DIY tyre changeover
Discussion
not interested in getting into a debate about why you'd not want to do it. just interested in how easy it is as youtube doesn't really always show. but basically i've 12 wheels which will need swops over the next 12 months. Cheapest local indy i can find who will do swopovers is £20 a corner cash.
local national tyre places won't swop. half the swops i want to do are putting winters which i've already had removed,put back onto existing alloys, whilst the other half will be replacing old for brand new.
i was thinking of buying a manual tyre remover like this - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Tyre-Changer-Man... c.£70. will initially use waterpipe to protect the rim until i can afford the £80 for an alloy tyre bar (with wheels)remover.
I've read that the bead breaker can be a weak point, so was thinking of a workshop press if i cannot make the beadbreak stronger? c.£80. would that be good for breaking a bead as long as the wheel fits in? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6T-Hydraulic-Workshop-G...
i'll then get a manual bubble balancer c.£50.
so for £200 outlay for the tools, plus £20 for tyre soap, weights and valves i reckon it'll get its money back in year one. year 2 i will only need to change 4 or 8 so still likely to save.
i'm okay with most car maintenance/repairs/DIY - just never tried tyres.
Tyre diameters i'll be working on are 255/35/19; 245/40/18 + 205/55/16.
i already have the wheels i want with the various rubber already on it, so not interested in getting another set of rims.
local national tyre places won't swop. half the swops i want to do are putting winters which i've already had removed,put back onto existing alloys, whilst the other half will be replacing old for brand new.
i was thinking of buying a manual tyre remover like this - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Tyre-Changer-Man... c.£70. will initially use waterpipe to protect the rim until i can afford the £80 for an alloy tyre bar (with wheels)remover.
I've read that the bead breaker can be a weak point, so was thinking of a workshop press if i cannot make the beadbreak stronger? c.£80. would that be good for breaking a bead as long as the wheel fits in? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6T-Hydraulic-Workshop-G...
i'll then get a manual bubble balancer c.£50.
so for £200 outlay for the tools, plus £20 for tyre soap, weights and valves i reckon it'll get its money back in year one. year 2 i will only need to change 4 or 8 so still likely to save.
i'm okay with most car maintenance/repairs/DIY - just never tried tyres.
Tyre diameters i'll be working on are 255/35/19; 245/40/18 + 205/55/16.
i already have the wheels i want with the various rubber already on it, so not interested in getting another set of rims.
stut4 said:
...basically i've 12 wheels which will need swops over the next 12 months. Cheapest local indy i can find who will do swopovers is £20 a corner cash.
half the swops i want to do are putting winters which i've already had removed,put back onto existing alloys
Buy a second set of rims.half the swops i want to do are putting winters which i've already had removed,put back onto existing alloys
Not only will it quickly work out cheaper, but you'll have freedom to have more sensible size rubber for the winters, and you don't need such blingy rims.
That apart, I've fitted quite a few of my own tyres over the years, using proper semi-auto tyre machines. They're easy. Without the machine? Damn near impossible. And that's 60-profile and higher. The lower the profile, the harder they get - even 60s are a lot harder than 70- and 80- profile.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/draper-78612-semi-...
TooMany2cvs said:
Buy a second set of rims.
Not only will it quickly work out cheaper, but you'll have freedom to have more sensible size rubber for the winters, and you don't need such blingy rims.
That apart, I've fitted quite a few of my own tyres over the years, using proper semi-auto tyre machines. They're easy. Without the machine? Damn near impossible. And that's 60-profile and higher. The lower the profile, the harder they get - even 60s are a lot harder than 70- and 80- profile.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/draper-78612-semi-...
I was contemplating a semi auto machine, but it would be around £350 second hand; i might need 3 phase electrics and it would take up too much space....so i've had to ditch that idea.Not only will it quickly work out cheaper, but you'll have freedom to have more sensible size rubber for the winters, and you don't need such blingy rims.
That apart, I've fitted quite a few of my own tyres over the years, using proper semi-auto tyre machines. They're easy. Without the machine? Damn near impossible. And that's 60-profile and higher. The lower the profile, the harder they get - even 60s are a lot harder than 70- and 80- profile.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/draper-78612-semi-...
if i could find a friendly garage nearby who would do it £10 a corner i'd not bother the DIY route, but £20-24 each time is daylight robbery. and the garages which refused are ones who i have previously spent £500-600 on a set of rubber and now just want changing over - so i've now decided to buy online. Considering a swopover is less labour intensive than a puncture repair which i can get done for £15 the cost of the swop is ridiculous.
stut4 said:
if i could find a friendly garage nearby who would do it £10 a corner i'd not bother the DIY route, but £20-24 each time is daylight robbery
<shrug>They're taking the risk of you complaining they've buggered up your tyres or your rims, as well as taking up their time. What's their normal hourly labour rate?
