How to Change Scooter Inner Tubes

Scooters, a low-cost, efficient transportation option, have minimal maintenance requirements, allowing the owner to perform most of the needed work. One of the more difficult tasks is replacing the tire's inner tubes. Although not too difficult, the process requires special tools, including a tire bead breaker.

Things You'll Need

• Socket set
• Socket wrench
• Breaker bar
• Pliers
• Valve stem core tool
• Bead breaker tool
• Tire irons
• Inner tube, replacement
• Air compressor

Instructions

Wheel Removal

1. Open the scooter's left, rear side cover. Remove the nuts that secure the muffler to the exhaust pipe and those securing the muffler to the frame. Pull the muffler free and set it aside.

2. Straighten the rear axle cotter pin and remove it with a pair of pliers. Engage the rear brake, by pedal or lever. Break the torque on the axle nut using an appropriately sized socket attached to a breaker bar. Remove the rear axle nut and washer. Pull the rear tire off the swing arm.

3. Remove the front wheel. Unbolt the front brake caliper and loosen the front axle pinch bolts. Break the torque on the front axle nut using an appropriately sized socket attached to a breaker bar. Remove the nut and push the front axle out of the forks. The front wheel should now be free from the forks.

Tire and Tube Replacement

1. Remove the tire's valve stem core and lock nut to deflate the tire. Break the seal, or bead, between the tire and wheel using a bread breaker tool.

2. Loosen the tire by pressing down firmly along the sidewall. Insert the curved end of the tire irons between the tire and rim, placing the tire irons in the 11 and 12 o'clock positions.

3. Press down firmly on the tire irons to stretch the edge of the tire over the lip of the rim. Hold the 11 o'clock tire iron in place and move the 12 o'clock tire iron to the 1 o'clock position. Stretch the tire over the rim by pushing down on the 1 o'clock tire iron. Remove the tire irons and pull the remaining lip of the tire off the rim, leaving the tire attached to the rim by only one side.

4. Pull out the inner tube and slide a tire iron between the rim and the inner lip of the tire. Hold the rim and pull the tire iron towards you to pop the tire off the rim.

5. Slip the edge of the new tire over the rim. Place your tire iron between the tire and rim and pull the remaining ledge of the tire over the rim.

6. Inflate the new inner tube slightly and slide it into the tire. Pull the valve stem though the rim and secure it by tightening the valve stem lock nut.

7. Pull the remaining lip of the tire onto the rim with a tire iron. Inflate the inner tube until you hear two loud pops, indicating that the beads have been set. Adjust tire pressure by deflating and/or filling the tire until you have obtained your desired tire pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap a length of fabric hook-and-loop fastener (like Velcro) around the rear brake lever to aid rear wheel removal.

• If you do not feel that you can complete this task, have a qualified technician perform the work.

• Do not let go of your tire irons while using them. You can fling them with great force and inflict injury.

• Never patch an inner tube. A patched tube may pop or deflate without warning.

References

• "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program;" Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
• Honda Scooter Information Center; Jack's Scooter Shop

Resources

• Part 1: A Florida Scooter Girl's Vespa LX 150 Maintenance Video; Youtube.com
• Changing a Scooter Tire and Inner Tube; Scoote Support