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DIY: Tire Valve Cap Replacement

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Old 05-10-2004, 08:01 PM
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DIY: Tire Valve Cap Replacement

Finally, the moment I know you've all been waiting for... My step-by-step directions for replacing your tire valve caps!

First, I picked up a pack of "Monkey Grip Aluminum Sport Caps", in fashionable anodized purple, from my local AutoZone, for about $3. Remember, "Nothing grips like the monkey!"

Then, after opening the package by peeling the cardboard backing from the plastic blister, I set about removing the old tire valve caps, by turning them counter-clockwise when look at them from the center of the rim outward (if your tire is rotated as shown, this could be a little confusing, since up and down are reversed):
Old 05-10-2004, 08:03 PM
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Second, place the new tire valve cap on the threads, and gently rotate it clockwise (again, looking out from the center of the rim), until the threads catch and it gently screws down tight. (See figure)

DO NOT USE A HAMMER. Trust me on this one.
Old 05-10-2004, 08:04 PM
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Repeat the first two steps for the other three tires. Then congratulate yourself on a job well done!
Old 05-10-2004, 08:04 PM
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Take a step back and admire your handywork!
Old 05-10-2004, 08:11 PM
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Great Job!

I printed this out to bring with me when I attemp the same mod. I really don't feel like running back and forth from the car to my office to see the next step. Strong work.

Your right about monkeys though..... Boy do they grip.

anywho, you now can change your signature. Your ride is no longer stock..
Old 05-10-2004, 08:17 PM
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Originally posted by Gyro
anywho, you now can change your signature. Your ride is no longer stock..
Doh, thanks for reminding me!

...Paul
Old 05-10-2004, 08:27 PM
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wow , I gotta do this , hot stuff , GOOD job ! lol
Old 05-10-2004, 11:12 PM
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LOL!!!!! Great, humorous DIY!!! It stays! :D
Old 05-11-2004, 12:25 AM
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Wow, you mean it's like lefty loosy and righty tighty? NO WONDER I couldn't get mine to stay on after I put air in my tires. Thanks! You just made my day! :D
Old 05-11-2004, 12:37 AM
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This should be a sticky...
Old 05-11-2004, 03:11 AM
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wow this answers all my questions and MORE!
Old 05-11-2004, 07:02 AM
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thanks for taking the time to explain something that a lot of us find complicated. Your pictures make it seem soooo easy....well done!
Old 05-11-2004, 09:59 AM
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Great job, however I fear the terms "gently rotate clockwise" could still lead some readers astray...

I found, in making a modification to the air pressure in my tires (also qualifies for non-stock signature, right?) that an added step can reduce the opportunity for heartache and crossthreading.

When you place the new valve-cap against the valve-stem, first rotate it counter-clockwise for ~1 turn to properly engage the threads, then continue with the clockwise rotation and tightening.

Anybody have torque specs for these?
Old 05-11-2004, 11:24 AM
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ROFLMAO!
Old 05-11-2004, 12:04 PM
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Originally posted by Spf006
Great job, however I fear the terms "gently rotate clockwise" could still lead some readers astray...

I found, in making a modification to the air pressure in my tires (also qualifies for non-stock signature, right?) that an added step can reduce the opportunity for heartache and crossthreading.

When you place the new valve-cap against the valve-stem, first rotate it counter-clockwise for ~1 turn to properly engage the threads, then continue with the clockwise rotation and tightening.

Anybody have torque specs for these?

are you saying turn left before going right or don't go right at all? Will Canzoomer have a mod that will fix this?

I think Torque is about 250 ft/lbs no sorry that is for the oil filter put on in Japan
Old 05-11-2004, 12:04 PM
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Originally posted by Spf006
Great job, however I fear the terms "gently rotate clockwise" could still lead some readers astray...

I found, in making a modification to the air pressure in my tires (also qualifies for non-stock signature, right?) that an added step can reduce the opportunity for heartache and crossthreading.

When you place the new valve-cap against the valve-stem, first rotate it counter-clockwise for ~1 turn to properly engage the threads, then continue with the clockwise rotation and tightening.

Anybody have torque specs for these?
I have found that 10-15 in.lbs works well.:D
Old 05-11-2004, 12:25 PM
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Let me mention that these tire valve caps may look awesome now, but the anodized surface is sub-par and you will notice the color is gone in a few weeks. I know since I have already used these same units.

<--- Beware the monkey!
Old 05-11-2004, 12:30 PM
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Can we get a dyno run to see it they increase the total output of the car?

Any Mod is useless with no dyno information.
Old 05-11-2004, 12:42 PM
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For a real dyno boost, I recommend Street Glow Tire Valve Caps.

Granted, these are much more complex than the plain aluminum caps. No guarantees on your warranty either.
Old 05-11-2004, 12:44 PM
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Light-up valve caps are illegal in California, just FYI.

As for the dyno... My butt-dyno says "my wallet feels a little lighter, so I must be going faster."

...Paul
Old 05-11-2004, 12:46 PM
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My dealership installs idiot light valve caps just to supplement the $82 electronic sensors. They are green if you have air in your tires and red if you don't.

They are nice although I think I might notice the tire being flat before I noticed the valve cap being red.

"Humm flat tire. Maybe, maybe not...Yup confirmed. Valve cap is red! Duh!"

Oh yeah, they install the same as the purple monkeys.
Old 05-11-2004, 01:03 PM
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I just saw a show that says you loose 12 hp by using these caps. Very cap inefficient or something like that
Old 05-11-2004, 01:04 PM
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Originally posted by Spf006

Anybody have torque specs for these?
As long as you have bannana on your fingers you can't over-tighten them.
Old 05-11-2004, 01:17 PM
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Originally posted by flatso
I just saw a show that says you loose 12 hp by using these caps. Very cap inefficient or something like that
You probably have to retune your caps because of the new PCM re-flash.

You can't just throw the same caps on different RX-8s and expect the same gains. You need to install a wide-band tire pressure gauge and do G-Tech runs in all gears to observe the change in tread temperatures.
Old 05-11-2004, 01:25 PM
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AHHHHH. Can someone please make this instruction a bit simpler. I still can't get my stem cap off!!!

How long did this mod take?:D


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