TooMany2cvs said:
<shrug>
They're taking the risk of you complaining they've buggered up your tyres or your rims, as well as taking up their time. What's their normal hourly labour rate?
well when i had 2 done in the summer 1 chap removed, refitted and balanced within 15 mins. that was on 2 x loose wheels (i always take loose ones in), so i make that around £160 an hour exc vat.They're taking the risk of you complaining they've buggered up your tyres or your rims, as well as taking up their time. What's their normal hourly labour rate?
i had 2 others "Roadforce" balanced at twice the normal cost and those only took 20 mins.
ps - i'd be happy to leave the wheels with them to do in their quiet time. But based on the above they are charging more than main dealer hourly rates.
Edited by stut4 on Monday 1st October 12:25
TooMany2cvs said:
<shrug>
They're taking the risk of you complaining they've buggered up your tyres or your rims, as well as taking up their time. What's their normal hourly labour rate?
well when i had 2 done in the summer 1 chap removed, refitted and balanced within 15 mins. that was on 2 x loose wheels (i always take loose ones in), so i make that around £160 an hour exc vat.They're taking the risk of you complaining they've buggered up your tyres or your rims, as well as taking up their time. What's their normal hourly labour rate?
i had 2 others "Roadforce" balanced at twice the normal cost and those only took 20 mins.
ps - i'd be happy to leave the wheels with them to do in their quiet time. But based on the above they are charging more than main dealer hourly rates.
Edited by stut4 on Monday 1st October 12:33
I've often wondered about this so its good to see some numbers on it.
My issue part from the costs (£20 a corner here too, most places) is finding someone who will do it without buggering up the paint finish. It never used to be a problem going back 10 yrs or more but since then if your alloys are halfway decent they don't want to know. Next time out I'll end up taking the wheels back to the refurber to swap the tyres over.
My issue part from the costs (£20 a corner here too, most places) is finding someone who will do it without buggering up the paint finish. It never used to be a problem going back 10 yrs or more but since then if your alloys are halfway decent they don't want to know. Next time out I'll end up taking the wheels back to the refurber to swap the tyres over.
HustleRussell said:
12 tyres swapped by hand, including 35 and 40 profile tyres?
Rather you than me.
This ^^^^^Rather you than me.
No way will that manual contraption deal with low profile modern tyres.
I've done a bit of tyre fitting in my previous life in the motor trade.
Even with pro equipment it can be a struggle, bead breaking and mounting new tyres especially. The lower the profile the tougher it gets.
All you'll achieve with that piece of junk will be damaged rims, unfitted tyres and a load of effing and blinding.
I've been fitting my own car and motorcycle tyres for ages now, using levers. It is all about technique really, it'll take ages the first few times, then you get it. I can do a car tyre in a few minutes and bike tyre in ten or fifteen.
I also usually put tyres back on the bead using a simple footpump, so ignore 'experts' claiming you need masses of air pressure to do this, yes it is easier with an airline but I just remove the valve core and get pumping.
I also usually put tyres back on the bead using a simple footpump, so ignore 'experts' claiming you need masses of air pressure to do this, yes it is easier with an airline but I just remove the valve core and get pumping.
2gins said:
I've often wondered about this so its good to see some numbers on it.
My issue part from the costs (£20 a corner here too, most places) is finding someone who will do it without buggering up the paint finish. It never used to be a problem going back 10 yrs or more but since then if your alloys are halfway decent they don't want to know. Next time out I'll end up taking the wheels back to the refurber to swap the tyres over.
You should ask yourself whether you- using manual tools, levers, bead breakers etc are less or more likely to damage the wheel / tyre than by using the correct equipment, albeit wielded by a careless monkey. My issue part from the costs (£20 a corner here too, most places) is finding someone who will do it without buggering up the paint finish. It never used to be a problem going back 10 yrs or more but since then if your alloys are halfway decent they don't want to know. Next time out I'll end up taking the wheels back to the refurber to swap the tyres over.
warch said:
I've been fitting my own car and motorcycle tyres for ages now, using levers. It is all about technique really, it'll take ages the first few times, then you get it. I can do a car tyre in a few minutes and bike tyre in ten or fifteen.
I also usually put tyres back on the bead using a simple footpump, so ignore 'experts' claiming you need masses of air pressure to do this, yes it is easier with an airline but I just remove the valve core and get pumping.
That's great that you're able to do that but this post is worthless until you qualify it with tyre sizes. Modern low profile tyres are an entirely different kettle of fish to 155/80s or even 205/55s...I also usually put tyres back on the bead using a simple footpump, so ignore 'experts' claiming you need masses of air pressure to do this, yes it is easier with an airline but I just remove the valve core and get pumping.
warch said:
I've been fitting my own car and motorcycle tyres for ages now, using levers. It is all about technique really, it'll take ages the first few times, then you get it. I can do a car tyre in a few minutes and bike tyre in ten or fifteen.
