Bead breaking secrets needed

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #1 01-02-2016, 04:56 PM

It turns out my idea of buying a cheap Harbor Freight bead breaker to flip the Dresser Monster retreads for another year of wear was a really stupid idea.

Half the wheel assembly came off lickity split, but the other half doesn't want to budge much, at least to the point where I can wrestle with it enough to get it off.

At this point, it feels like I'm going to wreck the tire and tube and I'm thinking I might as well just take a saw to the darned tire and order a new set.

It's currently soaking in dishwashing liquid, and I'm hoping something might get it freed up enough.

In the meantime, I'll entertain any secrets of bead breaking that might come in handy here.

woodmanrog · #2 01-02-2016, 05:20 PM

I use a HF bead breaker as well and it works great. I use a long extension pipe over the handle for more leverage which makes a big difference. Also, don't separate the 2 halves of the wheel until you break the bead on both sides. I clamp the rear edge of the tool to a work table so it doesn't raise up when applying pressure on the handle. Good luck.

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #3 01-02-2016, 05:45 PM

I finally got it off using a combination vice, C-clamps, and the HF tool. It feels like the tube took a tremendous beating in the process. I may just order new tubes for the sake of security.

Kyle Boatright · #4 01-02-2016, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry

In the meantime, I'll entertain any secrets of bead breaking that might come in handy here.

I deflate the tube, then place the tire/wheel flat on a piece of plywood near a hangar wall. The plywood keeps the wheel from getting scuffed up, and the hangar wall gives me something to brace against. Then, I stand on the tire taking care to keep my feet off of the wheel. I rock back and forth a few times and the bead pops loose. Then I flip the tire and do the other side.

I weigh about 160, so this isn't a heroic feat.

alpinelakespilot2000 · #5 01-02-2016, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright

I deflate the tube, then place the tire/wheel flat on a piece of plywood near a hangar wall. The plywood keeps the wheel from getting scuffed up, and the hangar wall gives me something to brace against. Then, I stand on the tire taking care to keep my feet off of the wheel. I rock back and forth a few times and the bead pops loose. Then I flip the tire and do the other side.

I weigh about 160, so this isn't a heroic feat.

Ditto. No tool needed. IIRC, I learned this trick from one of the EAA videos.

n82rb · #6 01-02-2016, 06:48 PM

if gently hopping up and down on it does not break it loose, get someone with big screwdriver to GENTLY pry it a little while you stand on it. alwas works for me.

bob
N82RB
RV-4

tim2542 · #7 01-02-2016, 07:22 PM

I set them in my drill press and just push down on the tire with the chuck, turn and repeat until it comes loose. Then flip and repeat. A shot of dish soap helps also.
Never failed me yet.
Tim Andres

Russ McCutcheon · #8 01-02-2016, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright

I deflate the tube, then place the tire/wheel flat on a piece of plywood near a hangar wall. The plywood keeps the wheel from getting scuffed up, and the hangar wall gives me something to brace against. Then, I stand on the tire taking care to keep my feet off of the wheel. I rock back and forth a few times and the bead pops loose. Then I flip the tire and do the other side.

I weigh about 160, so this isn't a heroic feat.

That's how I do it too, I have had some stubborn ones though, for those I spray CRC silicon spray around the bead, climb back on and it pops right off.

ChiefPilot · #9 01-02-2016, 10:00 PM

I do the stand-on-it trick as well but first lay the wheel on it's side and pour a small amount of wing solvent around the rim and let it sit for a few minutes. Rarely any jumping required doing so. I don't remember who first mentioned this idea (Pete Howell maybe?) but it works great.

turbo · #10 01-02-2016, 11:03 PM

i have a left over tire iron from my dirt bike days. barely survive that. it is about a foot long with two different shaped tips. it will break the bead with practice and technique. a little wd-40 or the like will also help. can easily be packed for trips too.

https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...tail264%24&f=1

also have one of these but haven't needed it.
https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...k-mcss.jpg&f=1