Stimw
Elite Member
A lot of the small tires are harder to work on than a semi tire. I've changed a lot of both. If a tire is not cut or damaged I will put a tube in it. Much cheaper than a new tire. Here are some tips.
The best way to break it down is to put a lubricant on the bead and drive it low on air to work it in. I use mineral spirits but something like liquid wrench works. It should be a thin solvent. This will loosen the bead if it is stuck.
I stay away from the Slime stuff because it is temporary at best and makes a big mess. If the tire is not dry rotted and in good condition try putting a solution of 50% dish soap and 50% water on the bead and air it back up. sometimes this will last a season or more.
To remove the tire from the rim use large screwdrivers for prybars. Put lub on the bead and work it off slowly, carefully without chewing up the bead of the tire. Try to keep the opposite side of the tire in the deep center of the rim.
When putting it back together be careful not to pinch the tube with prybars and if you can secure the valve stem it makes it easier than fishing for it. Clamping vise grips on the edge of the rim makes it easier to get the tire back on too or you will just chase the tire around the rim trying to get it on.
The best way to break it down is to put a lubricant on the bead and drive it low on air to work it in. I use mineral spirits but something like liquid wrench works. It should be a thin solvent. This will loosen the bead if it is stuck.
I stay away from the Slime stuff because it is temporary at best and makes a big mess. If the tire is not dry rotted and in good condition try putting a solution of 50% dish soap and 50% water on the bead and air it back up. sometimes this will last a season or more.
To remove the tire from the rim use large screwdrivers for prybars. Put lub on the bead and work it off slowly, carefully without chewing up the bead of the tire. Try to keep the opposite side of the tire in the deep center of the rim.
When putting it back together be careful not to pinch the tube with prybars and if you can secure the valve stem it makes it easier than fishing for it. Clamping vise grips on the edge of the rim makes it easier to get the tire back on too or you will just chase the tire around the rim trying to get it on.
