As we are all aware, all machinery and tools undergo wear and tear. While some might exhibit a long useful life, others will be short. Mountain bike tires also go through the same process. As you continue riding it, the tire will gradually wear out. It is natural to replace it with a new one when the existing one reaches a point whereby it becomes unfit for use. How then should you do the replacement? What is the procedure to follow when undertaking this assignment? In this article, we are going to look at all the aspects of undertaking the job. Read on for more information.

The Steps:

• Flip The Bike Upside Down

It might be inconvenient trying to remove the tire when the bike is standing upright. Place it upside down. The wheels will be up in the air while the handlebars and the saddle are on the ground. While in that position, the tires can rotate freely.

You may need to put on an apron to prevent your clothes from getting soiled. Make sure that you have the tools to remove the old tire from the bike and to replace it with a new one.

• Take Off The Old/Faulty Tire

Loosen and remove all the nuts that hold the tire in place. In some mountain bike models, you can’t remove the tire without loosening the lever on the side. Confirm if yours has that feature. You will also need to disengage the brake cable before taking out the tire. You will damage the brake pads and the wire if you do not disengage first.

• Remove The Tube From The Rim

If the tube has some air in it, then you should deflate it first. Locate the air valve on the rim. It is protruding outwards from the inner side of the wheel. Open it to let out the air.

To remove the tube, first push out the air valve from the rim. You will use a screwdriver to create a space between the rim and the tire to let out the tube. Repeat the procedure until when you are satisfied that you can pull out the tire with bear hands. Remove both of them.

• Clean The Tire

As you continue using your bike daily, dirt and other debris usually find a way of getting in. Before changing the tire, clean it to get rid of these products. If you leave them in there, then they will soon cause punctures and tears. Be careful when cleaning it as it may harm you. Some of the debris to look for include: sharp metals, thorns, and many more.

• Find The Holes And Tears In The Tube

Fill the tube with air and submerge it into a basin with water. Check for bubbles, if any. Should you notice them bubbling out continuously, then that is the point where there is a hole.

You can also pump it full and listen out for any escaping air. If the two approaches do not favor you, then you can still fill the tube with air and place it on the dusty ground.

There are some points in the tube which if they have holes, then they would be irreparable. They include the seam or the ridge. If that is the case, then you will need to buy a new one for replacement.

• Repair The Holes

Take a handsaw and scrub the tube if it is reparable. You can also use sandpaper if you do not have a hand or a hacksaw. Make it rough so that the glue-less patch will be able to hold. Remove any form of debris from the tube before applying the gum to it.

Press the glue-less patch to the clean area to cover the hole and make it as tight as you can. Leave the tube and the gum for a few minutes to bond. If you do not provide sufficient time for bonding, then the gum would peel off almost immediately. The tire and the tube will, then, not function as you expect. Make sure that you also patch up all the holes before putting it back!

• Test The Tube For More Leakages

Fill the tube again using a pump and immerse it into the basin containing water. Should you find more air holes, then you should patch it up again following the above procedure. If, however, your tube is too damaged, then you should replace it with a new one.

• Put Back The Tube

Once you are satisfied that the tube is working well and without leaks, then leave it to dry before putting it back.

Begin with the valve system by pushing it through its compartment on the rim. Insert the tube back into the tire. Be careful not to damage the valve system, mostly if you do not place it centrally. Ensure that you do not create more holes in it while returning it, especially if you are using a screwdriver to push it.

• Secure The Tire

Put back the screws that you had loosened initially. Screw them into the axle. Reconnect the brake cables as well. Ensure that the tire is at the center and that it does not come into contact with supporting levers. Ensure that the brakes are working well.

• Fill The Tube With Air

Before riding, make sure that you pump the air into the tube until the tire becomes sufficiently hard. If you ride with little are in it, then the rim will suffer under the weight, and it will develop some bends in it!

Make a practice of serving your mountain bike at foxed intervals. That includes oiling the moveable parts and replacing those that are faulty or broken. If you do that frequently, then your bike will serve you for many years!

Conclusion

A mountain bike tire wears off fast if you do not take care of it. The procedure of repairing or replacing it is not a difficult one. All you need to have are the tools of work and a new tire. Then you will follow the above steps to accomplish the task. Remember to clean the tire before putting back the tube, or otherwise, it may suffer damages again.