We’ve always looked for ways to get things done easier, faster and stress free. From advancement in communication to advancement in traveling, we’ve always come up with intriguing ways to save time and energy.
So it came as no surprise when I discovered the easiest way to pop back a tire into its rim with little effort from my part, in fact, all that is required to just place the rim in the tire, and the fire does the rest.
Okay, I know it sounds fun and all, and some even see it as a faster way to get the job done, but the fact remains that there are so many things that can go wrong if you don’t apply caution.
Before I proceed, here are the few things you will need to get the job done.
Steps To Popping A Tire Back On The Rim With Fire (Required Items)
- A starter fluid, parts cleaner, or WD-40 (any of these will do)
- A fire extinguisher (this is necessary especially if you feel the fire gets out of control)
- A lighter or matchbox
Let’s get down to business, shall we?
How To Pop A Tire Back On The Rim With Fire
How to pop a tire back on the rim with fire? Below are the steps by step guide on how to put a tire back on the rim with fire.
Please note, this can be very dangerous and extra caution should be observed always.
Step 1: Place The Rim Inside The Tire
This should be done after you must have addressed any issue that made you remove the tire from the rim in the first place, which is most likely to be bead leakage or a tire puncture.
Whatever it is, ensure you are satisfied with the result before you continue because this happens to be the most important part of the entire process.
Step 2: Spray A Starter Fluid Around The Bead Of The Tire
Get this bottle of starter fluid. It comes highly recommended and will do a perfect job under normal circumstances. Spray it around the bead of the tire, but don’t spray too much so that you would need the fire extinguisher.
After spraying it round, spray a little on the ground close to the tire in a straight line and let it lead to the bead. This to avoid you getting burnt once you light the match because using a starter fluid is highly flammable.
Step 3: Light The Match, And Be Ready To Put Out The Fire
This should be done almost immediately after spraying the starter fluid on the bead of the tire so that it doesn’t dry out.
Once you strike the match or let out fire from whatever fire source you are using, remember to start from the ground link leading to the tire bead for your safety. (Read Also: Can Bike Tires Pop?Find Out Now)
As soon as the fire reaches the tire bead, you are likely to hear a pop sound in less than two seconds. Once the sound occurs put out the fire as quickly as you can, and if you feel you won’t be quick enough, get a fire extinguisher.
Step 4: Pump In The Air
The pop sound should signify that your tire is now on the rim. At that point, get your air pump and pump in the required air in the tires, and you are good to go.
The method of popping your tire back on the rim using fire is necessary, especially if you find yourself in a place where a garage is not in sight.
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Side Effects Of Popping Your Tire On The Rim With Fire
With all pros come at least a con, and popping your tire back to its rim with fire is no different. The side effect of this procedure if not handled carefully can lead to a term called Pyrolysis.
Pyrolysis is a chemical reaction that occurs in tires when a tire becomes overheated to a certain point. It causes the tire to deteriorate, and also creates a rapid pressure within the tire that can lead to an explosion.
Apart from the heat that comes from popping a tire into its rim, overheating in tires can also be caused by aerosol tire inflators, welding near a tire or on the tire, and overheated breaks. That’s why it’s important to put out the fire from your rim as soon as the pop sound occurs, which is not usually more than two seconds after you strike your match. (Read Also: Can Tire Shine Damage Rims?)
You should also note that Pyrolysis can occur in temperatures as low as between 1830 C – 1850 C and does not require oxygen to continue the process. Once pyrolysis sets in on your tire, it can continue on its own, even if the heat source has been removed. There are usually no visible signs, and it can last for a few seconds or several hours.
Pyrolysis causes the pressure inside to tire to go as high as 7000 kPa which can result in serious injury to anyone standing around the tire at that time.
So please, apply all the caution necessary to avoid this experience. It’s even worse when it happens while driving. (Read Also: Can You Paint Bicycle Tires?Find Out)
Care And Preventive Measures Of Pyrolysis
Do not reseat a tire on the rim with fire if it isn’t deflated, and using fire to pop back your tire on the rim should only be considered if there are no other alternatives available.
After working on any tire, allow it to cool properly before reseating it on the rim. Also, check for areas where you suspect deterioration is likely to occur before fixing it back on the vehicle.
If heat is applied to a tire and you suspect deterioration, it is always safer to assume that it is happening so that you can take safety measures. Isolate the suspected tire for at least 24 hours and try keeping people from going near it, especially kids. If the time elapses, remove the tire from the rim and check for any physical damage or deterioration in the walls of the tire.
Pyrolysis is common with heavy-duty vehicles, so ensure you inflate such tires with clip-on air pumps.
When inflating a tire, don’t face the ream, face the thread. You are safer that way.
