any tips for replacing tires?

[ohv_]

Picked up the mini tire changer from Harbor Freight and I goofed the rim trying to get the darn thing off.

Any tips or why I did this so I know what not to do?

 

[karl]

The tool with the changer is really meant for steel lawnmower wheels, as is the
whole thing really.

My kart wheels I did on the ground. Use your knees to push down on the tire,
pry off with small spoons, heatshrinked over the ends to protect the alu.
I use dish soap as lubricant.
Its all about getting the other side of the tire your not prying pushed down
in the groove of the rim so the bead has room.

 

[ohv_]

Managed to get the fronts done, new valve and bearings.

On the spindle, is there a torque spec to follow? Reading finger tight for the cotter pin to go on.

 

[Hellion]

You used this? https://www.harborfreight.com/mini-tire-changer-58920.html




No telling what happened or what you did, but my guess is you mistakenly pressed the hard tool (the part with the vertical handle) against the edge of the wheel/rim instead of keeping it squarely against and on the rubber.

So, you ended up chipping the relatively brittle aluminum rim. Then again, aluminum isn't perfect; that may have been a weak spot in the metal and it was just waiting to break or there may have been prior damage there. Also, tires get stuck to aluminum rims all the time so maybe pressure on the tire tore that piece of aluminum away because it was along the path of least resistance.
This will be a recurring theme: tires bonded to or stuck on wheels from age and due to the tire's natural stickiness.

If you still have the broken piece, it does not appear to be critical damage. I would use some JB Weld and put that piece back on and then file or sand the repair to blend it in.

 

[Hellion]

On the spindle, is there a torque spec to follow? Reading finger tight for the cotter pin to go on.

You mean the nut that holds the wheel on? If it's too tight the wheel won't turn.

 

[ohv_]

You mean the nut that holds the wheel on? If it's too tight the wheel won't turn.

Yeah. Looks just tight enough to let the wheel spin and yeah that's damn tool I used... total junk haha.

 

[Hellion]

Yeah. Looks just tight enough to let the wheel spin and yeah that's damn tool I used... total junk haha.

In that photo I posted, I think the working tool is facing the wrong way. The finger grooves should be pointing the other way and the bevel on the "tool end" should be pointing down towards the rim. That's a display model photo but I'd hate to think the instructions are just as wrong. They very well could be.

I wouldn't say it's junk either. I'm just more inclined to blame the user....

 

[ohv_]

for deep wheels the seat on the rim isn't long enough and need to come up with fun ideas to make it work, maybe if they included more plastic fillers it would have been better. the rears were just had to deal with, fronts no problem.

getting new tires on the rear isn't going to easy, going to try another tool for it... shall see =D

 

[Hellion]

Thanks for the mini review!

 

[Karttekk]

After spending hours trying to get old tires off and even making a homemade tire changer that was useless, I take all of my wheels and tires to the local tire shop. They have the right equipment and know how to change them out in no time. To me it isn't worth spending hours on them along with sweating and swearing when a shop can usually get you handled in a few minutes. Spend your time cruising in your kart rather than fighting seized, dry rotted or bald tires. If there are no tires stores nearby I guess there are no other options. The old Carter tires were the worst. The rubber was literally adhered to the wheel due to rust and age. Not worth the trouble.

 

[ohv_]

Ditched the HF and picked up these two tools. Under 200 bucks...

Local shop wanted 15 dollars a tire, i plan on getting another set. Saved a few bucks i guess.

If in Socal need to use em let me know. =]

 

[Hellion]

picked up these two tools.

I see more than two tools there. Can you tell us what you bought and do a full review?
15 dollars a tire is madness. I'll do them myself like you, thankyouverymuch and isn't that the main thrust of this forum?

... DIY ...?

 

[ohv_]

I see more than two tools there. Can you tell us what you bought and do a full review?
15 dollars a tire is madness. I'll do them myself like you, thankyouverymuch and isn't that the main thrust of this forum?

... DIY ...?

You need help from time to time!!! lol. I wanted to give up and let someone else do it, but nahhhh, my son said have it done.

yeah, it's a mess on the table but the bead breaker and tire scissors. If I get a moment sure. it was still a pain in the arse but I'm guessing the SunF tires are not the greatest and really stuff.

 

[panchothedog]

I'm with Karttekk all the way on this subject. Maybe I'm getting too old ( darn near 77 ) but at $15 a piece you can get 13 tires changed. I fully understand the DIY aspect, but it is also a hobby, and hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable. I'll stick to engine building and kart refurbishing and gladly let a tire pro take care of my needs. The swearing and frustration just isn't worth it anymore.

 

[ohv_]

After spending hours trying to get old tires off and even making a homemade tire changer that was useless, I take all of my wheels and tires to the local tire shop. They have the right equipment and know how to change them out in no time. To me it isn't worth spending hours on them along with sweating and swearing when a shop can usually get you handled in a few minutes. Spend your time cruising in your kart rather than fighting seized, dry rotted or bald tires. If there are no tires stores nearby I guess there are no other options. The old Carter tires were the worst. The rubber was literally adhered to the wheel due to rust and age. Not worth the trouble.

While taking the old tires off the first one I took out the grinder to cut that ish open! The bead wasn't moving but I think the HF tool for me was junk. The new bead breaker made it easy and took moments.

 

[ohv_]

I'm with Karttekk all the way on this subject. Maybe I'm getting too old ( darn near 77 ) but at $15 a piece you can get 13 tires changed. I fully understand the DIY aspect, but it is also a hobby, and hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable. I'll stick to engine building and kart refurbishing and gladly let a tire pro take care of my needs. The swearing and frustration just isn't worth it anymore.

Yeah I was a bit shocked. I called a ATV shop as well they would do it IF I bought tires from them and none in stock for gokarts. So i passed.

 

[panchothedog]

Depending on what part of L.A. you are in,( I'm down the coast in Oceanside ) I have had much better luck with a small independent tire dealer. Maybe one that's on the wrong side of the tracks, or in the seedy part of town. The big tire dealer's don't want to be bothered with you, and many times don't have employees that can do any more than load the automatic machine. Also a lawnmower repair shop or someone that services golf carts.

 

[ohv_]

Depending on what part of L.A. you are in,( I'm down the coast in Oceanside ) I have had much better luck with a small independent tire dealer. Maybe one that's on the wrong side of the tracks, or in the seedy part of town. The big tire dealer's don't want to be bothered with you, and many times don't have employees that can do any more than load the automatic machine. Also a lawnmower repair shop or someone that services golf carts.

Thanks but all good here now. All tires mounted at home with the new tools I got. I plan on pulling the kart apart soon to clean up the wiring.