Fitting and balancing your own tyres

[eSCHEn]

As per the title really. How do you go about doing it in a DIY setting? Is it two machines or is it one?

What sort of money are we talking about?

Cheers for advice ^_^

 

[Spark plug]

If you really want to you don't need any, it can be done with tyre levers and a simple balancing jig.

 

[the snooper]

2 machines I paid 150 for my tyre machine

 

[piman]

Hello Esceh,

fitting tyres is quite easy with a pair of tyre levers. You can get a bubble machine for balancing but that is only for static balancing, dynamic balancing does require a proper machine that spins the wheel. Static was Ok for very narrow tyres of the 30s and 40s but little use for modern wheels.

Alec

 

[optima21]

I bought a manual tyre changer for about £60, made a tyre bar with nylon rollers so I dont damage wheels (probably cost about £15 -£20)

and made a static wheel balancer for £5.

using a nylon blank that fits in the wheel bore, with a metal pivot in it and used a bullseye level

then add the weights arround the edge (hold in place with masking tape) until you are happy with the balance and they stick them in place. I've only got 13" and 14" wheels so this may not work as well with larger wheels.
I've had no issues with balance on the 165 and 185 mm wide tyres I use.

 

[eSCHEn]

Thanks all for the helpful replies.

So I take it levers in the same sort of way you'd do a bike?

It's a fairly common size, 205/55 R16.

So a "dynamic wheel balancer" is the thing then?

 

[Kayos]

I've thought about this but I know a bloke who swaps and balances tyres for a fiver each

 

[vw1]

That's a great price. I would just be happy to take my own tyres off so if anyone can make me a tool let me know ..

 

[the snooper]

Thanks all for the helpful replies.

So I take it levers in the same sort of way you'd do a bike?

It's a fairly common size, 205/55 R16.

So a "dynamic wheel balancer" is the thing then?

the worse part is breaking the bead and as the tyre profile gets lower they become more difficult to remove

 

[langy]

My local guy fits and balances for a tenner, you could never get it as accurate at home

 

[brightspark]

My local guy fits and balances for a tenner, you could never get it as accurate at home

SAME HERE WHY BOTHER

 

[langy]

Oddly kwikfits mobile service seem to have a decent range of tyres, good pricing and good availability...unlike a certain local "premier" fitment centre with blackcircles, booked in for a 12.30 fit "come back at 5" for 2 tyres...get rooted...Never again...

Next time...giving kwikfit a go...their fitted price isn't much more than supply only from other places...

I wouldnt let them fit tyres to a bicycle !!!

 

[vw1]

I had a result a few months ago I ordered online two tyres from mytyres to be fitted on front wheels at local tyre place. I got home in a world of my own and noticed tyres were fitted to the back wheels I was well ****** off. I looked at front wheels and thought that they have been paint with tyre shine , Not so the front were new as well so I has a full set of tyres for the price of two...

 

[Migmac]

I was told that the coloured dot on new tires should be put in line with the hole for the valve. Apparently tires are check for balance at the factory, wether this is right or not I don't know.

 

[Bsmith]

I was told that the coloured dot on new tires should be put in line with the hole for the valve. Apparently tires are check for balance at the factory, wether this is right or not I don't know.

Interesting, I was also told this too, I was dubious but then why the little painted circle on new tyres?

 

[the snooper]

Interesting, I was also told this too, I was dubious but then why the little painted circle on new tyres?

also the coloured bands on the tread of a new tyre indicate which way the tyre is likely to pull usually red or blue

 

[brightspark]

http://www.tirebusiness.com/article...s-those-color-coded-sidewall-markings-serve-a

 

[MrFluffy]

the worse part is breaking the bead and as the tyre profile gets lower they become more difficult to remove

I always struggled with this until I discovered putting them under the jackleg on the digger and using the edge of the foot. You have to line them up well but once you have it ok bingo instant 8 ton hydraulic bead breaker. Now even if I'm being lazy and taking them to a mates who has a machine I pop the bead first as I've seen his machine struggle a bit on some more stubbon ones.

 

[the snooper]

I always struggled with this until I discovered putting them under the jackleg on the digger and using the edge of the foot. You have to line them up well but once you have it ok bingo instant 8 ton hydraulic bead breaker. Now even if I'm being lazy and taking them to a mates who has a machine I pop the bead first as I've seen his machine struggle a bit on some more stubbon ones.

some of the older landrover rims are stubborn aswell

 

[J.B. Welding]

I'm sure you could fabricate a crude bead breaker lever press with a long/extendable handle that could be screwed to a straining post or building. Then it's just balancing them that's tricky especially on the front where you feel an out of balance tyre. If you get the machines i recon you'll be kept busy with all your mates part worn/internet special offer tyre change overs
I managed to take a small chunk out of the bead fitting a s/h Bridgestone on my old Transit doing it with levers and since then i just pay a tenner at the garage-new valve and balanced. Way less sweat.