How to Use a Tire Changer

This instructable will lead you step by step to use a tire changer. A tire changers purpose is to remove and install tires off and on a rim. This machine comes in handy if you are a do it yourself-er. The advantage to using this mechanical machine can help save some money by swapping out tires and rims yourself. Also for winter time when you don't have extra rims but need to swap snow tires out, this machine works great for your needs. Depending on the tools you use and fast you get at this, the process can be done in anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes per tire swap. Tire changing can be a simple task, even for a novice. It may take a few times to master however. Yet by doing this by yourself, you will be able to save money and also be able to change tires out.

Step 1: Gather Materials

These are some materials you may need for this project. Because there are various ways to accomplish this project with different tools read carefully.
All components of the Tire changers include
• Stopping pin
• Winged washer
• Pipe nut
• 3ft lever bar
Materials needed to complete the tire swap
• Tire and rim
• Spray bottle with soapy water
• Rag
• Tire gauge
• Ratchet strap (at least 3ft long)
• Valve core removal tool
• Air compressor

Step 2: Deflate Tire and Break Bead

The first step is the deflate the tire and break the bead.
1) Use valve stem core removal tool to remove valve core to allow tire to deflate.
Warning: Pressure from tire can cause the valve core to launch from tire. To avoid this hazard keep pressure on the tool while removing the core until core can be moved out of the stem.
2) Place tire at the base of the tire changer underneath the lever action arm. Tooth of the lever action arm will be placed between tire and rim.
3) Attach 3ft lever bar into piping of lever action arm.
4) Apply a downward pressure to move tooth down so that the tire moves down off the bead of the rim. Release pressure.
5) Turn tire, while at the base of the tire changer, one quarter of a turn and repeat above step until tire is no longer in the bead of the rim.
6) Flip tire over and repeat above steps 4 & 5.
NOTE: Back side of rim has a wider area for the bead which may require more time to move tire from the bead of the rim.

Step 3: Place Rim on Tire Changer.

Step 3 is how to place the rim or rim with tire on tire changer correctly.

1) Place rim on the top of the Tire Changer with rim facing up (the side with the valve stem).
2) The use of the stopper pin is so that the tire and rim doesn’t turn while on changer. Place stopper pin through one of the five lug nut holes of the rim and through the tire changer’s stopper hole.
3) Place winged washer with teeth facing down on top of rim.
4) Spin pipe nut down and use 3ft. lever bar to tighten nut down on rim.

Step 4: Remove Tire From Rim.

Step 4 is the step on how to remove a tire from a rim.
The closest side of the tire will be side 1 and the furthest spot away from you on the tire will be side 2.
1) While lifting side 2 (far end of tire), place lever bar's tooth between rim and tire (see picture).
2) Use center of tire changer as a pivot point to turn the lever bar around in a circle to remove one side wall of the tire from the rim.
3) Lift tire side 1 (closest to you) so that bottom side wall of tire is in center of rim. With other side 2 (furthest away from you) of tire is down place the lever bar between tire and rim and bring lever arm back to your body or side 1. This is the trickiest step of all since it is somewhat hard to grab a piece of the tire with the tooth of the lever bar. Repeat Step 2 till tire is removable.

Step 5: Attach Tire to Rim.

Step 5 is the step on how to attach a tire to a rim.
To attach tire to rim Main Step 3 will be needed first unless rim is secured to Tire Changer already.
1) Clean inside of tire out with rag and check for any obstructions. If any obstructions appear i.e. nails, replace or fix tire.
2) Use soapy spray bottle and spray the tires’ rim on the outside.
3) Place wet tire over rim on the Tire Changer. Press down around the rim to get tire on rim as far as you can for the first tire’s side wall.
4) By lifting the lever bar which is placed between the remaining tire and rim, the rest of that tire will fold over the rim. Make sure you only take small sections of the tire that needs to be folded over the rim. With bigger sections "bites" this process will be harder to finish.
5) Use same approach from steps 3 & 4 for the top half of the tire.

Step 6: Air Up Tire.

Step 6 is the process of airing up the tire.
1) Remove rim and tire from Tire Changer.
2) Place ratchet strap around the center of tire and apply pressure until tire looks snug against rim.
3) Replace Valve core back into the valve stem.
Warning: Watch hand placement while airing up tire that is not seated yet. Pressure from air can cause the Tire to pop until it seats itself into the bead of the rim.
4) Fill tire with air just enough till the tire appears to be moving up the bead of the rim. Once tire is starting to move ratchet strap can be removed and complete filling tire to 20psi.
5) At 20 psi check for leaks by spraying the tire and rim down at where they both meet. Check for air bubbles, which indicates a leak, and also spray down valve stem for inspections. If leaks are present around rim just bounce the tire off the ground on the side that the leak is at. If valve stem is leaking replace valve core with a new core.
6) Fill tire until normal air pressure (normal air pressure should be along the side wall of tire). Average tire pressure is from 36-42psi.
You now have learned my steps on how to use a Tire Changer. I use these steps mainly during the summer months for my Figure 8 and demolition derby cars to swap out mud and snow tires with rim. This instructable will become easier as you keep working with the Tire Changer. This task if take to a tire shop will cost money. The best thing, however, is you didn't pay someone to complete a simple task.