How to Change ATV Tires
All-terrain vehicles, like all vehicles, require routine maintenance from time to time. Although it is often recommended to have the work done at your local dealership, some of it can be done at home. Replacing your ATV's worn tires is one of the many things you can do with a few small hand tools in the comfort of your own garage, and it can save you money.
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Things You'll Need
- Allen-head sockets
- Socket wrench
- Valve core tool
- Bead breaker tool
- A set of 2 to 3 tire irons
- Spray bottle filled with soapy water
- Rim protector
- Air compressor
Instructions
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Tire Removal
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1
Remove the wheel from the ATV using a socket wrench and socket matched to the wheel's lug nuts. Prepare the tire for removal by removing the valve stem core to deflate the tire, then breaking the seal (bead) between the tire and wheel with a bead breaker tool. Finally, spray soapy water along the area where the tire meets the rim to help the tire to slide off of the rim.
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2
Press down along the entire side of the tire to loosen it enough to insert your rim protectors between the tire and rim. Place the protectors in the 11 and 12 o'clock positions. Slide the curved end of the tire irons past the rim protectors and under the edge of the tire. Press down on the tire irons to stretch the edge of the tire over the lip of the rim.
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3
Holding the 11 o'clock tire iron in place, remove the 12 o'clock tire iron from under the tire and place it in the 1 o'clock position. Push down on the 1 o'clock tire iron to stretch the tire over the rim. Remove the tire irons and pull the remaining lip of the tire off of the rim. This will leave the tire attached to the rim by only one side.
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4
Spray soapy water onto the inner walls of the tire and slide a rim protector between the rim and the inner lip of the tire. Insert a tire iron between the tire and rim and stand the wheel upright. Pull the tire iron towards you as you hold the rim. The tire should pop completely off of the rim.
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5
Repeat on any remaining tires.
Tire Mounting
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6
Spray soapy water onto the rim and the inside of the tire, then slip a portion of the edge of the new tire around the rim. Slide your rim protector between the tire and rim and use a tire iron to pull the remaining lip of the tire onto the rim.
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7
Push the tire down onto the rim until the other side of the tire touches the rim. Spray again with soapy water and repeat the process until the tire is mounted on the rim.
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8
Set the bead by filling the tire with air without the valve stem core in place. Fill the tire until you hear two loud pops. This popping sound is created by the tire bead sealing against the rim. Stop inflating the tire as soon as the second bead pops. You will notice that air will be rushing out of the valve stem. This is okay as long as the bead has set.
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9
Replace the valve stem core and re-inflate the tire to your desired tire pressure before reinstalling the tire on the ATV.
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10
Repeat the process with any remaining wheels.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The "Recommended Cold Tire Pressure" for your ATV can vary between manufacturers and models. Please see your Owner's Manual for details. This information may also be found on a decal placed on the ATV's frame.
Rim protectors can be cheaply and easily made by cutting out the sides of plastic motor oil containers.
Place the valve stem core in a safe place after removal. Do not lose the core unless you intend to replace it.
If you doubt your ability to complete this project, have the work done by a qualified technician.
Monitor the inflation of your tire with a tire pressure gauge to prevent over-inflating the tire! Over-inflation can cause the tire to burst, leading to serious injury.
Never let go of your tire iron when it is being used to pull the tire. The pressure placed on the irons can cause them to be flung with great force, risking personal injury.
