Valves 7, Tyres fitted 1....

[cats-whiskers]

Well, I finally got round to having a go at fitting one of my new Toyos to the spare rim. I previously primed and top coated it and so armed with said tyre, bag of snap-in valves and fitting tools, I set to. With so many of these things, it is definitely about technique. And when it came to fitting the new valve, my technique was initially sadly lacking. I tried a long, sustained pull; valve broke. I tried a short, sharp tug; valve broke. Tried both with soapy lubricant; valve broke. Tried using a scrap of wood under the fitting tool to provide extra leverage; valve went half way in....and then broke. Finally, still using the wood and with a sort of jerky pull, and then levering from the opposite direction, success. Now to fit the tyre. I'd read the various helpful bits of advice on this forum and felt confident. Applied soapy lubricant to beads and rim and went for the "use your thumbs" technique. As mentioned before, I have arthritis in my hands and also carpal tunnel syndrome for good measure. So, thumbs became fists - still painful. So, fists became toes. Tyre almost fell on. Maybe the smell of my feet forced it in to submission. I dont have a compressor and didn't fancy the slog down to the local filling station, so more in hope than in expectation I took out my Halfords footpump. With much furious pumping, I managed to insert 50 psi, which will hopefully seal everything AND still be there when I check it in a few days time. Quite enjoyed the challenge but I think the local garage air line will be employed next time. I haven't been that puffed out since I last chased my wife round the bedroom. Long-term memory is a wonderful thing........

[billlobban]

Cats you might want to remove the 2 duplicate posts. I think the site was a bit wonkey earlier

[bmcecosse]

Well done ! I've not had any problems pulling in new valves - that's usually the easy bit. With your arthritis and carpel tunnel, you did well. It's not really diffcult to fit the tyre - sometimes it needs a bit of persuasion to seal onto the rims - you were lucky to get it done with a foot pump. It sometimes helps to wedge it against a wall - at about 45 degrees - and apply the air.

[billlobban]

I normally use one of those ratchet straps (shorter version of the things lorry drivers use) around the circumfrence of the tyre. It tends to squeeze the tyre bead outwards and initally helps it seal against the rim

[autolycus]

About fitting valves: I've never had to use that much force, particularly if the valve stem is wet or soapy. I keep meaning to seek investment authority for a proper valve puller (Silverline, about 2 quid). I hardly dare suggest this, but you have got the right size valves, have you? I've never tried getting a 16mm valve into an 11.5mm hole, and it probably wouldn't even look at it, but it might account for your struggle.

I used to use a tyre lever and rubber hammer to get the first tyre bead over the rim, but then the second one can often be done by laying the wheel flat on the ground and walking round the tyre with your feet in a Chaplin-esque splatheruntil the last section pops over. Again, lubrication and ensuring the opposite bead is right into the wheel well are essential.

For the initial seal, I agree with Roy and Billlobban. Using Roy's method, it's sometimes necessary to kick the wheel centre with the sole of your boot while the air line is doing its stuff. Tricky if you're using a footpump. Three small safety warnings: official advice is to do the initial inflation in a safety cage (I confess I don't); be ready for a very loud bang when the bead pops into place (don't spill your cuppa); and if it doesn't pop straight away, don't go mad with the airline pressure, and certainly don't get your fingers anywhere near the gap between bead and wheel seat.

But well done! One up against the wimps who trundle round to Kwikfit.

Kevin

[Ratbag]

Bolt-in valves, every time....

[bmcecosse]

I've tried the ratchet strap - but for me it just seemed to push the tyre beads down into the well and make the 'leak' even worse. I probably wasn't doing it right......

[cats-whiskers]

About fitting valves: I hardly dare suggest this, but you have got the right size valves, have you?

Kevin

Hi. Interesting that you make that point. When my wife came to investigate the swearing coming from the garden, that was the first thing she said. When I bought them, I told the guy what vehicle they were for etc., but I must admit I was starting to wonder if they've given me the right valves. In fact, just measured across the section that fits in the hole in the rim and it's 20mm . So, if you think I would struggle with 16mm, it seems a miracle that this thing went in at all. And I have a feeling there's a post coming with "totally wrong, get that thing out and fit the right one". And quite right too. Tyres are too important to get it wrong. But I will get it right in the end, and let's face it, with the correct valve going in it should be a whole lot easier. Now, where's that 'phone number for the tyre parts supplier....

[Kevin]

Tyre almost fell on. Maybe the smell of my feet forced it in to submission.

[billlobban]

I've tried the ratchet strap - but for me it just seemed to push the tyre beads down into the well and make the 'leak' even worse. ....

Roy try using a narrower strap. If you use the large (about 3" or so I think) type as you say it just squashes the whole tyre downwards at least with narrow 155s. But if you use the approx 1" or so type it compresses the centre of the tyre tread and tends to splay the side wall and bead out.

[autolycus]

Just to clarify the business of valve sizes, in case anyone is interested. Thinking just of cars and light vans, there are two common sizes of valve hole in rims: 11.5mm and 16mm, or 7/16" and 5/8" in old money. I believe that some Minors (early ones?) have the bigger ones, and later ones the smaller holes.

So valves come in two diameters and several lengths. The designations are common between makers: 412, 413, 414, 414L, and 418 are all for small holes; 415 and 425 are for big holes. Too short, and they won't protrude through some wheel trims; too long, and they'll be liable to catch on kerbs. 413 is probably the most common size.

Here are three I found earlier: left to right they are a 418, a 425, and a 415. memo to self: order some 413s and 414s.

Kevin[frame][/frame]

[Dean]

I ordered a pack of these:

Tyrebay Direct TR415


They were a nice tight fit.... but not too tight.

[bmcecosse]

WoW! The ones I have were 50p each at an autojumble. It is the narrow strap I have Bill - next time I will persevere........

[cats-whiskers]

[quote="autolycus"]Just to clarify the business of valve sizes, in case anyone is interested.

Hi Kevin. Yes, very interested! All is now revealed why I had such a struggle. Seems I was indeed sent valves for the larger-holed, earlier models. So, many Brownie points to you for that post. Fully confident and armed with the right parts, I will attack the other 4 tyres the moment I have a free 3 1/2 minutes. And having managed to get an oversize valve in to an 11.5 mm orifice, I will also be walking on water and attempting to plait fog.

[Dean]

WoW! The ones I have were 50p each at an autojumble. .

Yeah, but the £6 postage costs bumped them up to about 34p each... Still cheaper than £2.50 each from people like kwikfit though.

[bmcecosse]

The advert says these valves are £2.68 each.........

[Dean]

The advert says these valves are £2.68 each.........

No it doesn't... read it again.

They certainly didn't charge me that when I ordered one... I got a big bag of them too!

[Kevin]

The advert says these valves are £2.68 each.........

I dont wish to take sides but on my screen it says £2:68 for a bag of 25.

I will also be walking on water and attempting to plait fog
No wonder your id is The Cats Wiskers , as I would fine both of theseb attributes rather useful any chance of letting me in on the secret

[dalebrignall]

my screen said supplied in bags of 25,thats good value .

[catswhisker]

'one up against the wimps who trundle round to kwick fit.'

I may be mising something here, but I dont see the point in struggling to change tyres / valves
yourself when you are probably going to have to go to get the wheels balanced anyway.

I took 4 wheels and new Toyo tyres to my local tyre place,had a quiet word,flashed a tenner,
twenty minutes later,job done. Fitted and balanced, old casings disposed of and the bloke
even loaded them into my car.
Money well spent I reckon .