If you are looking to save money, you want to know how to put a tire back on the rim. In this guide, we show you how to pop a tire back on the rim, so you don’t have to visit the local tire shop. We also cover a variety of types, such as how to get a tubeless tire back on the rim and how to get a bicycle tire back on the rim.
How do you put a tire back on the rim? If the tire and rim match sizes, you can easily get them put back together. But if they don’t match, you want to purchase a new tire or rim for safety purposes.
What You’ll Need
Before you learn how to put a tire back on the rim, you need to gather the right supplies.
Step By Step Instructions:
- 1Put the rim on the ground flat. Make sure the front side is facing upward.
- 2Lubricate the tire beads with dish detergent.
- 3Lay the tire on the rim.
- 4Open the back bead of the tire by standing or pushing on the sides. If you lock vise grips to the edge, you can have an easier time learning how to put a small tire back on the rim. This simple step keeps the bead separated from the tire.
- 5Push your pry bar or screwdriver between the rim and tire. Pull it back while sliding the head over the rim. Work around the tire at two to three-inch sections at a time.
- 6Perform the same procedure on the other side.
- 7Inflate the tire. You might hear some popping sounds as the tire re-seats on the rim. Use your tire pressure gauge to make sure you don’t put too much air in it. Find the appropriate air pressure on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual. It can also be found on the sidewall of the tire.
You can follow the same steps if you want to know how to put a tubeless tire back on the rim. However, figuring out how to put a bike tire back on the rim often requires a lot less effort.
How To Put A Tire Back On The Rim Using A Tire Mounting Machine
If you want to know how to get a tire back on the rim, consider the benefits of using a tire mounting machine. While it's more expensive to have one of these machines, the job is easier, and you are safer in the process.
What You’ll Need
Before you learn how to get a car tire back on the rim, gather these supplies.
Step By Step Instructions:
If you aren’t familiar with using these machines, it’s best to read the manual before getting started. Once you feel comfortable, you can proceed with these steps.
- 1Put a generous amount of dishwasher detergent on the circumference of the top and bottom bead for lubrication.
- 2Tilt the tire toward the machine’s right side. This should cause the top of the tire to face upward.
- 3Swing the arm until it locks the head to the rim by going through the center of your tire.
- 4Twist your tire clockwise slightly, ensuring that the bottom bead is angled to the rim.
- 5Activate the machine’s turntable pedal to move in a clockwise direction.
- 6Repeat this same procedure while working with the top bead.
- 7Inflate the tire while the bead sets. This could cause a popping sound. The majority of machines come with an indicator that shows the amount of air pumped into your tires. Stop pumping when you reach the appropriate psi (pounds per square inch).
These steps work with any size tire, as long as the machine is compatible. You could even use these steps to figure out how to put a trailer tire back on the rim.
If you don't have a tire changer, visit our web page on the best tire changer and wheel balancer combos to get one for your shop.
Is It Safe To Pop A Tire Back On The Rim With Fire?
Some people learning how to get a small tire back on the rim will turn to the use of fire. This process uses combustible fluid and an ignition source to get the tire back in place easier. However, there are some issues with this process.
When it isn’t done properly, it results in tire pyrolysis, otherwise known as thermal decomposition. Not only can this create chemical deterioration, but it also heightens the risk of a blow-out explosion. Because pressures can rise up to 7,000 kPa, people in the vicinity can be at risk of danger.
How Long Does It Take To Put A Tire Back On The Rim?
No matter which method you choose, it should take less than an hour to get your tire on the rim. The longest method is to do it by hand, while the machine will dramatically cut the time. While professional tire installers can get the job done quicker, you might have to wait for other customers, and you have to drive to the physical location, all of which add more time.
Putting Tire On Rim FAQs
What holds the tire position on the rim?
The tire bead is a rubber loop of steel cables. This tire part helps it stay seated properly on the rim. When the bead is broken, the tire cannot sit on the rim correctly.
How much does it cost to put the tires on the rim at a mechanic?
You will pay anywhere from $15 to $45 to have a tire installed on the rim. If you get the service as part of a package deal, you might be able to spend less or have it included.
Can you take the tire off the rim alone?
You can remove a tire from the rim with your hands and some manual tools, but it’s a tedious task. If you have to do it yourself, use a tire changing machine instead.
What fluid can you use to bead a tire?
It helps to have some lubrication when beading a tire. We recommend dishwasher detergent for a cheap solution. Some people tell you to use flammable liquids and start an explosion to re-seat the bead, but we don't recommend this method.
Conclusion
Now you know how to get a flat tire back on the rim, thereby saving you time and money. The next time you are putting a tire back on the rim, use our guide to walk through the steps with ease.