| Author | Message | ||
     Tombo |
I hate the idea of leaving any of my bikes with a shop. I have always done my own work with the exception of tires (why is that so many of us will T-Storm our top-end but bring it to a shop for tire?) Any way, I order a Harbor Freight tire changer w/mc attachment and bought a small compressor. I spent as much time setting up the tire machine and compressor as I did actually changing the tires. I static balanced and after a test ride I am very pleased with the result. It is a very simple and painless process if you do a bit of research on the topic. Here are some of the best tips I either found on the Web or learned from today's experience: 1. The HB machine is a big help and you do not need to bolt it to the floor, just bolt it to a heavy sheet of plywood then you can break it down and easily store the whole thing. As long as you are standing on the plywood while working it shouldn't go anywhere. 2. When mounting the last bead, push the mounted portion of it into the center of the wheel so it will give you more play. 3. Stick the new tires out in the sun for a couple of hours so they warm up and become more pliable. 4. Use plenty of rubber lubricant. 5. take your time, if you are careful you shouldn't cause any damage to your rims. 6. Setup the machine properly (if you use the HB unit it comes with the blocks mounted backwards). I also used some liquid rubber on the clamps to help protect the rims. 7. When using the HB tire remover/replacement bar, use the center rod of the machine as a pivot point. 8. Make sure the beads seat (the tires can hold air even if they are not seated so this is important, and of course, keep your fingers away from the bead when they are seating. I don't mind supporting good dealers, but when I can do it myself I prefer to: "We want to be free to ride our machines and do what we want to do" A line from a Peter Fonda movie. | ||
| Rubdoggy |
which one did ya get? the $39.99 one? or did ya go big? | ||
| Gjmcmanus |
Think he got this one...  Just kidding, unless you are a dealership or in a high volume business it would be total over kill. | ||
| Rubdoggy |
gimmie! gimmie! hell, i'll take just the tire, she's a fatty! | ||
| Twowheeldream |
those are so much fun to use.... but if your not careful they make butter of the tire bead | ||
| Gjmcmanus |
Nah, you mean when the bead slides up the duckbill and rips the rubber off.. Had that happen the other day with a 305/35/24.. Wasn't paying attention and the next thing I knew there was a chunck of bead on top of the rim.. Ooops, $500 tire in the trash... Good thing my boss has a sense of humor... (Message edited by gjmcmanus on June 25, 2005) | ||
| Awprior |
I've done my own tire changes probably 4 or 5 times, haven't used a changing machine yet. A makeshift bead breaker (one of these days I'll build another one and post pics), a set of spoons and a balancer I welded up has done pretty well for me. With the XB though, I am a bit worried about messing up the powder coat on the wheels... Might finally have to break down and buy a machine. | ||
| Aldaytona |
I bought the HF changer after reading all the reviews posted here. Haven't used the tall extension or the center rod yet (couldn't figure out how to use the long mounting bar without gouging the wheel lip). I super glued pieces of truck inner tubes onto the mounting blocks to prevent any marking of the wheel. Using tire irons and nylon rim protectors I have mounted 3 tires with no wheel marks/damage. It is easier than the old 5 gallon bucket method that i was using before. I only wish they made the mounting blocks a couple of inches taller as it would be easier to fit more brake/sprocket applications. Anyone ever tried a Blast rear wheel on the HF? Alrighty then, to me it was money well spent considering No wheel damage, tire mounted in correct direction, axle lubed, all fasteners torked to specs, and done when I want it done. | ||
| Cowboy |
I have been changing my own tires for years. If you use the cuff of a discarded welding glove under the tire irons you will find it is all most impossible to damage your rim. | ||
| Tombo |
I bought the portable (manual) machine with motorcycle attachment (less than $100). I coated some parts with liquid plastic and used a rim saver to get the bead over the initial lip of the rim. No damage to the PM's. I might do something a little different when I cahnge out the S3 wheels since those are the powder coat cast alloys. With new rubber on it the S1 passed inspection and I took it for a short 100+ mile trip after it had been sitting for five years. |
