tire changing is dangerous and should be done by trained personnel using proper tools and procedures.
Read and understand warnings published by tire changer manufacturers, tiremakers and wheel suppliers, whether the information is on a placard adhered to the machine or on the tire sidewall or in support literature for a wheel. Failure to comply with these warnings may cause or create problems that could result in injury, or worse.
Any radial tire suspected of operating under- or overinflated or over loaded must be approached with caution. Ply cords weakened by under- or overinflation and/or over loading may break one after another, until a rupture occurs in the sidewall with explosive force. Obviously, this can result in serious injury or death.
Never, under any circumstances, introduce a flammable – ether, propane, lighter fluid, gasoline, etc. – substance into a tire when trying to seat the beads.
Silicone-, petroleum- or solvent-based lubricants must not be used. These substances may cause the tire to slip on the rim; have a harmful effect on the tire and/or wheel; or create explosive mixtures of air and vapors in the tire that may result in serious injury or death.
When servicing tires and wheels, tire service professionals should always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, work gloves, hearing protection and leather work shoes or boots.
Step-by-Step Tire Demounting/Mounting Procedures
The following “how to” photos and captions show and explain the basic procedures for demounting and mounting tires. The process demonstrated here assumes the tire/wheel assembly has standard rubber valve stems and not stems with TPMS sensors. Understand that each tire changer manufacturer has specific steps for its unique equipment. Make sure you follow those specific procedures as required. Additional information about mounting/demounting tires is available on RMA’s website – rma.org – by requesting its Demounting and Mounting Procedures wall chart, or by requesting information from TIA – tireindustry.org – for its Automotive Tire Service training Module 8 on Demounting, Mounting and Inflation.
To download a PDF of this information, click here.
Demounting Steps
Before doing anything, identify the type of wheel and if there are any special handling issues.
Tire Mounting Steps
Disclaimer
Demounting and mounting tires is a serious business. The preceding article was researched and written using existing material from Hunter Engineering, RMA and TIA. This information is NOT meant as a substitute for proper training by TIA or by the equipment manufacturer. The photos were taken with the participation of Hunter Engineering at Stark State College. The process shown here is consistent with those used by other major tire changer manufacturers, but consult their specific equipment use procedures and instructions. This article is meant purely for educational purposes and those who use the methods recommended are solely responsible for any injuries or losses resulting from their application.
