Tire stuck!

Mad Mike

Mad Mike

Well-known member
I have a 35 year old tire that’s as hard as a hockey puck. Anyone know how I can break the bead?

Got the front off with a fight, but the Metzler Sahara 130 80 17 is really tough. I have a bead breaker, that’s just bending spokes.

Alternately, any shops in the east end?

Normally I have no trouble with tires. Either I’m getting old, or thei is just a trouble case.
 
A large C-clamp may work. If the tire is super stubborn you can spray the bead with WD-40 or soapy water, crank the clamp down and leave it overnight. Use a board to distribute the force of the clamp across a wide section of the opposite rim.
 
Gary said:
Did you lube it as much as possible before attempting to break the bead?
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Yup. Lots of lube. That’s not the issue, I can get the bead loose, just can’t get the bead more than a half inch down from the edge of the rim - the rubber is so hard you’d think it was inflated.

I left the wheel on the driveway to get some sun, hoping it would soften. Nope.

I’ll try some c-clamps tomorrow.
 
Can you cut it down the middle and apply some lube or wd-40 from the inside.

To be honest and respectfully, I'm a little surprised this post come coming from you MM. You are usually providing the answer and and asking the questions.

I'm sure you will find a way.

Place it on the road on top of some foam as cushioning for the rim and slowly try to drive over it with your truck. Just the rubber part and not the rim.
Sounds stupid and it probably isn't the smartest answer but I'm sure it will work.
 
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I can’t count the number of tires I’ve spooned on over the years. I’ve done them in the bush with a kick stand as a bead breaker and a couple if screwdrivers for spoons. I have several big bikes that aren’t easy, but I still do them using a simple motorcycle bead breaking machine and irons.

This is the first one that’s ever stumped me. I worked it so hard I broke a stainless4mm spoke.

This tire is hardened. Without air, it’s as round and firm as if it had 40psi inside - I’m sure it would run fine without air!

I’ll find a way!

Now, try to find a single spoke! $150 for a set locally, $40 and 3 week delivery for AliExpress. I got lucky and had a few I saved 20 years ago from an old Suzuki. Had to cut one down from 160mm to 105mm and re-thread. That wasn’t too hard.
 
Why do I think some WD40, a 2x4 and a sledgehammer could do this?

Good luck Mike this is a rare request!
 
Gaoler said:
Are you sure you have sworn enough..?
Try a few more choice words...
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Yes, I’ve sworn enough to think it’s time to ask my wife to give me some ideas.
 
Mad Mike said:
Yes, I’ve sworn enough to think it’s time to ask my wife to give me some ideas.
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You're sure there's no beadlock or similar in this thing right? Have you tried attacking it at multiple points around in case the first spot you picked happened to be the worst?
 
GreyGhost said:
You're sure there's no beadlock or similar in this thing right? Have you tried attacking it at multiple points around in case the first spot you picked happened to be the worst?
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It’s just a robust off road tire that’s petrified hard.

I tossed it into a wood box and threw the heat gun at her tonight. It did soften a lot — , the hockey game got in the way - but I think that’s gonna work.

More tomorrow.
 
Mad Mike said:
Yup. Lots of lube. That’s not the issue, I can get the bead loose, just can’t get the bead more than a half inch down from the edge of the rim - the rubber is so hard you’d think it was inflated.

I left the wheel on the driveway to get some sun, hoping it would soften. Nope.
Click to expand...

Sounds like my experience with Dunlops. If the sun doesn't soften it up, I'd try a propane heater, if not a propane torch.
 
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