When it comes to dirt bike maintenance, changing a tire is one of the most important skills you can master. A flat tire can ruin your ride, but with the right tools and a little know-how, you can get yourself back up and running in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing a dirt bike tire, from removing the old tire to mounting the new one. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, this guide will help you get the job done right.
To begin, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a tire iron, a pair of pliers, a torque wrench, and a new tire. Once you have your tools, you can start by removing the old tire. To do this, use the tire iron to pry the tire bead away from the rim. Once the bead is loose, you can use the pliers to remove the tire from the rim. Be careful not to damage the rim while you’re doing this.
Once the old tire is removed, you can mount the new tire. To do this, first apply a thin layer of tire sealant to the rim. Then, place the new tire on the rim and use the tire iron to pry the bead over the rim. Once the bead is seated, you can use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. Be sure to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Once the lug nuts are tightened, your new tire is installed and you’re ready to hit the dirt.
Understanding Tire Sizes and Types
When choosing tires for your dirt bike, it’s essential to understand tire sizes and types.
Tire Sizes
Dirt bike tire sizes are typically denoted in a format like “110/90-19 60M,” where:
- 110 is the tire width in millimeters.
- 90 is the tire height as a percentage of the width (90% in this case).
- 19 is the rim diameter in inches.
- 60 is the load index, indicating the maximum weight the tire can support.
- M is the speed rating, indicating the maximum safe speed for the tire.
Tire Types
There are various types of dirt bike tires available, each designed for specific terrains and riding styles:
| Tire Type | Terrain/Use | |
|---|---|---|
| Knobby Tires | Off-road riding, providing excellent traction in soft terrain. | |
| Intermediate Tires | Combination of on- and off-road use, offering a balance of grip and stability. | |
| Dual-Sport Tires | Street-legal tires with a compromise between on-road handling and off-road capabilities. | |
| Mousse Inserts | Foam inserts that replace the inner tube, providing better puncture resistance and stability in extreme conditions. |
| Essential Tools |
|---|
| Tire Irons (18-24 inches) |
| Tire Spoons |
| 17mm Socket or Wrench |
| Rim Protectors (optional) |
Removing the Axle Nut
The axle nut is the large nut that holds the axle in place. To remove it, you will need a socket wrench that is the correct size for the nut. Once you have the socket wrench, follow these steps:
- Place the socket wrench on the axle nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Once the axle nut is loose, remove it completely by hand.
- Be careful not to drop the axle nut, as it can be difficult to find if it falls into the dirt.
Once the axle nut is removed, you can proceed to the next step of removing the wheel.
Tips for Removing the Axle Nut
Here are a few tips for removing the axle nut:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a breaker bar for extra leverage. | If the axle nut is particularly tight, you may need to use a breaker bar to loosen it. A breaker bar is a long, metal bar that provides extra leverage for turning nuts and bolts. |
| Apply penetrating oil. | If the axle nut is rusted or seized, you can try applying penetrating oil to it. Penetrating oil is a lubricant that helps to break down rust and corrosion. |
| Use an impact wrench. | If you have access to an impact wrench, you can use it to quickly and easily remove the axle nut. An impact wrench is a power tool that uses a hammering action to loosen nuts and bolts. |
Detaching the Wheel
4. Remove the Axle Nut
To remove the axle nut, which holds the wheel in place, you’ll need a socket wrench or an appropriate tool. The size of the socket will vary depending on the type of dirt bike you have, so refer to your owner’s manual for the specific size.
Once you have the correct socket, locate the axle nut on the end of the axle, which runs through the center of the wheel. Place the socket over the nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Be sure to hold the wheel steady with your other hand to prevent it from spinning while you’re loosening the nut.
Once the axle nut is loose, you can remove it by hand. Be careful not to drop the axle nut or any other small parts as they may fall into the dirt or gravel and become difficult to find.
With the axle nut removed and it’s time to detach the wheel from the bike. To do this, lift the wheel up and off the axle, taking care not to damage the wheel or the bike. You may need to wiggle the wheel slightly to free it from any remaining resistance.
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps in removing the axle nut:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Locate the axle nut | Identify the nut located at the end of the axle, which holds the wheel in place. |
| Use a socket wrench | Select the correct socket size and place it over the axle nut. |
| Turn counterclockwise | Using the socket wrench, turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen it. |
| Remove axle nut | Once loose, remove the axle nut by hand. |
| Detach wheel | Lift the wheel up and off the axle, being careful not to damage any components. |
Mounting the Tire on the Rim
- Check the Tire and Rim: Ensure the tire is the correct size for the rim and that both are clean and free of debris.
- Lubricate the Rim: Apply a thin layer of tire lube to the inside of the rim, especially around the edges.