Maintain your tires and brakes in line with the manufacturer guidelines. Also, avoid driving long distances with underinflated tires which would generally result in pyrolysis.
Why Are My Tires Popping?
In terms of driving, you need to have a sense of security as could be expected under normal circumstances. So when you hear a clicking or popping sound coming from the vehicle tires or wheels, it’s ok to be concerned. All vehicles require to be protected before working them on any street with other vehicles.
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Clicking or popping sounds that come from the wheels could result from any of the accompanying parts:
- Harmed consistent speed joint
- Worn out struts
- Broken hubcaps
- Worn drive belt
- Wrong size of tires
- Free suspension
When diagnosing a clicking or popping sound from the wheels, a road test is needed to know the sound that is being emitted. Before you take the vehicle on a street or road test, you would need to walk around the vehicle to guarantee that there isn’t anything tumbling off the vehicle.
Look under the vehicle to check whether parts to the vehicle has severed. If something is broken on the vehicle, you should address it before embarking on a street test. Likewise, make sure to check the tire pressure. This shields the vehicle from overheating the tires and permits you to do the right test.
How To Diagnose A Damaged Constant Velocity Joint
These step-by-step methods should help you know if your constant velocity joint is damaged or not. Read carefully.
Step 1
Push down on the front and back of the vehicle. This will verify whether the joints are secured in a vertical movement.
Step 2
Turn on the engine. Turn the steering from the lock and back again going from left to right. This will verify whether the joints are locked up in a horizontal movement or motion.
Step 3
Take a spin in the vehicle around the vicinity. Make turns that will require you to turn the steering in a direction. As you do this, listen for any clicking or popping sound. Generally, the external joint takes the entirety of the abuse and you are likely to see it as a popping sound being transmitted especially during hard turns.
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This is because the balls in the joint are worn and have no grease. The balls fit into an enclosure that permits them to pivot as the wheels are turning. The consistent speed joints make points to an astounding 47 degrees.
Step 4
Drive the vehicle over knocks or potholes. This will verify whether the CV joints will make a clicking or popping sound as the wheels are turning and moving in a vertical way.
After the street test, you should prep the vehicle to check the constant velocity shafts to know if they should be removed or not.
How Do You Pop A Tire Back On The Bead?
The phenomenon of tire beads popping out from the rim is a normal occurrence especially if you ply muddy routes a lot. Tires being separated from their rims shouldn’t be a problem for you as long as you have the following tools on hand, which you should have with you anyway.
Step 1: Decompress The Tire
Let out the air from your tire. This is necessary if you want to ensure that the rim fits perfectly with the tire bead.
Step 2: Place Your Ratchet Strap Around The Tire
Your ratchet strap should be placed around the tire. Ensure that it is placed in the middle of the tire to get the job done correctly.
After placing it in the middle, tighten the ratchet and ensure that it has a firm grip on the tire.
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Step 3: Pump Air Into The Tire Until The Tire Pops Into Place
Use your air pump and pump air into the tire. Pump the air for a little while, then release the ratchet strap from the tire.
After releasing the ratchet strap, continue pumping air and watch out for the pop sound, at which point you can stop pumping air into the tire. Fix back your tire in the vehicle, and you are good to go!
What Do You Do If Your Tire Comes Off The Rim?
As I stated earlier, this is a common experience with vehicles that ply muddy terrain. However, if this happens to you in any area at all, follow the simple steps that will be highlighted shortly.
Step 1: Do Not Panic
Fear is one factor you don’t want to have in this kind of situation. Try as much as you can to keep calm and always remind yourself of something worse you got out of. A loose tire has never ended the world and yours will not be the first to end it.
Step 2: Try Parking At A Safe Spot If You Can
Try as much as you can to park off the road as long as it doesn’t damage your rim in the process. If parking isn’t possible, using a warning sign to warn motorists who plying that route.
Step 3: Remove The Tire From The Wheel
Use your car tools to remove the tire from the wheel. Lie it flat on the ground. Decompress the tire and use your ratchet strap around the tire and tighten the grip on it, just the same way I explained earlier.
Step 4: Pump Air Into The Tire
Pump air into the tire a little then release the ratchet strap, after which you should continue pumping air in until you hear the anticipated pop sound.
Fix the tire in the wheel and then you are good to go. But take note that all these can be only possible if you have the required tools set to carry it out, and if this is not the case, call 911 or the emergency helpline in your country for help.
Conclusion
Are there other ways to get your tire back on the rim? Apart from visiting a workshop, using this DIY method, or using the fire pop method, there are no other ways I can phantom. If you know of any, kindly let me know in the comment section, and let me give it a try.
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I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.