Mounting & balancing tires yourself: Difference between revisions

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====Removing the wheel====
====Removing the wheel====
[[Removing/replacing the rear wheel|Follow these instructions]]
[[Removing/replacing the rear wheel|Follow these instructions]]


At this point, if you bought the tire from the bike shop you can take it there to change; they'll probably charge you 20-30 bucks to replace it. Ask how much first.
After you have the wheel(s) off, if you bought the tire from the bike shop you can take it there to change; they'll probably charge you 20-30 bucks to replace it. Ask how much first.
 
====Castle nut loosening technique====
 
This does not have to be a 2-man job. You need a fair amount of force on the castle nut side and just a little bit on the other side to keep the axle from spinning. Straddle the bike, standing facing the rear. Use a breaker bar/ratchet/wrench (17mm) against the ground on the right (brake) side of the axle to keep it from turning. Position your other [[What should a good set of tools include?|breaker bar]] (24mm) pointing toward the rear of the bike on the castle nut (left/chain) side. Pull up on it with your right hand, which will loosen it (counterclockwise). Since you are straddling the bike, it should be difficult to knock it over. You may want to rest your left shoulder on the pillion seat as you do this. And no, you don't have to have long legs. This is short-person certified.


====Removing the old tire====
====Removing the old tire====