How to Fix a Flat Tire on a Wheelbarrow

Fixing a flat tire on a wheelbarrow is fairly easy and involves just a few tools. Both tube and tubeless tires will require a patch kit for repairs. (A tubeless tire can also be repaired by plugging the hole rather than patching it.)

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Tire iron or straight screwdriver
• Tire patch kit
• Water
• WD-40 (optional)
• Marking pen or chalk
• Shop rag
• Adjustable strap

Instructions

Removing and Checking the Tire

1. Turn the wheelbarrow over for easy access to the wheel.

2. Remove the cotter pin or bolt from the axle and slide the axle out with a pair of pliers. If it doesn't slide out easily, tap it lightly with a hammer. If it is old and rusted, spray a small amount of WD-40 on it. Once the axle is out, your tire will be free for you to repair.

3. Determine if it is a tube or a tubeless tire by examining the stem. The stem on the tubeless tire is attached to the metal rim itself while a tube stem is pushed through the hole in the rim.

4. Fill the tubeless tire with air and immerse it in water. Bubbles will be visible in the water where the air is leaking from it. Mark the spot where the leak is with a marker or chalk.

5. Break the bead on the tire by inserting the flat edge of a tire iron or flat screwdriver between the tire and the edge of the wheel. Work your way around the rim, separating it from the tire with your tool. Flip the whole thing over and repeat the process on the other side.

6. Remove the tube and fill it with air. Immerse it in water and identify where it is leaking by locating where the air bubbles are coming from in the water. Mark the spot with a marker or chalk.

Repairing the Tire

1. Clean the tire or tube with a damp cloth and dry it. Be sure it is especially dry around the area of your mark. Rough up the area around your mark with the sharp metal piece from the patch kit.

2. Apply glue from the patch kit to the roughened area and wait until it gets sticky.

3. Affix a patch to cover the hole and apply pressure to make sure it sticks. Press down and rub to make sure there are no air bubbles. Be sure to use the appropriate-sized patch for the hole that you are patching.

4. Put air in the tube and re-immerse in water to be sure the leak is fixed. Put the tube back inside the tire. If it is still leaking, go back and repeat the process.

5. Put the tire back on the rim and fill it with air until the rubber meets the rim all the way around. If you have trouble keeping the tire in place, wrap an adjustable strap around the circumference of the tire to hold the seal until you get some air in it. Then remove the strap and finish inflating the tire. ("How to Inflate a Wheelbarrow Tire")

6. Replace the wheel by properly positioning it and re-inserting the axle through the center. Replace the bolt or cotter pin to hold it in place and your wheelbarrow is ready to go.

References

• How to Inflate a Wheelbarrow Tire