it but warned me never to use metal valve caps again. Funny thing is they still sell them in their parts department. Had they not covered that it would have been very expensive to repair.
#2
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I was warned about that when I took delivery of my W212 and my ML550. In addition to the problem you experienced they can also interfere with the signal for the tire pressures. I also believe this is stated somewhere in the manual.
#3
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2014 Mercedes C250 Coupe, 1998 SL 600 sport
I had this problem on my W204 - even though I was sure not to over tighten them - I nearly destroyed one getting it off - worse yet was I on the road and couldn't fill the tire. I use anti-sieze (very little!) and it's a non issue now, but you can't even think of tightening them!
RP
RP
#4
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You mean if you turn leased car, you can keep the caps. It is cool, I didn't know. I need to check lease turn car guide to see what items can be removed from car without being charged.
#5
Member
Is this problem unique to MB, or other auto mfrs as well? I have metal caps on my Passat (also with tire pressure monitors) and had no issues. Thanks for your thoughts / replies.
#7
Brass alloys are used for valve stems because they typically won't be subject to severe corrosion issues. As such that is why the typical 'metal' caps are brass alloys also. This becomes problematic when used on aluminum tire pressure sensors. They (brass metal caps) through the process of metal bonding corrode or 'weld' themselves on the aluminum sensor. This is common of ANY manufacturer when these circumstances are met.
Though I have seen this problem with aluminum caps too. They have allowed for excessive corrosion to develop between the cap and the sensor also causing this problem. Your best bet is to simply use plastic caps at all times UNLESS you have the traditional brass pressure valves.
Though I have seen this problem with aluminum caps too. They have allowed for excessive corrosion to develop between the cap and the sensor also causing this problem. Your best bet is to simply use plastic caps at all times UNLESS you have the traditional brass pressure valves.
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#8
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Brass alloys are used for valve stems because they typically won't be subject to severe corrosion issues. As such that is why the typical 'metal' caps are brass alloys also. This becomes problematic when used on aluminum tire pressure sensors. They (brass metal caps) through the process of metal bonding corrode or 'weld' themselves on the aluminum sensor. This is common of ANY manufacturer when these circumstances are met.
Though I have seen this problem with aluminum caps too. They have allowed for excessive corrosion to develop between the cap and the sensor also causing this problem. Your best bet is to simply use plastic caps at all times UNLESS you have the traditional brass pressure valves.
Though I have seen this problem with aluminum caps too. They have allowed for excessive corrosion to develop between the cap and the sensor also causing this problem. Your best bet is to simply use plastic caps at all times UNLESS you have the traditional brass pressure valves.