| OttawaMDXer |
New to the forum and proud new 2004 MDX Touring/Nav Blk/Blk owner! This forum was invaluable to my decision...
I'm planning to upgrade to 18" rims and summer tires, and have read many threads on this subject thus far. The question i have is, how do i know what rims will support the TPMS sensors (transponders)? I have this fear that i pick up some nice rims only to learn that they would be incompatible with the sensors. Am i worrying for nothing?
thanks |
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| TranMDX |
Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new X!!!
I've been looking into rims myself for my 04. I decided to go with 20's. No point in upgrading and not going all out!!!
It depends on the wheel if the air sensors will work or not. The main concern is that if the valve stem hole is large enough to hold the air sensor. Most wheels that I've looked at had no problems with the air sensors.
Check with www.tires.com or www.tirerack.com on rims that will support the air sensor. I gave them a call and most of the wheels they carry will support the air sensors.
I'm getting my rims test fitted on Thursday!!! The 20's will have the air sensors in them. I can't wait!!! I'll be posting pics later next week!!! |
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| OttawaMDXer |
Thanks TramMDX... that's good advice... Do you know if the diameter of the stem hole for the valve is documented somewhere? Did you go to Acura to mount the tires? I wasn't sure if I should trust the store selling rims...
Another question about your 20's... do you expect a change in your speedometer, or is there a way to recalibrate for a larger radius tire?
Thanks again... |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by OttawaMDXer
Thanks TramMDX... that's good advice... Do you know if the diameter of the stem hole for the valve is documented somewhere? Did you go to Acura to mount the tires? I wasn't sure if I should trust the store selling rims...
Curious why you would trust an Acura dealership with non-factory rims. If you rely on the dealership for all your maintenance including normal brake and tire wear, you will be spending lots of money. |
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| OttawaMDXer |
I guess i'm not convinced that the transponders will be properly installed (understood) by a local "wheel" trader... I've been to a couple in Ottawa (not a big market), and when i've asked them if a particular Rim will support the 04 sensors... i usually get a "huh... should..." type of reply. I'll look into other rim dealers to see if i can find more confidence in one...
curious also... is it more common that MDXer's would NOT rely on their dealerships for common maintenance? I'm sure not eager to over spend on services that can be found with equal quality and lower cost...
thanks |
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| TranMDX |
OttawaMDXer'
Why would you trust the Acura dealer with aftermarket rims?
Actually, my dealer helped me in the wheel selection. They sell aftermarket rims but do not mount them. Well, I found what I wanted and needed and want shopping. I got a better deal. I got my wheels from the internet and my tires a the local Discount Tire. They are going to test fit the wheels to make sure they fit on Thursday and I'm going to make my tire selection.
The speedometer will change but only 1-3%. You can offset the speed change by changing the tires. In my case, I would have to get a 255/45/20 tire to keep the same dimension as the factory. It will have the same revs/mile diameter. The only problem is that only one company makes this size (Toyo). I can go with the 265/45/20 but my speedometer will increase by 1.2% and 275/45/20 will be 2.5%. I've done lots of research.
I have a spreadsheet that does the calculations on ride height, additional width required, tire height, vertical clearance required, diameter, change in drive ratio, and there is a graph of the OEM tire compared to to the proposed new fitment.
I can email it to you if you want tomorrow. Let me know. I also posted a rim question but the feedback was not as helpful. If I can help, please let me know. I spent hours on the phone and searching the web for answers. No need to reinvent the search when someone else did it. Right?!?! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
curious also... is it more common that MDXer's would NOT rely on their dealerships for common maintenance? I'm sure not eager to over spend on services that can be found with equal quality and lower cost...
thanks
I can understand the wheels being a unique case because of the sensors, which some owners had to dispense with because they would not work with aftermarket wheels.
Well, not so sure Acura service is always of highest quality, but have never seen it with lower cost. For general service like oil changes, and even tranny and VTM4 fluid changes, Honda dealers are generally cheaper.
For tires and brakes I have always gone to trusted independents. Dealers charges can be atrocious for some of those services.
Again, speaking of routine tire changes, alignments, balancing, brake pad replacements, etc. not things covered under warranty. |
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