• Steel Soldiers now has a few new forums, read more about it at: New Munitions Forums!

  • Microsoft MSN, Live, Hotmail, Outlook email users may not be receiving emails. We are working to resolve this issue. Please add support@steelsoldiers.com to your trusted contacts.

Tire tube change questions

cessnapilot89

Active member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
66
234
33
Location
Alliance, Nebraska
Hey guys,

I am trying to figure out how to pull a tire off the rim so I can replace a bad tube. I have the duckbill hammer, the lock ring tool, and 2 24 inch tire irons and trying to figure out what I am doing wrong.

I've got the bead broken loose, but am having a Dickens of a time trying to pop that lock ring off. Tires are deflated, courtesy of the vandal that cut the valve stems..


Are there any instructions or TMs for how to do this? I am really trying to not patronize the local tire shop after the lug fiasco l.
 

tommys2patrick

Well-known member
699
270
63
Location
Livermore, Colorado
I would suggest if you have not done so already, try to drive the lip of the tire down a few inches all around the circumference of the rim. the split ring rests against this small edge on the rim and when the tire is inflated the split ring "locks" between the rim and tire. a few raps with a hammer along the lock ring around the edge of the rim will help break loose any rust that may have formed making this very difficult. you can also use a lubricant like soapy water or tire lube that will help. also, a good tire tool usually has a pointed end and a flat spoon end. use the pointed edge in the keyhole between the split ring and the rim. the split in the split ring should be near the hole where the tire inflator pokes thru the rim . just to the right of that is the keyhole on the rim outer edge. as soon as you get the first tire tool in far enough at the key hole to allow you to pivot the tire toll in the direction towards the center of the rim the split ring at that location should start to move outward away from the rim. at that point the second tire tool , spoon end, should be wedged between the split ring and rim. then its just a matter of repeating the prying and wedging action of the tire tools as you work your way around the rim in a clockwise manner. it helps to step on the tire with one foot as you work your way around the tire making sure the tire stays down below the "hidden" edge of the split ring where it touches the rim. if you have a third tire to or crow bar the you can fit into the split of the split ring. it can help get things started by using "rocking leverage" in ths split to get things started.
 

ClintA

Member
244
13
18
Location
Mule Creek, NM
Sounds like the tire bead is not far enough down, if you can get the tire bead down where the ring comes together it will help to pry it out, once it starts then you can work around the tire.. Lots of sweat and cussing and next thing you know it’s off ! You have to push the tube valve into the tire or that’s how I do it. Good luck!!
 

G744

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,702
3,808
113
Location
Hidden Valley, Az
I'll try and get some pix of the simple stages of how to do it and post them in this thread in a few days.

Youtube is full of how-to's, some by idiots, others meaning well but leave out a couple steps that make the whole process much easier.

I've done my own lockring wheels for almost 60 years now, and never had a close call or let one defy me. Tho some have not been worth the work, due to terminal rust.

Stay tuned.
 

Valley Rock

Big wheeler cat peeler
Steel Soldiers Supporter
433
792
93
Location
Orygun
Like the one guy said take a medium Sledge and give that lock ring some love all the way around, it likes where it's been it may have been sitting on there for 50 years and stuck and does not like change

Some PB Blaster or some other Lube in there wouldn't hurt either

It's not an airplane it needs real aggression and some technique, it's already hurt you so pay it back
 

cessnapilot89

Active member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
66
234
33
Location
Alliance, Nebraska
Success! I now have 3 spares ready to go. Now to find a tire hanger as mine is missing.

My big issue was I had trouble getting that bead to brake. After that it was fine.

All in all a success. I will admit after the black eye and bloody lip, I was considering taking it back to the tire shop to have them do it, but I am glad I persisted! Now I know how to do it.

250fe1b6-0cad-4edd-8ffc-d1f2343b7f84.jpg
 

jeffhuey1n

SMSgt, USAF (Ret.)
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,886
1,474
113
Location
Laramie County, Wyoming
It was a good example to my 7 year old son about perseverance.
Granted my doctor saw me at church yesterday and thinks I may have given myself a minor concussion. I just thought I felt a tad dizzy from being dehydrated. But I got those tires to cooperate!
When I get a concussion (I’ve had several) I can feel it in my sinuses. It’s kinda weird but it’s been consistent every time.
 
Top