| Author | Message | ||
     Jim2 |
I did my first tire change this weekend. By first I mean the first time I didn't take it to a shop. I broke the bead using a short 2X4 and a long 2X4 and my Jeep bumper. I used the zip tie method to take old tire off and put new one on. I still had to use tire tools but some people can use the zip tie method without using tools. I will be able to do it much faster next time. Now I believe people when they say that the lube really makes a huge difference. One of my big obstacles was not knowing how to lift the front end without cutting the sheetrock in my garage roof to install a support mount to use as a hoist. It turns out I was able to back the bike into my Harbor Freight front wheel chock and run support straps from the frame to the HF wheel chock. I was then able to put my hydraulic floor jack under the front shock mount and lift the bike. I placed automotive jack stands under the forks. I was even able to pop the new tire bead on using my crappy Harbor Freight $5 tire pump. I just bounced the tire on the section of the bead that was not yet seated while I was inflating. The bead seated at about 30 psi. I balanced using the axle and spacers leveled between a stool and some bricks. I only had to use two wheel weight squares. I'm so happy that I'm no longer a slave to the shop for tires. | ||
| Thejosh |
Simple green works best for lubing the bead. As for bead breaker, my friend has one made from pieces of a Harbor Freight bead breaker, and a piece of armor plating for the base. A 30 gallon drum with some rubber hose around the top to protect the rim. Fill the drum with cement with an all thread in the middle. With 2 tire spoons it will take longer getting the wheel of than it does changing the tire. I agree, no longer taking mine to the shop. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Don't use simple green. If left on aluminum it discolors. Just bop on down to a Napa or other car parts and get the real deal. The Napa stuff is called Ruglyde or something like that. It makes the job MUCH easier and a gallon last a long time... Plus it won't break down the rubber on the bead. Some other non tire lubes may, not sure if Green will or not but I'm not taking any chances. (Message edited by bluzm2 on April 09, 2012) | ||
| Thejosh |
Simple green dries sticky, never noticed discoloration because I usually clean the rims afterward. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I use diluted Dawn dish soap. Heat is another "magic bullet". Get those tires really hot before trying to mount them. If I don't have a sunny driveway, I put a small space heater with the tire under a welding blanket. | ||
| Jim2 |
I used Windex for lubricant. I cleaned the rims with Alcohol and blotted dry the tire edges after mount but before bead seat. I supposed that soap and water would be safer, or better yet the Ruglyde Bluzm2 has mentioned. | ||
| Mikej |
Zip tie method??? | ||
| Jim2 |
This is what I was referring to: http://www.customfighters.com/forums/showthread.ph p?t=49897 | ||
| Mikej |
Interesting, thanks. | ||
| Imaposer2 |
I'll second the advice to avoid Simple Green. While it is a great cleaner, it will lead to corrosion on aluminum parts. Even has a warning about using it on aluminum right on the label. I'll also second the Ruglide from Napa. Very slick, last long enough before it dries, and is designed specifically for the purpose. You'd have to change a BUNCH of tires to go through a gallon of the stuff. Oh and watching the video of the zip tie method, I'll agree with an earlier poster about the tire changing stand. I made mine from a found, old abandoned steel car rim, a piece of old garden hose, duct tape, a piece of all-thread rod, a couple of nuts and washers, and mounted the whole thing to and old restaurant table base. When the wheel is held still it makes the tire changes much easier. Plus, when removing the tire, if you have it on the stand you can just push the old tire down and off the rim instead of wrestling tying to pull it off. Much easier that wrestling around on the floor.  (Message edited by Imaposer2 on May 01, 2012) | ||
| Dave_02_1200 |
In the old days I used dish soap on old Triumph tube type tires with fairly good results. However, for the past 30 years I have been using RuGlyde. It is definitely the best stuff I have ever used. RuGlyde was designed for only one purpose, to lubricate tires during tire changing, and it works very well. It might not be so good at washing dishes though so I still use soap for that After you try RuGlyde as tire lube, you won't ever use soap or other home remedies again. | ||
| Fung |
Nice! I'll have to try the zip method. Thanks for the link. (Message edited by Fung on May 02, 2012) | ||
| Fahren |
The only thing that causes me to hesitate on DIY tire changes is that the one sure way to check on the health of the wheel bearings is to have the wheel spinning on a dynamic balancer. You will hear them if they are bad. |
