R36 wheel upgrade

[Lance B]

If the sensor measures rotational differences as a means of determining whether the tyres are low, then how would it account for corners, curves, wheel spin etc? I am sure that an average over a longish distance would be also fraught with danger as this would not necessarily be accurate especially, if you are travelling in a loop or arc.

If you are driving on the M7, for arguments sake, it basically arcs around the outskirts of Sydney and would constantly say that the inner tyres were travelling less than the outer tyres and would therefore register a difference.

[ozr36]

I had an 06 GTI and it works via rotation method via abs sensors etc so makes sense the R36 may be the same.

US model passats do however use valve stem sensors

[Lance B]

I had an 06 GTI and it works via rotation method via abs sensors etc so makes sense the R36 may be the same.

That would make sense.

US model passats do however use valve stem sensors

This is what I thought the Aussie models had and that they measured actual pressure.

[SharifE]

There are no problems in swapping them over to a new rim, just that you need to have a rim that allows for the fitment of this type of valve. There needs to be enough room around the valve for the nut and washer to clamp it down and enough room on the inside of the rim for the sensor to fit. The original VW rims have a small flat plane on the inside of the rim for the sensor to sit on, but I am not too sure whether this is actually required for the sensor.

You also need to get a new rubber gasket set for the valves as they are destroyed when removing them from the original rim. Get a set ordered in from your VW dealer and take them with you to the tyre fitting place for fitting when you swap them over.

thanks for that

[SharifE]

That would make sense.



This is what I thought the Aussie models had and that they measured actual pressure.

NO..its actually different, the R36 has sensors in valves..different system

[GHW]

thanks for that

Double thanks, I've told my fitter what's required, good info!

[SharifE]

The dealer told me its NOT a true pressure measuring system on these cars but instead measures over a period of time in a straight line if the wheel rotations are not the same via the wheel sensor and then reports an error.

Does anyone know if this is true or not?

sorry to say this, but most sales people dont have a clue

[3Putt]

I've seen the valves in person, when changing to new wheels myself, and they are a big unit - not cheap to replace / buy either.

The main part sits on the inside of the rim, so the valve looks pretty normal from the outside.

Problems arise with aftermarket wheels when their shape (on the inside) does not allow the big sensing unit to sit flush (and thus airtight). Its a matter of trial and error.

You have to be prepared to ditch the TPMS if the wheels you choose are the wrong shape or somehow don't have room on the inside.

Lots of tyre places are very badly educated (if at all) on the subject of these fancy valves. You have to be very careful because these things are easily damaged - the threads especially.

Make sure your tyre fitter at least has seen a few TPMS systems before.