So...How DO you change a flat tire?

[KenB]

I ordered some new wheels for the CJ today, and decided to paint the hubs before having the wheels exchanged. I loosened the lug nuts (had to stand on the wrench), took a wheel off, cleaned and painted the hub. Then the fun began. Got the tire/wheel in position, AND I CAN'T LIFT IT ONTO THE STUDS! They're not that big - 32 x 11.5, but the years have taken their toll. After some careful adjustments on the floor jack and the strategic placement of a pry bar, I managed to get them back on.
Well, this got me to thinking - if I had this much trouble here in the garage, what the heck will I do on the trail? Any tips/tricks/techniques? I sure ain't gonna stay home.

 

[IOPort51]

coincidentally, I have been having that same thought. Need some sort of fold up leverage device.

fronts are not too bad but the back is a PITA.

I ordered some new wheels for the CJ today, and decided to paint the hubs before having the wheels exchanged. I loosened the lug nuts (had to stand on the wrench), took a wheel off, cleaned and painted the hub. Then the fun began. Got the tire/wheel in position, AND I CAN'T LIFT IT ONTO THE STUDS! They're not that big - 32 x 11.5, but the years have taken their toll. After some careful adjustments on the floor jack and the strategic placement of a pry bar, I managed to get them back on.
Well, this got me to thinking - if I had this much trouble here in the garage, what the heck will I do on the trail? Any tips/tricks/techniques? I sure ain't gonna stay home.

 

[tarry99]

Hi guys from one old dude to another.........at home if you have a small hand truck, slide the blade under the tire & works well tilting the wheel/tire to the proper height.........on the trail or in the shop a tire Iron , which usually is about 3/4" dia. bar stock about 36" long and one end is flat. Flat end under tire on one side, your foot on the opposite side and lift the bar and you would be surprised how easy it goes on.
Keep that to yourself and let them young kids strain a little.

 

[Old Dog]

I get the tire close to the studs and than sit on the ground with my legs straddling the tire. you can than pick the tire up with the top of your thighs while you line up the studs and push the wheel on with your hands.

 

[mtnwhlr]

And let another old guy chime in. On my truck that is a 1ton with 8lug wheels the only way I can get the wheels on is to just have it high enought that i can line up the lugs and slide it on without lifting the wheel. But like Old Dog said you have to sit on the ground with your legs straddling the tire. It's a bitch getting old.

 

[cerrajero]

old......thighs.....straddling....fold up leverage device.....hand truck.....
sounds all like my last relationship......dont ask


I have been toying ( dont go there) with the idea of a spare tire holder that could be dismantled to aid in just that or flips down to aid in the lifting process
imagine the pieces coming apart and lifting with a REGULAR jack and not the seemingly dangerous farm jack

 

[BC CJ]

I get the tire close to the studs and than sit on the ground with my legs straddling the tire. you can than pick the tire up with the top of your thighs while you line up the studs and push the wheel on with your hands.

I have a very similar technique. I sit and tuck my toes under the tire on either side and lift it up with my feet, leveraging off my heels, then slide it in to place with my hands.

 

[KenB]

So, there I am, sitting on the ground on the trail, with a 32" tire tucked between my thighs, and the young lady ranger stops..."Sir, are you having a problem?"

 

[IOPort51]

Better yet, setting in a puddle in a driving rain with a 32 inch tire between your thighs.

And then there are fire ants, I think this is going to require a machine and a procedure that does not include setting on the ground.

So, there I am, sitting on the ground on the trail, with a 32" tire tucked between my thighs, and the young lady ranger stops..."Sir, are you having a problem?"

 

[elwood blues]

So, there I am, sitting on the ground on the trail, with a 32" tire tucked between my thighs, and the young lady ranger stops..."Sir, are you having a problem?"

That there's funny, I don't care who you are.

 

[77 golden eagle]

I have a very similar technique. I sit and tuck my toes under the tire on either side and lift it up with my feet, leveraging off my heels, then slide it in to place with my hands.

same here...

 

[jasonmark1993]

If you carry a shovel that makes a great lever. Stick the blade under the tire and you can step on the handle.

 

[KenB]

Hmm. I always carry a folding shovel. I'm gonna try that today.

 

[KenB]

I am pleased to report that the folding shovel worked very well. I lifted rather than stepping on it (need a little higher fulcrum for that). Since I always carry it anyway, this, for now, is my tool of choice. I may have to use the sitting technique sometime, (avoiding puddles and fire ants), so it's good to have an alternative. Thanks to all for helping an old guy out.

 

[Torxhead]

This topic is a another good reason not to be alone out on the trail. Murphy's Law right?

 

[Incommando]

I get the tire close to the studs and than sit on the ground with my legs straddling the tire. you can than pick the tire up with the top of your thighs while you line up the studs and push the wheel on with your hands.

This!
Works on my heavy_arse 38's on 16.5 x 12 steelies

 

[Manhattan]

I have a very similar technique. I sit and tuck my toes under the tire on either side and lift it up with my feet, leveraging off my heels, then slide it in to place with my hands.

Exact same here (35s on steel wheels).

Another method that's worked for me is this...

- Remove wheel with flat
- Lower the Jeep a bit; about where the lug is 1/2"-1" too low
- Position the wheel so that the top lug catches the hole in the wheel - but of course, the lower lugs won't reach; the wheel's leaning in
- Slowing raise the Jeep, keeping pressure on the wheel, e.g. left hand cranks, right hand pushes wheel in
- The wheel will "swing" into position.

 

[KenB]

This topic is a another good reason not to be alone out on the trail. Murphy's Law right?

Which is perzactly why I asked the question. Being a cantankerous old fart, I do enjoy getting out on the backroads by my loneome. My favorite place is Big Bend NP, with Big Bend Ranch SP a close second. I have spent entire days on those roads and never saw another person. I always carry plenty of water, emergency rations, etc. to be able to survive a few days if/when murphy strikes. I keep the ole CJ in pretty good shape, but realized that something as simple as a flat tire, and not being able to change it, could ruin a good day. Now, if somebody wants to tag along, that's ok, but at my pace. I like to stop and watch the lizards watchimg me sometimes.