Leaking TPMS Sensors

[sgtmike44]

I purchased my '08 Altima 2.5 SL with 42K miles at a local Nissan dealership (Meadowlands Nissan in NJ) in September '11. The car has been great except for one nagging issue: TPMS sensor leaks! Three times in the last for months of ownership I've had to replace the sensors after the tires began leaking each on a different wheel (front left and right, plus the rear right); I'm nervously anticipating the failure of the last tire, too. Each time I returned to the original dealer for the repair, figuring they might give me a break as I had just purchased the car from them, but no dice!

During each repair, the technician explained that the stem on the sensor had cracked, possibly due to a pothole, rubbing against a curb, or using the wrong type of air hose valve when filling the tire; neither of which I have done; obviously, they'll never admit the possibility of a bad part. I still have two of the three 'damaged' sensors and can find no evidence of a crack or other metal fatigue on them. I also noticed that the part number on the original sensors (40700-JA02B) is different from the part number for the replacement sensor listed on each invoice (40700-1AA0B). I'm thinking Nissan realized early on that the original parts were defective and is using the customer to pay for their replacement instead of issuing a recall.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with these damn sensors???

[EnoughAlready]

Check if the sensor is partially made of aluminum. If so, look up the manufacturer of the part. I think salt is very corrosive to aluminum. If you do have a sensor partially made of aluminum, post back.

[sgtmike44]

The stem on each sensor is made of aluminum and I only use the plastic caps on the valves (purchased from their parts department when the car was delivered without them). I mentioned this to the service technicians, noting that there is already a Nissan-issued TSB on replacing the seals on the sensors due to aluminum corrosion caused by road salt not the entire sensor, but they replied it was, "cracked not corroded." On one of the old sensors I have, the corrosion is quite evident at the point where the nut securing it to the rim would be screwed on. The techs also repeatedly stated that, "these things leak all the time and they've been doing a lot of replacements." Once again, there is no visible, with the naked eye, evidence of any cracks.

Any ideas on how to test a sensor to confirm their diagnosis? Between their claims and the different part numbers, I'm beginning to think I got scammed.

[EnoughAlready]

The "cracked not corroded" comment is irrelevant. The fact is these are failing for many people and I think both the car manufacturers and the company who makes the sensors knows this. I had four "crack" in one year. They always failed in cold weather. It could be the salt or the freeze thaw cycles or both.

I suggest you find out who makes the sensors on your car and contact them and I would also contact Nissan directly. I believe some Nissan owners are paying for parts which have specifications resulting in questionable durability.

A local garage voiced the opinion these should not be made of aluminum.

[Steve2012]

I also had the same problem with the TPM sensors. I had to have my 3rd TPM sensor replaced today on 2009 Altima within 3 years. Seems every year a TPM leaks and Nissan says it is cracked and charges $240 to replace it. It is obvious from reading all the forums that there is a quality issue with the TPM sensor. Like yourself I did not hit any curbs or annything else - just driving as normal. I like the Altima but will never buy another one or recommend one as Nissan is not owning up to the problem. I believe this should be a recall but its not. Guess Nissan wants the customers to pay for it.
If anyone know how to eliminate the TPM's (replace with valves) and disable the warning light please let me know.
Thank you
Steve