If you’re looking to remove an old tire, you have a few options. One of them is taking it to an auto shop where the mechanic will quickly remove your tire with a machine. This, of course, costs money (check how much to dismount tires), and that’s only to remove the tire.
What else can you do? You can actually remove the tires yourself without the need for any fancy equipment. It will take you a little longer; however, you’ll save yourself money and a trip to an auto shop.
Ready to learn how to take a tire off a rim without a machine. This guide will share what you need to know to get the job done yourself easily and correctly.
Step-By-Step Guide
Want to learn how to take a tire off a rim without a machine? Start by gathering the following materials:
- Lubricant Oil
- Tool to pry the tire (Crowbar, tire lever, pry bar, or tire iron)
- Valve core removal tool or pliers
- Screwdriver
- Sharp cutting tools like a jack or knife
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get the tire off the rim. Follow these steps for an easy removal process.
1. Deflate the Tires
You’ll be able to release air from the tires by removing the air cap. This cap or valve core is located where the tire inflates. It’s made from a rubber or metal cylinder and is fairly easy to remove. Extract the air cap from the rim using the valve core removal tool.
2. De-bead the Tire
This is a crucial part of removing the bead from the rim. There are a few ways to do this:
- Cut the beads off the rim. You can do this with a drywall knife or saw blade. Follow the seam along with the bead, but don’t touch the metal rim. You will need to be very careful not to damage the rim.
- Drive over the tire. Running over the tire you’re working on will force the rubber down, forcing the bead to pop out. It may be necessary to run it over a few times before the rubber part breaks.
- Use the vehicle weight. Put your vehicle on a jack with the tire below the jack. Lower your vehicle’s weight onto the rubber part to remove the beading.
3. Lubricate the Edge of the Rim
Greasing the edges will ease the process of prying the tire. Use as much lubricant as you need to. Consider taping down the edge of the rip before starting the lubricating process to avoid any accidental scratching of the metal.
4. Wedge Open the Space Between the Rubber and Rim
Lay the tire flat on the ground. Step on the rubber to push it down to create an opening. Insert the pry bar on the opening and lift the bead until it’s above the rim. Hold it in place and work your way to bead up the other half utilizing a screwdriver. At this point, you’ll have the bottom half loosened. Flip over the tire and work on the other half.
5. Pull the Metal Rim Out of the Rubber
By this point, your rubber should be fully loosened. All that’s left is freeing the bead. To do so, grab the rim firmly and pull it as far as you possibly can.
Can I Cut a Tire Off a Rim?
Cutting the beading of tires is a sure-fire way to remove them from the rim. You can drive your car over the tires, but this may not do the trick and could potentially harm the rim’s metal.
By using a drywall knife, saw blade, or another sharp cutting tool, you can ensure the beading is removed. Carefully run along the seam without touching the metal rim. To help the cutting process, use a wedge to space the sections that are already cut. This could be anything from a wooden dowel to your pry bar.
You will need to be cautious about not damaging the metal. The cost of replacing damaged rims could cost you hundreds of dollars.
Conclusion
Knowing how to take a tire off a rim without a machine isn’t too complicated. With the right tools and a plan, you can do it quickly yourself. As long as you work cautiously to avoid damage to your rims, you have several options for how to take a tire off a rim without a machine.
If the process makes you nervous, you can always have a professional do it for under $50. But if you want to do it yourself, follow these steps, and you can get it all done with equipment you already have and your own two hands!
Did you find this tutorial helpful? Then consider checking:
How To Stretch A Tire
How To Put A Tire On The Rim
How To Mount A Tire
How To Mount ATV Tires