I have been looking for an alternative to the ford TPMS bands since getting 18 inch wheels. I did some research on what aftermarket systems use to hold their sensors to the wheel and it turns out they use a large hose clamp. These are the same adjustable hose clamps we see at Autozone/napa only oversized. Someone told me this is the type ford sells for $50. That means it is slightly different from the factory bands which clamp together with some type of crimping tool. I could not find the correct diameter hose clamp to fit my 18 inch wheels. I finally found a product called Make-a-clamp which consists of 1/2 inch stainless steel banding and adjustable hose clamp ends. The bands can be cut to whatever size you need and has holes every inch or so to fit the hose clamp ends into it. Each kit was 8 feet long and cost $7. Because our clamps are 3/8 inch I had to dremel a 1/16 inch off each end but that only took 10 minutes for each sensor. When I installed them I used some locktite for good measure. BigO balanced them with no problems and so far so good. $7 is better than $50

 

Where you able to reuse your original sensors or did you have to buy new ones?

 

I used my original sensors. I cut the factory bands and the sensors slide right off. I did have to alter them slightly since the new bands are 1/16 inch larger on each side.

 

Thats great info! I have been waiting for this.

Where did you buy your Make-A-Clamp kit from? Can you give us a part number to order?

Thanks!!

 

I was told you can buy the new bands from Napa for like 6 bucks. Yes you reuse your sensors.

Kevin

 

http://www.hardwareandtools.com/invt/u645739