Avoiding damaging an alloy rim when repairing tyres?

Submitted: Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 17:16
ThreadID: 86300 Views:2983 Replies:6 FollowUps:4
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Never had alloy rims before and have heard that they can be damaged when using the likes of Tyrepliers and tyre levers.

So what's the trick to avoid damaging them when using the above items?

Thanks heaps in advance for your replies.
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Reply By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 17:23

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 17:23
Have a look at the last item here: http://www.randrbeadbreaker.com/products.php
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 18:00

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 18:00
I use the R&R Frank and find it invaluable. It is only for getting the tyres off the bead though. Levers still have to be used to remove the tyre from the rim and or replace it.

Moose, I'd suggest just being extra careful with the levers. I have heard of using garden hose or similar on the levers a little bit up from the hooks in the area where the lever contacts the rim. I've not seen it done though and we've always just used bare levers and taken extra care.

Always a good idea to run the fingers around the inside of the bead to see of you have burred anything and them rubbing down lightly with a file if needed prior to seating the tyre.

Cheers Mick





Theres some footage of us using the R&R for the first time in the last half of this video.




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Follow Up By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 18:10

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 18:10
Mick, I meant him to look at the last item on the page, the rim protectors.

But you're right the R&R beadbreaker is a great piece of kit. Their on-line and telephone service is tops as well.

Sounds like an ad, but it's not. Just a satisfied customer.

Frank
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Reply By: Member - Barry B (WA) - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 18:01

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 18:01
The plastic rim protecter (with cord) are available from Rema Tip Top (In WA,so should be all states) . Under $10 from memory.No affilliation etc,etc.
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Reply By: Olsen's 4WD Tours and Training - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 19:26

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 19:26
I replace tyres on customer's alloy rims all the time using a highlift jack to break the bead and tyre levers and rubber mallet. I've never damaged a rim. A bit of rubber in the right place is all it requires.
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Reply By: vk1dx - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 22:19

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 22:19
The best way is to change to steel rims. You also get an extra bit of momentum out of the rim.

Phil
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 22:37

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 22:37
Just got to be wary of the dodgy aftermarket steel rims that are around.
I weighed a factory Toyota steel rim - 17kgs compared to 12kg for a white sunraysia - both 16x8. Genuine are a lot stronger, and the sunraysias are cracking in all sorts of places these days.
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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Monday, May 16, 2011 at 09:21

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 09:21
Too true.

We have a total of 10 original Toyota steel rims now. Makes it easy changing for the terrain we expect to encounter. One set has STT's the other has AT's.

Like anything else. Cheap does not necessarily mean good quality. We have to trust our wheels with a full load. Not just at 40Ks on the rough, corrugated dirt roads and tracks, but also at 110K+ on the highway.

Phil
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 22:23

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 22:23
Take a plug kit and know how to use it, then you don't have to worry about levering off tyres.

But if a tyre is not pluggable, then see if you can hang out until you can get it repaired elsewhere.

I also use a Highlift jack to break the bead, but you can do the same with a bottle jack under the towbar.
One of my tyre levers is dead flat, so it doesn't dig into mags - don't know what brand it is as I've had it for 30 years.
To patch a tyre from the inside, I only lever off the front bead - I've got a piece of wood I use as a spreader to improve access. If you lever off the second bead, the likelihood of damage is greater if you have difficulty.
Practice it at home. There's a knack to it - make sure the opposite side to the bead you are levering is deep in the well, and lubricate the bead with a detergent rag as you lever the tyre.

Cheers
Phil
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Reply By: Member - Bucky - Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:30

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:30
Moghty Mouse
I have used the inner tube from a push bike tyre.
Works a treat !

Just nip off a 8-10 cm piece of tube, leave the last bit of the hooked part of the lever uncovered, make sure the inner tube is going to roll over the edge of the rim....

Cheres
Bucky
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