How to Change a Universal Inner Tube

Changing a universal inner tube is sometimes a frustrating task requiring patience and a little bit of trial and error but after a few attempts should be easily completed. It might also be possible to salvage the old inner tube in the process but since the old inner tube must be removed to be tested these, instructions will be helpful in either case.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement universal inner tube
• Flat repair kit or 2 screwdrivers
• Average sized bucket of water

Instructions

How to Change a Universal Inner Tube

1. Remove wheel from bike frame. Front wheels are easier to remove as there are no chains holding them in place. For both front and rear wheels there should be some form of screw at the center of the wheel on either side that can be unscrewed to disconnect the tire from the frame. For the back wheel, the chain attaching the wheel to the pedal gear will have to be disconnected from the wheel but can remain attached to the rest of the bike. Remember what gear the chain was on as that information will be important later. Shifting the bike into the lowest or highest gear then cranking the pedal a few times can make remembering easier.

2. Remove tire from wheel frame. At this point it doesn't matter if you are changing the front or back tire, the steps are the same. Place either two tire removal tools from a tire repair kit or two screwdrivers between the tire and the frame of the wheel close together on the same side of the tire. The easiest way to do this is to point the tip of the tool toward the wheel frame ensuring it is touching the frame then pull the other end down like a lever. Leave one tool in place while sliding the other around the tire. This will separate the tire from the frame. It is useful to have a second person for this part but it can be done alone.

3. Remove the inner tube. At this point you can pull the inner tube off of the frame with your hands. Make sure the air valve is clear of the hole in the frame that allows access for inflating the inner tube.

4. Install new or repaired inner tube. The inner tube should fit easily around the frame of the wheel. Start by inserting the air valve into the access hole then pull the rest of the inner tube around the frame. Do not inflate the inner tube at this point.

5. Replace tire. Place the tire over the frame with the inner tube inside. One side of the tire should go around the frame by hand. The other side can be put into place by using the tire removal tools or screwdrivers as if watching yourself remove the tire in rewind. Place the tool on the wheel frame pointing across the frame with the side of the tire that is out of place on top of the tool. Lift the end of the tool not touching the frame to push the tire into place. Nearby the first tool, repeat that process with another tool then slide one tool around the frame while keeping the other in place. Be careful not to puncture the inner tube. The tire should now be in place.

6. Replace wheel. Slide the wheel into place and tighten the screws that hold it onto the bike frame. The screws should be tight enough to keep the wheel in place but still allow free rotation. For the back wheel the chain will need to be placed on the gear it was on before you removed it. Inflate the inner tube and enjoy your bike ride.

Tips & Warnings

• Different bikes require different inner tubes. If you know what type of inner tube you need then buy it before hand. If you are not sure the information can usually be found on the sides of the tires. If that information is not available you can take the inner tube you removed at step three to a sporting goods store and they can help you choose the right inner tube.

• When you have removed the inner tube, you can test for where the leak may be by inflating it separate from the bike and then placing in water. Any bubbles leaving the inner tube indicate where a leak is present. If the leak is small it can be repaired and the inner tube will work as well as new.

• There are forms of instant hole repair gels that can be put into inner tubes to keep them inflated in case of puncture. These can be good for finishing the ride you are on but shouldn't be used as permanent fixes.