How dangerous could this have been?

[markuszoom5]

So yesterday I was checking my tire pressure when I noticed that one of the metal pieces that surrounds the valve was cracked. I went to the dealer immediately and they replaced it under warranty. How dangerous is that? Could my tire have deflated during a drive? I own an MZ5 2010 Sport. I have TMPS.

 

[JMJinNC]

If you're talking about the nut on the outside of the valve stem, I wouldn't worry about it. JMJ

 

[markuszoom5]

That's it...

If you're talking about the nut on the outside of the valve stem, I wouldn't worry about it. JMJ

It is that long nut surrounding the valve stem. I am thinking it's has some purpose. That is what had the long crack. But they changed it under warranty. What is the purpose of it???

 

[hornsfan10609]

The sensor sticks through the valve stem hole in the rim and there is a nut on the outside that threads on the sensor to secure it to the rim

 

[Silentnoise713]

http://dillaircontrols.com/dill/tpms-lookup/?ts=Mazda--5--06-09

Its purpose is to hold the valve stem steady from falling back into the rim (NOT to imply it falls out of place easily). Think of it this way, to remove the TPMS sensor, you need unthread the nut and pull it out from the backside of the rim. The repair kit is $5.

 

[Toasty]

as others have said that metal piece surrounding your valve stem is your TPMS sensor, the valve stem and sensor are a single unit. even if it were to crack it is unlikely that this could have caused a safety issue as it would probably just cause a slow tire leak. the sensors are very delicate and are easily damaged during tire repair and installation.