How To Change A Tire

(note: I took the photos to create this entry last year, and just now am posting)

How To Change A Tire

A certain amount of care is required to change a tire. One must be prepared to handle the tube and flap without damaging them, and use the proper tools at all times.

Step 1: Place the Wheel on the Ground


Generally replacing a tire while the wheel is attached is more difficult and dangerous. Remove the wheel, and set it on the ground in an area with sufficient workspace.

Step 2: Deflate the Tire

Allow all air to escape from the tire. The best way to do this is to remove the valve cartridge. This only works for Presta valves, though. It is very difficult to remove a tire while it is pressurized.






Step 3: Remove the Lock Ring

Not all tube-type wheels have a lock ring, but in this case, there is one. Here, I used a screwdriver and a small sledge hammer to delicately remove the lock ring from the wheel.











Step 4: Remove the Rim Ring

The pictured wheel has a multi-part structure. Rather than flipping the tire over the rim, the rim disassembles to remove the rubber parts. In the case of this wheel, 30+ years of inactivity led to the rubber being welded to the metal. The solution was to hammer in a prybar all the way around the wheel to loosen the connection. This, and a judicious application of furniture clamps, made the ring removal quite smooth.

Step 5: Remove the Tire, Tube, and Flap from the Wheel

The tire will need to be loosened from the back half of the wheel. The air filler pipe must be guided carefully through the hole in the wheel. Try not to damage the flap, as it can be re-used.

Step 6: Clean, Inspect and Paint the Wheel

Look for cracks, and bends that can be repaired with a sledgehammer.



















Step 7: Reassemble Wheel


Use a new tube and tire. Don't bother with balancing weights, as the vehicle is not likely to exceed 30MPH anyhow.