Compressor size for setting tire bead
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 279
From: .
Compressor size for setting tire bead
I am wanting to change my own tires. I have a 12 Volt compressor. Well, more of an inflator capable of up to 130 psi. Will I need something bigger to set the beads? If not, will the standard gas station compressor do the trick. What is the minimum compressor size I need for this? I will not be needing any air tools not now or in the future. So it will be just for tire purposes. If I need a bigger compressor I'll just continue to take the wheels to the indie for now.
Thanks
Thanks
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
In most cases you need to be able to deliver a blast of air to seat the bead. A 12v compressor does not have that ability. You could buy a small portable tank and pressurize that with your compressor then use the tank to deliver the volume blast that you need. Harbor freight sells a small tank for cheap that would work
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallo...ank-65594.html
Or better buy a small compressor
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gallo...sor-95275.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallo...ank-65594.html
Or better buy a small compressor
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gallo...sor-95275.html
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 968
Likes: 11
From: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
what helps is taking the "stem"? out of the chuck.. I used my 5 gallon 2 hp compressor to do mine. takes a bit but it pops the bead..
helps if you have a 3/8" hose on it.. not the puny 1/4"
helps if you have a 3/8" hose on it.. not the puny 1/4"
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
If you got a big set of cojones, you can spray some ether in the tire and light it up. Pull the valve core from the stem first. It looks exciting on YouTube.
I'd find somebody with a big air compressor, myself.
I'd find somebody with a big air compressor, myself.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Your average home compressor (which is way more than an "inflator") often won't do it. Part of the problem is the way so many new tires are wrapped tight - take the tape/plastic off, and the beads are almost touching. If you aren't going to put them on right away, put boards (old quart old bottles are a good size, too) in them to spread them; even a couple days makes a difference. I have a chuck that I not only took the stem out of, but drilled it out as much as I had room for, too - you can also buy high volume chucks that only work without a valve stem in the wheel. I recently got a Dewalt compressor, kind of a small upright model, that goes up to 200 psi - what a difference that makes over the usual 100-120 psi compressors. I've also put tie down straps around a tire as tight as I could get it (before the higher pressure compressor) to help expand the sides - but as soon as it "pops" on the rim, stop inflating, might break the strap. I have a motorcycle tire changer (clamps the rim, not the center like car rims) so the rest of the tire change is easy, but sometimes you really have to work at it to get the bead seated. I've heard of using flammables (starting fluid is another) to pop it on, but never have, never will.
Compressors are rated for flow at different pressures, but for tire seating what you need is the most pressure you can get for a short burst - continuous flow ratings don't really matter for that (if you want to operate air tools or sandblast, it will). I doubt most gas station compressors would seat a tire, they usually have low flow chucks.
Compressors are rated for flow at different pressures, but for tire seating what you need is the most pressure you can get for a short burst - continuous flow ratings don't really matter for that (if you want to operate air tools or sandblast, it will). I doubt most gas station compressors would seat a tire, they usually have low flow chucks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
For your consideration: Do you REALLY want to sweat your ball$ off removing and installing tires with tire irons in your garage and risk gouging your rims? Have you considered how you're going to break the bead on the old tire? That alone can be a project. I"m all for DIY but I no longer mount my own tires in the garage, i take the wheel and tire to the shop. Your local indy shop needs work too... and you can see what kid of shop they run if you need work in the future. That said, A 3/8th line on an air tank can work if the bead is close enough to the rim. If not you can wrap a ratcheting tie down around the center of the tire to push it out. Don't forget to remove the valve core from the tire stem. If you do go the ether (starting fluid) route, PLEASE take VIDEO!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 414
From: Ellensburg, WA
Cubic feet per second is more important than pressure to get a bead set. Gotta push those side walls out quick. Been changing my own for years. Not 'cause I'm cheap, i enjoy it. Now have a No Mar tire changer and do friends and family tires for a small fee.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 4
From: The Great River Road, Wisconsin
We did this often on lifted truck tires, when you get 36" to 44" they can be a challenge, and starting fluid worked great.
I just had my 19" mounted on my new Agitator wheel, and it took lots of soap
and about 10 attempts to get the shop to get it to pop up.
Last edited by VTL nut; Jun 23, 2013 at 09:35 PM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 2,506
Here's what you need. Pricey, but worth every penny!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Gallon-145...ht_2409wt_1078
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Gallon-145...ht_2409wt_1078
