How to Remove a Rim From a Car Tire

One of the most common repairs needed on a car is replacing a flat tire. Mechanics charge $10 to $20 to remove the tire from the rim alone. They use a bead breaker machine to remove the tire from the rim. This machines safely removes the tire from the rim, under a minute. But removing a car tire from a rim can be done in your own garage with the proper techniques and tools.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Valve stem remover tool
• 2 pry bars or large flathead screwdrivers
• 10-by-4-by-4 inch block of wood
• protective eye-wear
• gloves

Removing a Rim From a Car Tire

1. Jack up your car. Unscrew the flat tires lug nuts with the tire wrench. Remove the tire and lay it face up on the floor of your garage.

2. Purchase a valve stem remover from your local auto repair store. Fit the valve stem remover over the tires valve stem and unscrew it counter-clockwise. Remove the valve stem.

3. Place a foot on each side of the tire and avoid don't touching the rim. Move up and down almost jumping on the tire to get the bead on the tire to break free from the rim. After doing this for a minute, begin to pry the tire off the rim.

4. Force a screwdriver between the rim and the lip of the tire. Insert the screwdriver and pry the lip of the tire over the rim edge. Once you start prying more and more of the tire inner lip over the edge of the rim you can use two screwdrivers to pry bigger sections of tire over the rim.

5. Pry the entire inner lip on the top of the tire over the rim edge.

6. Place the block of wood on the floor of your garage. Flip the tire over and place the center of the rim on the block of wood.

7. Push down on opposite sides with your hands on the back of the tire to force the tire off the rim. Use screwdrivers to pry the other edge off if you are having trouble pushing it off completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective eye-wear and gloves.