Tyres, fitting new tyres
- by Tony Godfrey
- Download this article here
Monty gets new shoes
I recently decided to fit two new tyres to Monty as the old ones were very poor. I ordered 2 x 3.50 x 19”. From Blockley tyres, they were delivered to me within 2 days.. (brilliant service and very fair price)
• I know most A7 owners will be experts at changing tyres but here was my procedure…. Deflate tyre/tube completely.
• Separate tyre bead from rim by stepping on side wall.
• Use large tyre levers and lift tyre from VALVE SIDE OF RIM, work your way around rim until this side is fully off.
• Push valve out and remove tube.
• Lever tyre off remaining rim.
• Clean wheel, smear with soap or hand gel then fit first side of tyre bead.
• Check inner tube for leaks using a bowl of water.
• Insert deflated tube with valve properly located in rim.
• INFLATE TUBE SLIGHTLY ( this will avoid “nipping” when easing on final tyre bead) Lubricate tyre bead with soap or hand gel.
• Start easing on last side tyre bead OPPOSITE SIDE TO VALVE FIRST, being VERY careful to avoid “nipping” inner tube.
• The last bit will be very tight so make sure the opposite side to valve bead is pressed well down (with knee) into centre of wheel rim.
• Damage to paint on wheel rim may occur so keep your paint handy.
• It took me about 2 hours of “pottering” to fit the 2 tyres.
• I inflated tyres to 35psi to make sure all was lined up around rim then reset to correct pressures.
• All done and ready for the road. I used this exact procedure for repairing and fitting tyres to my series 2 Land Rover which was MUCH more difficult.
• After a short road run I was amazed how much better Monty felt and performed.
Happy motoring guys and girls.