If you’re a biker and need to change your tire, you are in the right place. Most bikes currently have tubeless tires, which are more durable and easier to remove or install. Typically, if your tire warranty has expired, then you should change it.
Today, in this article, we are going to show you the step-by-step process on how to change a tubeless tire easily. Not only that, but we will also share helpful tips, tools, and equipment that you need to complete the whole process. Without wasting any more time, let’s dive straight into the process.
Required Supplies And Tools
Well, before starting the steps, first you need to get all the required supplies and tools to complete the whole process. Those are very easy to find, and you can easily get them at a tire shop. But remember one thing: before purchasing them, make sure all the equipment and tools are according to need. Here is the list below.
- Tubeless-compatible tires
- Tubeless-compatible rims
- Tire levers
- Tubeless rim tape—be sure it corresponds precisely to your rim’s internal width.
- Tubeless valve stems
- Bike tire sealant
- Valve core removal tool
- Rags and rubbing alcohol/bike cleaner for cleaning
- Screwdriver
- Floor pump or air compressor
8 Simple Steps To Change A Tubeless Tire
Now we hope that you have got all the ingredients mentioned earlier. Check twice before starting the process, as you need to follow it step by step. Note that some points cannot be paused to gather missing supplies.
However, before beginning the process, we request that you read the entire process twice or thrice before starting, as you are not a tire change specialist. So let’s begin the process now.
Remove The Wheel And Tire
Well, if you have a truing stand, it is very convenient to do all the work with the valve tap in standing mode. At this stage, you may need to remove the existing rim tape or rim strip from inside the rim.
However, you can skip it, but still, if there is any doubt, it is better to replace that tubeless tape. When you remove the work, the rim tape should pull free easily. Next, use a clean rag and some rubbing alcohol to thoroughly wipe down the inside of the rim. Therefore, make sure the rim is fully dry before you start your next step.
Tape The Rim With Tubeless Tape
At the second stage, before starting, make sure that the rim is properly taped with the tubeless-compatible rim tape. It will ensure that there is no leak or spoke hole on the rim.
This type should seal cleanly and make sure it doesn’t have any folds or air bubbles inside; otherwise, this can cause the tape to leak later.
Add The Valve
Now, use the tip of a screwdriver to carefully pierce through the tape at the valve hole. Next, insert a new valve through the hole and adjust the rubber to ensure a proper fit with the rim and tape.
After that, lock the valve by locking the nut. Once it is done, check the valve on the rim with your thumb, and if necessary, retighten it.
Separate The Valve Core
With this process, you can put air into the tire more quickly. Alternatively, you might need to inject sealant directly through the valve core. This is very simple, and you can do it by using a valve removal tool to take it out from the center.
Install The Tire
Now it’s time to install the tire. At first, clean the tire with a rag to remove any sealant residue, especially from the bead. You need to make sure that the tire is in the right direction and going forward.
At this stage, you need to install the tire before adding sealant. However, if you’re using tire levers, take care not to tear or disturb the rim tape.
Inflate And Deflate The Tire
Now it’s time to attach the head of the floor pump to the valve and keep it pumping continuously. During this time, you may hear several loud pops, but there is nothing to worry about. This is very normal. This sound happens when the tire is sitting on the rim.
Now, examine the tire and verify that everything is seated around the rim. Once all is done, let the air out of the tire and watch whether the bead stays seated or not without air.
Add Sealant
At this stage, now add 2 to 3 ounces of sealant through to the valve. If you have a large container of sealant, then you can use an injector to add it. However, some bottles of Zealand come with injectors, so it is better to buy them, which will save the cost of an external tool.
Put Air In The Tire
Now that the installation is finished, it’s time to inflate the tire. Using an air compressor makes the job fast and effortless. It’s recommended to pump the tire up to the maximum PSI indicated on its sidewall.
Essential Tips For Installing Tubeless Tires
Most of the tubeless tire installations failed due to poor tape application or a cold or stiff tire. However, a leak in the valve system hole doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an issue. It may happen due to the Rim cavity through the spoke hole.
As you have all the steps on how to change a tubeless tire, now take a look below and note some tips for installing tubeless tires.
- Warm up the tire by applying a soap and water mixture to help it seat properly. However, you can warm up the tire in the sun or a heat vent at home.
- Insert A Tube For A Few Hours: No, this is not a joke if you want to inflate the seat correctly. Then you need to put a tube in it for a couple of hours.
- Clean the valve stem: At this stage, a clean passage for air is very crucial. A brand new one is okay, but if you’re using the previous one, clean it with a spoke or another pointy tool.
- Double-check the rim tape seal.
This is one of the most important parts of changing a tubeless tire, so we suggest that you double-check the rim tape.
Conclusion:
We hope that until now you understood the process of How To Change A Tubeless Tire and what you require. However, as you can see, this process is straightforward and takes a couple of hours to complete, but some tools may not be available to you.
Therefore, if you find the process challenging, you can seek assistance from experts to ensure it goes smoothly without any hassle.