Changing Tires Tips?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 16
From: Texas
Changing Tires Tips?
Just ordered a set of Dunlop American Elites 2nd Gen. for my 2010 street glide for $317. shipped to my door. I plan on changing them out myself since my local Indy charges $177 with no warranty.
I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips or things to look out for.
Only problem I see so far is I want to replace the wheel bearings and dont have a tool to pull and install new ones. Would autozone have anything that can be rented that would do the job?
On the rear tire has anyone tried those angled stems? Its such a pain checking rear tire pressure, but then again I dont want to take a chance of a long angled stem breaking while Im cruising down the road at highway speeds. Was also thinking of trying that ride-on balancer stuff. ??
Appreciate any feedback. TIA
I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips or things to look out for.
Only problem I see so far is I want to replace the wheel bearings and dont have a tool to pull and install new ones. Would autozone have anything that can be rented that would do the job?
On the rear tire has anyone tried those angled stems? Its such a pain checking rear tire pressure, but then again I dont want to take a chance of a long angled stem breaking while Im cruising down the road at highway speeds. Was also thinking of trying that ride-on balancer stuff. ??
Appreciate any feedback. TIA
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 16
From: Texas
I was thinking of changing out wheel bearings just for good measure and peace of mind being I have nearly 40k miles on her. I called up local dealer and they said rear takes 4 bearings and front takes 2 bearings at $20+ each bearing!
He asked if they needed changing and that they usually last longer than most people own the bike. So thats good news. But just so I know, how do you tell if a bearing goes bad? wobble? sound? etc?
He asked if they needed changing and that they usually last longer than most people own the bike. So thats good news. But just so I know, how do you tell if a bearing goes bad? wobble? sound? etc?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 646
From: Santa Clarita
I got a couple of independents in my area that will change the tires and balance them for fifteen bux or less...when I bring the wheels in to them...were I you, I would seek out someone to do that rather than experience the living hell of changing a motorcycle tire. The price you've been quoted must have to do with removing the wheels from the bike...now, if you're not equipped to take the wheels off the bike, then $177 isn't bad, but from the tone of your post, I'd guess that you have the technology to do that.
Keep in mind that your mechanic likes and needs to make money off the part, too, so he's gonna make that up in the labor if he's unable to do so on the tires. There are other indys with different philosophies...one of the shops that I have change my tires is an automotive tire shop...no big, it's just another mag wheel to them...and since they don't sell motorcycle tires, they don't get their BVD's in a twist just to change the tires on one. On the other hand, I make certain that I give that same shop all my automotive business, as a quid pro quo...
Keep in mind that your mechanic likes and needs to make money off the part, too, so he's gonna make that up in the labor if he's unable to do so on the tires. There are other indys with different philosophies...one of the shops that I have change my tires is an automotive tire shop...no big, it's just another mag wheel to them...and since they don't sell motorcycle tires, they don't get their BVD's in a twist just to change the tires on one. On the other hand, I make certain that I give that same shop all my automotive business, as a quid pro quo...
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 45
From: Western Washington
I usually mark my rotors and then take them off when changing tires so you don't take a chance on bending them. It doesn't take much and your hosed. Also, I would suggest balance beads. Once you use them, you will never go back to conventional balancing. Tires last longer too, don't cup and smoother ride at all speeds as they change dynamically with wear and speed.
http://www.innovativebalancing.com/index.php
http://www.innovativebalancing.com/index.php
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 39
From: Central Florida
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 594
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From: Seminole County, FL
Get at least four of the plastic rim protectors available from JP Cycles or others. The more you have the better so you can leap frog them around the rim. The long tire tool that has the half round curve on one end works well too, two of those are a must. Breaking the bead can be a beast without some kind of breaker, I was using my 6" vise to pinch the tire off one side and working the other side off by wrestling and soaking with JB 'Blaster.
Been using Dyna Beads for 6 years, never a problem, saved almost 2K by now...
Been using Dyna Beads for 6 years, never a problem, saved almost 2K by now...
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Balance beads are the way to go. Easy, reusable, and do a great job at balancing.
I use a big C-clamp to break the bead. A 6in clamp should work up to a 180 or so wide tire. Then i use rim protectors where my tire spoon meets the rim/ wheel to avoid damage.
Also simple green watered down or soapy water in a spray bottle works well for lubricant. I like the simple green better my self slippery and once dry there is no residue.
And I usually work on a piece of carpet on the garage floor to keep from beating up the wheel and its a little easier on my self.
I use a big C-clamp to break the bead. A 6in clamp should work up to a 180 or so wide tire. Then i use rim protectors where my tire spoon meets the rim/ wheel to avoid damage.
Also simple green watered down or soapy water in a spray bottle works well for lubricant. I like the simple green better my self slippery and once dry there is no residue.
And I usually work on a piece of carpet on the garage floor to keep from beating up the wheel and its a little easier on my self.
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; Nov 14, 2014 at 11:16 AM.
