Anybody have a problem with the TPMS sensor straps comming loose? My folks have also purchased an 07 GT and unfortunately curbed two of tires which I went ahead and replaced for them today. During the the tire install I found that one of the straps had come loose (although the sensor itself is bonded to the rim with what appears to be the sort of tape used with sticky wheel weights). I called Ford and they refered me to the dealer and I asked the service department about the situation (if it was advisable to peel the sensor off or just leave it in place till they can have the strapped replaced). Apparently its not a common enough problem for them to have dealt with it and were unable to give me any advice? I left the sensor in place and removed the loose hanging strap. Obviously the tape is pretty strong (given the speed at which the wheel spins and the amount of centrifugal force that is generated) at least up to 80 mph it doesn't appear to come loose, but I suspect the strap is more of a failsafe due to the limitation of the adhesive tape itself. I would hate for the sensor to come loose and damage the tire and lead to a blow out since the tire is located on the rear.

My inspection of the rim and strap revealed no damage to either, other than it simply appeared to have come unfastened at the joining point of the strap?

 

I'd take it to the dealer and have them replace the straps under warranty. Better to fix it now than to have problems down the road.

 

We had two flats on an Expedition at work. Took one tire to a tire store and they said they found one sensor and strap rolling around in the tire. Took the next tire in and they said the sensor broke as well. Had them fix the flats, bag the loose parts for me and took to Ford for warranty. They ordered parts and repaired but the service writer said it was probably damaged by the tire changer bead breaker being pushed too far into the rim and knocking the sensor off. I'm pretty sure he said the sensors are mounted very close to the bead on valve stem side. I think it was true on one sensor but the other I believe the strap had come loose because the sensor had been rolling around in the tire for a long time.
I'd be careful who you get to change tires with this system and make them aware of the sensors befrore they use the machine on them. The sensors are very expensive and probably won't be covered under warranty if they find them broken.

 

Replace strap, but you can only get strap in a kit with sensor mounting saddle. I snapped a band while torquing it to 28 in/lb and had to buy a new kit just to get a band.

 

You can buy just the bands from americanmuscle.com for about $16 apiece.

 

sensors are mounted 180* from the valve stems.