Power Train Related Problems of the 2003 Dodge Sprinter

Transmission Fluid Leaking problem

This stuff is dangerous. I've lost three tire valves in less than 1000 miles and the last was sudden and violent. Honestly, I thought I'd done something wrong, but I've used only mr. Clean wash system and a very dilute degreaser on the wheels. It was difficult to try to remove the stems without further damaging the valves at discount but we perfomred a little experiment before dissembling the tire. We ran the psi up to 80 off the vehicle and watched where the air escaped the valve. There is a rubber coller that runs about 1/2 up the metal valve stem. The air leaks from the circumference of the seal where the rubber ends and metal begins. However, any slight pressure off-center results in airflow from the junction of the valve and rim. Further pressure empties the tire pretty quick. The first two leaks were discovered hissing in parking lots after a trip into a store. The last, I left my driveway, all well and got about 1/16 mile from the house. The van started shuddering and was difficult to contol. I called hoke and asked my wife to look in the driveway. I thought that I'd lost all the transmission fluid. The truck was really fighting. I nursed the van along for approximately 100 feet and turned into a auto parts store. I got out, poppped the hood and looked under the truck for a leak. I was on the way into the store before I noticed that driver's side tire was completely flat. I laughed. I now think that the mb traction control has no idea what to do with a flat and masks the problem, converting it into a bizarre tranny type problem. It sound moronic to not relalize that you have a flat especially after you just had two in the front, but the rear is totally different. The only explanation is the traction control. And now I find out that there are many that have had the same experience. . . This is scary. How many have replaced the valves? jp pe04066_cat.