Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - DIY: un/mounting a car tire from the rim without special tools. (Have you?)

HaroldinCR · 05-30-2017, 09:04 AM

I have taken off tires and mounted tires probably a hundred times or more, from large tractor tires, my 2 ton logging truck to wheelbarrow tires, split rims split wheels (very tricky) and regular solid wheels. 6 ply and up are a challenge with hand tools.

ALWAYS start opposite the valve stem and FINISH mounting AT the valve stem. This is for steel wheels only, unless you have experience on alloy wheels, so you don't beat up the alloy.

Take a tire iron and beat it between the rim lip and the tire. Just go until you hear a solid sound, so you don't gouge up the wheel. Once in place, lift it up as much as possible and hit the iron with the hammer ( I use a 3 pounder) and watch the tire move slightly. Do not use soapy water. You want the tire to "stick" to the rim as you drive it down over the safety bead bump.

Proceed around the wheel in 2"-3" distances. Once you get the tire to show space between the rim edge and the tire bead, use your heel to mash down on the tire right at the bead. "Can't use flip flops here".

Unless the tire is "rusted fast" to the rim, it should nearly fall off by itself. Might need a few taps with the iron and hammer.

Now, turn the wheel over and do the same thing. When both beads are broken loose, use the 2 irons, large screwdriver, etc., and start prying the first bead off the rim a little at a time. It will quickly come off the rim. Then, insert the iron through the tire and hook it under the OUTSIDE of the wheel under the bead lip and while standing the wheel/tire upright, mash the tire down like you are going to just force it off the wheel. Take your 3 pound hammer and hit the TIRE bead, so it starts to come over the rim edge. Don't hit the rim. A few hits while prying down and the tire should fall off the wheel.

Now, clean the bead area of the wheel and soap it up and mount the replacement tire, using the 3 pound hammer. Just mash it onto the rim and once it gets tight, mash your heel onto it and strike the TIRE bead area and it will slip right into place..

Years ago, I knew a black guy that just used his hands and feet to remove and mount tires at a Goodyear tire shop. Anything bigger than a typical car/pickup, he used tools.

05-30-2017, 09:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
HaroldinCR EcoModding Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Costa Rica Posts: 138 Thanks: 24 Thanked 47 Times in 39 Posts	I have taken off tires and mounted tires probably a hundred times or more, from large tractor tires, my 2 ton logging truck to wheelbarrow tires, split rims split wheels (very tricky) and regular solid wheels. 6 ply and up are a challenge with hand tools. ALWAYS start opposite the valve stem and FINISH mounting AT the valve stem. This is for steel wheels only, unless you have experience on alloy wheels, so you don't beat up the alloy. Take a tire iron and beat it between the rim lip and the tire. Just go until you hear a solid sound, so you don't gouge up the wheel. Once in place, lift it up as much as possible and hit the iron with the hammer ( I use a 3 pounder) and watch the tire move slightly. Do not use soapy water. You want the tire to "stick" to the rim as you drive it down over the safety bead bump. Proceed around the wheel in 2"-3" distances. Once you get the tire to show space between the rim edge and the tire bead, use your heel to mash down on the tire right at the bead. "Can't use flip flops here". Unless the tire is "rusted fast" to the rim, it should nearly fall off by itself. Might need a few taps with the iron and hammer. Now, turn the wheel over and do the same thing. When both beads are broken loose, use the 2 irons, large screwdriver, etc., and start prying the first bead off the rim a little at a time. It will quickly come off the rim. Then, insert the iron through the tire and hook it under the OUTSIDE of the wheel under the bead lip and while standing the wheel/tire upright, mash the tire down like you are going to just force it off the wheel. Take your 3 pound hammer and hit the TIRE bead, so it starts to come over the rim edge. Don't hit the rim. A few hits while prying down and the tire should fall off the wheel. Now, clean the bead area of the wheel and soap it up and mount the replacement tire, using the 3 pound hammer. Just mash it onto the rim and once it gets tight, mash your heel onto it and strike the TIRE bead area and it will slip right into place.. Years ago, I knew a black guy that just used his hands and feet to remove and mount tires at a Goodyear tire shop. Anything bigger than a typical car/pickup, he used tools.