OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions On Ride On Mowers Frames Changing Tube

Hi

I have an oldish MTD Ride-On and the rear wheels need new tubes. Problem is is that they are seized onto the axle. I have tried heating and bashing, spraying with lube but they are stuck.

My question is, is it possible to change a tube or a tyre without removing the rim from the machine?

I always take my tyres to a tyre shop for fitting.

This machine that works perfectly is going to the dump unless I can get new tubes in.

Thanks
Matt

Matt, I think we need more information. Can you post the mower's model number, general pictures of it, and close-up pictures of the rear wheels please?

Its an MTD ride-on - MTD dont use a key to drive the wheels the shaft has 2 flat sides.

Pretty much the tyres are stuck rusted on, there is nothing more I can do to get them off apart from buying a $10000 puller.

So I was just hoping some one would have experience with changing tubes or tyres without actually removing the rim.

Let's see what others propose, but I would approach it in one of two ways.

First way: I'd apply Penetrene to the junction between the shaft and wheel center, let it soak in for a couple of hours, apply more, and so forth. Then I'd use a brass drift and a 3 to 10 pound hammer, to tap the wheel center both on and off the shaft, trying to get it to move slightly. If after a few repetitions (more Penetrene, more tapping) it moves at all, you will get it off just by continuing that process.

Second way: I'd remove the valve from the stem, break the bead loose with a rubber hammer, then apply a couple of proper tyre levers to pull the outer bead over the outer rim, pull out the tube, and use the tyre levers again to pull the inner bead over the outer rim, with a bit of help from the rubber hammer. Do not try to do this with improvised tyre levers, use real ones, or you will just ruin the tyre without learning anything.

The first method nearly always works. The second method, provided the tyres are scrap, always works. (The first time you do it you often damage the tyre, so it is good to make your first attempt on a junk one.)

Many moons ago i worked out west and we replaced tyres and tubes often. But I was always able to get them off the machine first.

I was thinking of doing option 2 but it is proving very hard to break the bead. I will try track down some penetrene that stuff sounds great. Hopefully I can find some locally with out needing to order online.

Thanks for your help

So I now have a tube in one side but it is damn near impossible to get the tyre back over the rim when you can not physically dig your knee into the tyre.

I am considering draining the fuel and oil and tipping the whole machine on its side so i can apply some decent downward pressure.

So close

You can get Penetrene at Repco, but there are probably cheaper places.

I've only worked on wheels removed from the vehicle, and before long I took the time to make a bead breaker accessory for my hydraulic press, just because the safety rims cars use really present a problem. Once I had made the breaker, I used it for putting the second bead back on as well. I was wondering about tipping your vehicle on its side, it should make it easier. The long term solution, though, is to unfreeze those hubs so you can remove the wheels easily.

It would be nice if it was just a hub, but the rim actually has a about 30cms of shaft running through it so over the years I am sure rust has managed to work its way along the entire shaft, making it impossible to get off.

Time to drain oil and fuel and see how we go with it on its side.

$5 for a can of Penetrene also got a can of another rust penetrating aerosol. Hopefully one works

I've never taken a tyre and rim off, when changing tubes on similar mowers.

Grumpy has explained it well. Chuck her on her side and drive the bead inward with the end of a tyre lever (yes it sounds rough).

You might want a helper to keep the weight on the type when re installing it.

If you still don't have any luck, take the hole machine to your local friendly tyre shop they won't care that its still on the rim.