Tools

• You will need a pair of tire irons, a pair of plastic rim protectors, a valve stem tool, a rubber mallet and wooden beat-block, soapy water and a suitable stand or work surface. A very cheap and practical stand can be made from a 20-gallon barrel. Remove the lid and cut a length of rubber hose long enough to cover the circumference of the top rim. Split the rubber hose and slip it onto the rim. Make a few holes in the barrel just below the rubber and secure the hose with plastic ties. Filling the barrel 1/3 full of sand or water will help stabilize it for changing tires.
  
  

Breaking the Bead

• Lay the wheel on the stand with the valve stem up. Put on safety glasses or goggles and remove the valve stem core with the valve tool. Once the tire deflates, push down on the tire as if you are trying to roll it off the rim toward the ground. An extra pair of hands is very helpful here. Place the wooden beat-block as close to the bead of the tire as the rim will allow. Beat on the block with the rubber mallet until the bead starts to separate from the rim. Continue pushing down and work your way around the tire until the entire upward-facing bead is loose from the rim. The tire should now be loose and free to rotate around the rim.
  
  

Removing the Tire

• Push one side of the tire into the center section of the rim. This will give you the slack you will need to get the tire irons started. Pull the slack side upward, place a rim protector on the rim in the gap, then insert the bent end of the tire iron into the gap. Peel enough of the tire up to get the second tire iron in and begin peeling the tire off the rim. Insert the second rim protector as soon as it will fit and work around the tire in opposite directions until the top side of the tire pops free. Remove the wheel weights from the rim.
  
  

Installing the New Tire

• Wet the bead area of the tire with soapy water. Place the tire opening over the edge of the rim and push down firmly. Work the tire down as far as you can, then place the rim protectors on the rim at each edge of the tire-rim overlap. Using the straight end of the tire iron, work the bottom bead past the top edge of the rim. Push the side of the tire that is already on the rim into the rim center to get the slack needed to clear the rim on the far side. The lower tire bead should be on the rim at this point. Repeat the process with the top bead. Rotate the tire so the mark indicating the valve stem position is aligned with the valve stem. Inflate with compressed air to seat the beads. Once you hear both beads seat, or pop, release the air and replace the valve stem core. Inflate the tire to the manufacture'rs specified pressure.