Part 1. Preparation and safety
Objective
- Safely fit a vehicle tire to a rim.
Personal safety
Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:
- Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
- Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
- Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
- Hand protection – such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
- Respiratory equipment – such as face masks and valved respirators
If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.
Safety check
- Over inflated tires can explode. Do not inflate the tire to a pressure greater than 300 kilopascals or 45 pounds per square inch.
- When the tire is being inflated, use an inflator that allows you to stand clear of the tire. Keep hands and body away from the area of the tire.
- When a tire explodes, the tire, rim or components from the tire changer may cause serious injury or death to any person nearby.
- Keep your hands clear of the bead breaker when it is operating. It applies great force to the tire that will cause you a severe injury if your hand is trapped.
- Always use correct lifting techniques when lifting a tire on and off the tire changer.
- The tire tread comes in contact with many unknown substances that are transferred directly to your hands. For this reason it is recommended you wear protective gloves when handling tires.
- If you do not wear gloves, wash your hands after the tire change is complete and before eating.
- Always wear protective clothing and the appropriate safety equipment.
- Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.
Points to note
- Most tire manufacturers indicate two positions on the tire. The heavy point and the low point. The location of these points will affect the location of the tire on the rim.
- Some tires are directional. That is, they are designed to turn in one direction only. An arrow on the sidewall indicates the direction of rotation.
- Some tires are asymmetric. Their tread pattern differs across the face. These tires have an inside and an outside. This is indicated on the sidewall.
- Some tires are Asymmetric and Directional. Their sidewall will indicate both direction of rotation and tire orientation.
- Do not fit a tire that is too wide or too narrow for the rim. Check the tire manufacturer's recommendation for the correct range of rim sizes for a particular tire.
- If the tire is clamped from the outside it is necessary to release the clamps before inflating the tire.
- The turntable jaws can hold the rim by grasping it from the outside or the inside. When mounting an alloy rim it is normal that they be clamped from the outside, whereas steel rims are clamped from the inside. Always check the instruction manual for the tire changer you are using for the correct method of clamping a rim.
- Tire inflators have a spring loaded (dead man's) trigger that does not lock into position.
- Most tire changers remove and refit the tire by turning the turntable clockwise.
Part 2: Step-by-step instruction
- Examine the wheel
Check and remove any rust or dirt from the rim. Depending on the type of rim a slightly different fitting procedure may have to be followed. Always check with specifications on the tire machine you are using before proceeding with the mounting of the tire to avoid damage to the rim.
- Fit a new tubeless valve stem
Select the correct type of tubeless valve stem and insert it through the hole in the rim from the inside. Using the special tool, pull the stem through until its groove locates in the hole. Remove the valve core.
- Refit the tire
Apply some lubricant to the tire bead and rim ridges and position the tire on top of the rim. Using the guide on the bead remover, position the lower bead so that a portion of it is positioned in the rim well. Activate the turntable and guide the tire onto the rim. Once the lower bead is fitted, position the upper bead so that it is guided over the edge of the rim by the guide on the bead remover. Activate the turntable and guide the tire onto the rim. As the turntable rotates, push the sidewall down, keeping your fingers clear of the rim, so that the tire bead is guided below the safety ridge into the rim well. This will prevent the bead and tire from tearing.
- Inflate the tire
Attach the tire inflator fitting to the valve stem, stand clear of the tire and inflate it until both beads seat against the rim. Check the location of the bead indicator to make sure the bead is fully seated. If the rim is clamped from the outside it will be necessary to release the clamps so the tire can inflate.
- Do not over inflate
Do not inflate the tire to a pressure greater than 300 kilopascals or 45 pounds per square inch; otherwise tire or rim damage can occur. If the beads do not seat, deflate the tire again, reposition it, add more lubricant to the tire and rim, and start the inflation procedure again. When the beads are properly seated, remove the inflator attachment, remembering that compressed air will escape with some force, so keep your hands and face clear of the valve opening.
- Refit the valve core
Once the tire has completely deflated, refit the valve core using the correct tool. Reattach the inflator, stand clear and inflate the tire to the correct pressure for that application. Use a soft brush and apply a small amount of soapy water to the bead. If there are any air leaks they will be indicated by bubbles.
Source: CDX Global