I also usually put tyres back on the bead using a simple footpump, so ignore 'experts' claiming you need masses of air pressure to do this, yes it is easier with an airline but I just remove the valve core and get pumping.
i think i'll give it a whirl. i know the 35/40 profiles will be a pig. the 18" rims are pretty poor condition anyway. Suppose if i practice on those, if it goes well i'll be able to dabble on the 16's when needed. I also usually put tyres back on the bead using a simple footpump, so ignore 'experts' claiming you need masses of air pressure to do this, yes it is easier with an airline but I just remove the valve core and get pumping.
i have a decent large volume air compressor so will hopefully be able to reseat it. i'll invest in some good leavers, waterpipe and electrican tape to help the job. just need to decide if i need the workshop press to break the bead, or if the manual one will be sufficient. i know i'll need to weld in a bits to strengthen the off the shelf remover.
GreenV8S said:
How are you planning to balance them?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wheel-Balancer-Portable-Accurate-Bulls-Eye-Car-Van-Bike-Wheels/222223236791?hash=item33bd897eb7:g:vLgAAOSwdzVXtccOwas going to give this a whirl - and youtube videos show its quite easy. don't know how accurate it would be though...
if it didn't work, then my local place will do it for £5 a corner when removing the wheel - which is cheap enough.
they want £20+ vat for a swop so if i can save £19 on each swop that'll make be happy.
stut4 said:
GreenV8S said:
How are you planning to balance them?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wheel-Balancer-Portable-Accurate-Bulls-Eye-Car-Van-Bike-Wheels/222223236791?hash=item33bd897eb7:g:vLgAAOSwdzVXtccOwas going to give this a whirl - and youtube videos show its quite easy. don't know how accurate it would be though...
if it didn't work, then my local place will do it for £5 a corner when removing the wheel - which is cheap enough.
they want £20+ vat for a swop so if i can save £19 on each swop that'll make be happy.
HustleRussell said:
2gins said:
I've often wondered about this so its good to see some numbers on it.
My issue part from the costs (£20 a corner here too, most places) is finding someone who will do it without buggering up the paint finish. It never used to be a problem going back 10 yrs or more but since then if your alloys are halfway decent they don't want to know. Next time out I'll end up taking the wheels back to the refurber to swap the tyres over.
You should ask yourself whether you- using manual tools, levers, bead breakers etc are less or more likely to damage the wheel / tyre than by using the correct equipment, albeit wielded by a careless monkey.My issue part from the costs (£20 a corner here too, most places) is finding someone who will do it without buggering up the paint finish. It never used to be a problem going back 10 yrs or more but since then if your alloys are halfway decent they don't want to know. Next time out I'll end up taking the wheels back to the refurber to swap the tyres over.
PositronicRay said:
Sounds like plenty effort to save the cost of a round of drinks.
save £19 per wheel? (must be nice being flush with cash).
i will have 12 to do over the next 12 months.
i was quoted £20+vat to swop per corner. if i am unable to balance myself it might cost me £5 to have balanced (if i need it). multiplied by 12 swops over the next 12 months will save me £228.
enough to pay for a new pair of tyres when needed.
i try and do most things on my car when needed - and i don't think the most unskilled part in mechanics warrants a near on £160 per hour rate on the cost v's time taken. i'd rather put my fund elsewhere.
HustleRussell said:
Especially as the result will be inferior
who says? if i can get the tyre off, and then back on - a tyre on a rim is a tyre on a rim. they don't use gold plated tyre soap in these places.admit i might need to get it balanced if i cannot get it perfect but still save a chunk on money (c.£19 each wheel) over 12 wheels.
The bold is indeed the problem, why would you assume the tyre fitters are monkeys? Are the guys that fit tyres to supercars monkeys? Are the guys that fit up tyres on race cars monkeys? Am I a monkey because part of my job is to fit tyres amongst the other work I do, the comment is both disrespectful and rude. I know many techs that are borderline obsessive to detail when at work.
With regards to the cost, as with everything, there is a base cost, the machine is expensive and ours needs the protective heel changing often, then the workshop overheads and the labour involved. Very low profile and large wheels are a pain to change at the best of times and then factor in the very fragile fun flat sensors.....
It has to be said though that the bubble balancer is in fact very good if you take your time although it will only balance the wheel/tyre weight not the dynamic balance which helps with out of round wheels etc.
With regards to the cost, as with everything, there is a base cost, the machine is expensive and ours needs the protective heel changing often, then the workshop overheads and the labour involved. Very low profile and large wheels are a pain to change at the best of times and then factor in the very fragile fun flat sensors.....
It has to be said though that the bubble balancer is in fact very good if you take your time although it will only balance the wheel/tyre weight not the dynamic balance which helps with out of round wheels etc.
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