Tires Popping a Tire Bead

robertm · Jul 24, 2017

I need to tube the front tires of my BX2670. Always losing air.
What's the best way to pop the bead on one side of the rim to put in a tube? I'm not thinking beating it with a 5# hammer and a block of wood is really going to work.
Thanks!

TnAndy · Jul 24, 2017

I lay it on the floor with the air removed and drive over it as close to the wheel rim as possible....usually does the job.

CobyRupert · Jul 24, 2017

I saw a video on youtube (can't find it now) that was so slick.

The guy put the tire under the hitch of his truck and used a scissors car jack between the tire and the truck hitch. He just used his electric drill to turn the jack (could of used manual handle) and busted the bead in about 2 seconds. Many of those scissors jack's bases have a nice curve built right into it that fits to the curvature of the rim.

I suppose any type of jack, even a hydraulic bottle jack, would work too.

frugalangler · Jul 24, 2017

CobyRupert said:
I suppose any type of jack, even a hydraulic bottle jack, would work too.

Been there, done that, number of times! Now, the trick is to get the bead to re-seat - oh, yea, tubes, not an issue!

Mikefromcny · Jul 24, 2017

Manual Tire Changer

I've done hundreds for tires with one of these. The bead breaking portion works great.

topbuilder · Jul 24, 2017

A tire hammer works good. Breaking both beads is recommended.

RjCorazza · Jul 24, 2017

Last time I had to break a bead I used the loader bucket.

TMGT · Jul 24, 2017

Its a BX front wheel, with the air removed it might come off the bead with hand pressure!
I bought the Harbor Freight tire changer for small tires (4-12in) and it works good, was 30 something $ with a 20% off coupon.

TMGT · Jul 24, 2017

RjCorazza said:
Last time I had to break a bead I used the loader bucket.

I've done that in the past but it can be a pain if the bead is tight and possibly damage the tire if your not replacing it.

robertm · Jul 24, 2017

Thanks for the replies. I can't use the loader without the front tires on the BX. I'm hoping I can slip the tube in by just breaking the bead, but I'll bet I'll need to pull one side of the tire off the rim.