If you own an ATV, you’ll get a flat and have to change a tire on it at one point or another. While you may have the option to take it to a mechanic to fix it, you may end up having to do this yourself instead. This is why you need to learn how to change your ATV tire without help from a mechanic.
Our in-depth guide will teach you everything you need to know on “how to break bead on an ATV tire” so that you can take on the process yourself with confidence.
Understanding What a Tire Bead Is
Breaking the bead is one of the hardest parts of changing an ATV tire. To find out what breaking the bead means, we first need to establish what it is. Tire beads are made out of steel cables and are located on a wheel’s edge.
Tire beads are what keep the wheel in its proper position — they prevent it from bouncing around and getting too loose. Basically, the bead keeps the tire part attached to the rim. It plays an important role in your ATV’s performance, meaning you must install it properly. Otherwise, you risk injuries and accidents. Installing it properly should keep the tire safe, but you should always be careful when driving over rough terrain.
How Do You Take a Tire off the Rim at Home?
Before you start learning how to break the bead on an ATV, you must know how to take a tire off the rim. All you need to do is jack up your ATV and remove the wheel that requires replacement. You can perform this step just like you would with a car. After this process, you’re ready to start changing the wheel.
The first step in changing the wheel is to break the bead. You can perform this task using a portable tire changer or a bead buster. You can also break the bead by hand. The latter option is the easiest and safest method. You can buy this tool from many distributors and online retailers.
This tool helps you get the job done easily without breaking the wheel or other parts of the tire. It tightens the rotating bolt by turning it, so it has the force it needs to push over the bead. Always refer to the instructions on the tool’s label to learn “how to break bead on an ATV tire” for the best results.
Next, use irons to detach the tire from the rim completely. Use leverage to remove the entire bead from the inside portion of the rim. One optional step is to seat the bead on your wheel, but we’ll go over this more in-depth later. After these steps, you simply have to mount the new wheel on your ATV.
How Can You Tell If a Bead Is Seated?
The easiest way to tell is to watch the wheel spin freely. You can watch for this action when the wheel is on the ATV, or you can attach it to a wheel stand so that you can spin it.
If the wheel is wobbly or looks like it is spinning off-axis, there is a chance your bead is either not seated at all or seated incorrectly. You can also try running your finger along the rotor or rim of the tire to check for any inconsistencies and to see if it is sealed at all.
How Do You Seat a Bead on a Tire?
The best way to do this is to use a tire bead seater. While there are other ways to perform this process, this tool is the safest way.
Start using this tool by filling it with air from an air compressor. Then, put the rubber nozzle on the tool between the rim and the bead. The last step is to open the valve on the tool.
Another way to seat a bead is to use a leather belt to keep the wheel in place while filling it up with air. As it fills up, it should pop back into place fully, thanks to the leather belt holding it still.
You can also check out our article How To Set The Bead On A Tire.
While both of these options are plausible and safe, there are some sub-par methods available online. For example, you may find articles that recommend using fire. However, methods like these are very dangerous, and you should avoid them whenever possible.
Breaking a Bead on a Tire
Now that you’ve learned how to break the bead on an ATV tire, you can change your wheel and ensure optimal performance for your ATV.
At this point, you should feel prepared to work on your vehicle and get it back on the road. Refer back to our guide for the safest and most effective methods, and you’ll be calling yourself a mechanic in no time!