Installed E3's using Harbor Frieght tire machine
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
The HF changer without the overhead arm, Mojo bar and rim protector clamps have worked just fine for myself and a handful of buddies for a couple of years. I've recovered my investment with beer payments from those who appreciated the use.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,552
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
I see you have the info on the mojo lever. The mojo blocks are a good idea as well, or you can get a cheap cutting board made of the same type of material and make your own. There are several options for rim protectors. I'll probably bolt my tire changer down to the concrete once I get one. There is a great write up somewhere on the net with pics about a guy that bolted his down on a patio and shows every step of the process. Click HERE for that.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
I took that overhead arm off also .. What is that arm for anyway I couldn't see any use for it
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 3
From: Slidell, Louisiana
I used some scrap leather as rim protectors but I did mine with 3 spoons and the leather was perfect for that. The thing that made the job really simple was the ruglyde. The tire damn near fell on by itself. The only thing that sucks is you can only get it by the gallon and you might use 1/8 oz. The dyna beads seem to work. Got to go easy on the tire lube to keep the inside of the tire dry so the beads work better at lower speeds. I found the E3 sidewall much thicker than stock but not bad at all getting it on. Off might be a different ****. I did have to use a ratchet strap around the tire to seat it.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 23
From: Mishawaka,Indiana
HF also sells a tire balancer for cheap like $59. I use the version balancer sold by marc parnes and it works great. Tried the beads and have had too many valve stems wear out while using them,they acted like glass beading the inside of the rim. I would switch to metal stems if using the beads. Mike
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 4
From: Here
Are you saying that the stems wear out before the tires do or just that you would need to replace the stems at each tire change? I guess I don't see how they hit the rim since they would roll around in the bottom of the tire at low speed and be forced against the tire as you go faster. Not saying it doesn't happen, I just can't see it in my head.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
HF also sells a tire balancer for cheap like $59. I use the version balancer sold by marc parnes and it works great. Tried the beads and have had too many valve stems wear out while using them,they acted like glass beading the inside of the rim. I would switch to metal stems if using the beads. Mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 3
From: Slidell, Louisiana
The only problem I noticed was that a bead might get stuck in the valve stem and when I checked the tire pressure with my gauge the needle got stuck. I am now in the habit of shooting a blast of air in before I check my pressure. I find this to be a minor issue and will continue to use them. I don't like the weights stuck to the rim. I don't see how they could damage the stem.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 23
From: Mishawaka,Indiana
very small leaks developed where the rubber stem mounted to the wheel. and on disassembly some of the beads were now powder. One time a fluke, twice is more than coincidence. I like the balance better with weights after trying both. Mike
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
The only problem I noticed was that a bead might get stuck in the valve stem and when I checked the tire pressure with my gauge the needle got stuck. I am now in the habit of shooting a blast of air in before I check my pressure. I find this to be a minor issue and will continue to use them. I don't like the weights stuck to the rim. I don't see how they could damage the stem.