TSB: 02-004/06
AL MODELS W / TPMS - TPMS VALVE
STEM BREAKS WHEN REMOVING AFTERMARKET VALVE STEM CAPS - SERVICE TIP
BULLETIN NOTE
Bulletin supersedes previous bulletin issued 04/21/06. The
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS has been revised.
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2007 CX-7
2004-2006 RX-8
2004-2006 Mazda3
2006 Mazda5
2006 MX-5
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles
may experience the aluminum valve stem breaking off of the TPMS wheel
unit when removing aftermarket valve stem caps during procedures such
as routine checking of air pressure in tires.

Some aftermarket valve stem caps are made of brass or have
thread inserts that are made of brass. Examples of these types of
aftermarket valve stem caps are shown. When brass and aluminum are
together in such a condition as this, galvanic corrosion occurs between
the aluminum valve stem of the TPMS wheel unit and the brass threads of
the valve stem cap. This corrosion can cause them to fuse together,
becoming difficult to remove by hand. Then when more force is used to
remove the valve stem cap, the aluminum valve stem of the TPMS wheel
unit will break off and the TPMS wheel unit will be to be replaced.

This service tip is to aid in informing customers of the
damage that may be caused to the TPMS wheel units by installing these
types of valve step caps. When you encounter this concern, please
advise the customer to use aluminum or plastic caps ONLY. Also, ensure
that the caps they choose to install DO NOT have a brass thread insert.
NOTE: Damage to TPMS wheel
units by
installing aftermarket valve stem caps made of brass or with brass
inserts is not covered by Mazda Warranty and claims where the sensor is
found damaged in this manner will be denied or debited to the repairing
dealer.
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