loosen the other bead. Once the beads are broken, thetire can be removed from the rim by standing the tire onthe thread and prying the wheel out of the tire. Ensurethe valve stem is not bent or damaged as the wheel isremoved.To replace the tire, position the wheel, as shown infigure 3-32, view C. Lower the tire over the rim, and atthe same time, make sure the valve stem is passedthrough the valve hole and points upward.NOTE: The valve stem should always point towardthe removable side ring. If there is no side ring, point ittoward the disc portion of the wheel.The next step is to center the side ring and force oneend into position with your foot. Then the ring can beinstalled as shown, or the repair person can merely walkaround the top of the ring and force it to slide into thelocking groove. Inflating a tire mounted on a lockingring rim is dangerous. An improperly seated lock ringmay blow off, causing serious injury to you or any otherperson in its path. A sprung ring, or one which is bent ortwisted, may be difficult to install and, if used, is a safetyhazard and should be replaced. Before applying airpressure to this tire, be sure that the locking ring is seatedagainst the rim of the wheel through its entirecircumference. If the lock ring does not seat properly,inflate it to 5 to 10 pounds, then tap the locking ringcarefully with a mallet. NEVER STAND IN FRONT OFOR OVER THE LOCKING RING. ADDITIONALLY,REMEMBER TO USE THE SAFETY CAGE FORINFLATION. When you have to inflate a tire that isalready mounted, use a snap-on chuck which is an airhose that snaps onto the valve stem. This allows you tostand to one side of the tire. Make it a professionalpractice to never stand in front of a tire beinginflated.Tubeless Tire RepairSome tires are tubeless. Instead of being sealed inan inner tube, the air in these tires is sealed in a spacebetween the outer casing and the rim. Both this spaceand the point of contact of the tire against the rim mustbe airtight. The rim, on which the valve for inflating thetire is mounted, becomes a part of the air-retainingchamber. Do not tear or otherwise injure the sealing ribs.Before replacing a tubeless tire, examine the rimcarefully for dents, roughness, and rust; any defects mayimpair or break the air seal. Straighten out any dent witha hammer, and use steel wool or a wire brush to cleanthe bead seat area of any rust or grit. After cleaning, paintany bare metal spots where the tire bead seats to makeit easier to remove the tire later. If the rim is badlydamaged, replace it with a new one.The procedure for repairing a tubeless tire isaccomplished by the following steps:1. Inspect the inside of the tire and remove nails orother damaging items. Then scrape the damaged areawith a sharp-edged tool and buff (fig. 3-33, step 1). Becareful not to damage the liner or expose any cords.NOTE: Serious injury can result using your barehand to free for obstructions, use a rag to feel inside thetire.2. Lubricate the hole by pushing bondingcompound into the hole from both sides of the tire (fig.3-33, step 2). Also, pour bonding compound on theinsertion tool and push it through the hole with a twistingmotion until it can be inserted and withdrawn easily.3. Using a plug slightly larger than the hole, placeit in the eye of the hole of the insertion tool. Wet the plugwith bonding compound. Always pour it directly fromthe can so the contents in the can does not becomecontaminated, as shown in figure 3-33, step 3.4. While stretching and holding the plug with yourhand, insert the plug into the hole from the inside of thetire. Stretch and hold the plug until it is forced into thehole and one end extends through it, as shown in figure3-33, step 4.5. After the plug extends through the tire, removethe insertion tool and cut off the plug approximately1/16 inch above the surface (fig. 3-33, step 5).6. When using a cold patch, carefully remove thebacking from the patch and center the base of the patchon the damaged area. Stitch the patch down firmly withthe stitching tool working from the center out (fig. 3-33,step 6).7. When using a vulcanizing hot patch, cover thearea with a light coat of glue and allow it to dry. Thisglue normally comes with the hot patch kit. Remove thebacking from the patch and center it on the damagedarea. Clamp it finger tight, apply heat, allow to cure, andthen cool. (fig. 3-33, step 7).NOTE: Each patch or plug kit should containspecific instructions.3-16
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