Hello everyone! First Post! And a tire change ques By ericrockstar (Read 381 times)

[ericrockstar]

Hi class, I think I know a few of you and nice to meet the rest.

So I ordered some tires online for a good deal and I'm wandering how to install them. like, balancing. Is it necessary? I do not see any weights on my tires now so I assume they are not balanced either?

Now on to changing them.... I'm a little nervous doing that with a few screwdrivers, some soap and a tire bar. Basically, I'm nervous that I might crack my cheap Chinese rim getting the old tire off and new one on. Any tips?

[Bashan]

Welcome to the forum ericrockstar, it's nice to have a famous rock star among all these greasy wrenchers! . We have a PDF tire changing PDF from member Goodharbor and two videos:

There's probably some more stuff bumping around in the cobwebs but I can't recall right now where it is. I can offer a couple personal observations. There should be a yellow dot on the tire you're going to install. That side is slightly heavier to compensate for the valve stem. Make sure it is opposite the valve stem or it will cause a vibration. Second, if it's a 13" tire or smaller forget about getting balancing weights added. They cause more trouble that they fix. Instead, if your getting some vibrations, use Dynabeads. Everybody around here swears by them and they're dirt cheap. I actually had a guy balance a 12" wheel of mine and when one of the weights came loose and flew off all vibration stopped....so go with the Dynabeads. Maybe some other guys will chime in with tire changing tips or their thoughts on Dynabeads. Good luck and if you need anything around the forum just shoot me a PM by clicking on my handle. Rich

[runningslow]

I've changed the tires on my scooter by hand. Just used a couple tire irons, soap, four hands, a few elbows, knees, etc... a few choice four letter words and plenty of elbow grease.

The guy that helped me has changed plenty of motorcycle tires in the past, but said these were the worst, because of the size. They don't have as much flex to them as a larger tire would.

Got them on no problem and didn't need to be balanced. Though, I may just be lucky. I've considered getting some Dynabeads for the future.

[ericrockstar]

Thanks guys! The video is good too. I guess there is need to buy a few tools here for me. Don't want to ruin my new tires with a cheap screwdriver LOL! Maybe I'll pick up a few bottles of that bead balancer too idk.

[jct842]

try them with out the balancer first, you may not need it. if you got a decent tire it probably wont need any thing. I use my bench vice to break the bead, some use c-clamps. I bought a pair of small motorcycle tire irons with what I saved on the first set of pirelli's and have them on all 3 of my scooters.

the yellow dot is the lightest side of tire and goes along side the valve stem hole.

this is a link to a tire change how to and seems pretty complete. it deals with motorcycle tires which are similar but scooter tires being smaller usually do not have as much trouble for balancing as large dia. tires.
www.xs11.com/faqs/18-mounting-and-balancing-your-tires-at-home-faq.html