- Start the Tire on the Rim: Position the tire over the rim, starting with one side. Use your tire levers to pry the bead of the tire over the rim lip.
- Work Your Way Around: Continue levering the tire onto the rim, working your way around the circumference. Avoid using excessive force to prevent tearing the tire.
- Use a Bead Buddy: If you’re having difficulty, consider using a bead buddy tool to push the tire bead over the rim lip.
- Check the Alignment: Once the tire is fully mounted, check that it’s centered on the rim.
- Seat the Tire Beads: Use some force to push the tire beads into the rim’s channel. You can do this with your hands, a tire bead seating tool, or a bicycle pump with a high-pressure setting.
- Use a Small Lever: If necessary, use a small lever to carefully pry the beads into the channel. Be cautious not to damage the tire or rim during this process.
Tips for Seating the Tire Beads:
| Technique | Effective For |
|---|---|
| Using Hands | Small, pliable tires |
| Tire Bead Seating Tool | Mid-sized to large tires |
| Bicycle Pump | Tires with stiff beads or hard-to-reach areas |
Reattaching the Wheel
Once the tire is mounted, it’s time to reattach the wheel. Follow these steps:
- Identify the axle spacers and bearings. The axle spacers go between the bearings, and the bearings fit into the wheel hub.
- Place the axle through the wheel hub, with the spacers in place.
- Tighten the axle nuts by hand as much as possible.
- Flip the bike over and set it on its wheels.
- Tighten the axle nuts further using a wrench. Be sure not to overtighten them, as this can damage the bearings.
- Check the wheel alignment. The wheel should be centered in the frame and aligned with the other wheel.
- If the wheel is not aligned, loosen the axle nuts and adjust the spacers until the wheel is in the correct position.
- Once the wheel is aligned, tighten the axle nuts again.
- Double-check the tightness of all the bolts and nuts, and make sure the wheel is secure before riding.
Tightening Torque
The following table provides the recommended tightening torque for various dirt bike axle nuts:
| Axle Nut Size | Tightening Torque |
|---|---|
| 12mm | 14-17 ft-lbs |
| 14mm | 20-25 ft-lbs |
| 17mm | 25-30 ft-lbs |
Torque Specifications
Properly tightening the lug nuts is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of your dirt bike. Follow the torque specifications provided in the table below:
| Axle Type | Front Axle | Rear Axle |
|—|—|—|
| Torque (ft-lb) | 20-25 | 40-50 |
Final Inspection
Once the new tire is installed, perform a thorough inspection to ensure proper fitment and functionality:
- Spin the wheel: Rotate the wheel to check for any rubbing or interference with the frame or other components.
- Check the valve stem: Ensure the valve stem is straight and properly sealed with a new valve core.
- Apply brake pressure: Test the brakes to verify that they are functioning correctly and not rubbing against the new tire.
- Adjust the chain: If you removed the chain to replace the tire, ensure that it is properly adjusted and has the correct tension.
- Inspect the spokes: Tighten any loose spokes using a spoke wrench and ensure that they are evenly tensioned.
- Check the tire pressure: Inflate the tire to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Test ride: Take the dirt bike for a short test ride to ensure that the new tire is performing properly and that there are no unexpected issues.
How To Change A Dirt Bike Tire
Changing a dirt bike tire is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can change a tire in the field or at home.
To change a dirt bike tire, you will need the following tools:
- Tire irons
- A rim lock wrench
- A torque wrench
- A new tire
- A tube (if necessary)
- A tire sealant (optional)
Once you have gathered your tools, follow these steps to change a dirt bike tire:
- Loosen the rim lock nuts and remove the rim lock.
- Deflate the tire.
- Use the tire irons to pry the tire off the rim.
- Remove the old tire and tube (if necessary).
- Install the new tube (if necessary).
- Mount the new tire on the rim.
- Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure.
- Tighten the rim lock nuts.
- Torque the axle nut to the manufacturer’s specifications.
People Also Ask About How To Change A Dirt Bike Tire
What is the best way to remove a tire from a dirt bike rim?
The best way to remove a tire from a dirt bike rim is to use tire irons. Tire irons are specifically designed to pry tires off of rims without damaging the tire or the rim.
How often should I change my dirt bike tires?
The frequency with which you should change your dirt bike tires depends on a number of factors, including the type of riding you do, the terrain you ride on, and the age of your tires. In general, you should change your dirt bike tires when they start to show signs of wear, such as cracks, bulges, or bald spots.
What is the best way to prevent flats on my dirt bike?
There are a few things you can do to prevent flats on your dirt bike, including:
- Use tire sealant.
- Avoid riding on sharp objects.
- Keep your tires properly inflated.
- Inspect your tires regularly for signs of wear.
