Tire Seating

[DGXSER]

I replaced two rear tires this year, two different bikes, changing and balancing myself.

Today I changed the front tire. Well, I got the tire mounted. Now I can not get the bead to seat. On both of the others I added air at about 90psi and they seated right up. I am using soapy water on the tire.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[trbig]

I've been using WD-40. Works great.

[bikerphil]

I use liquid laundry soap, very slippery but gets very tacky when dry. Also you can try seating the side of the bead that won't seat first and try again, Keep at it, you'll get it. Probably depends on the tire but you shouldn't need over 60 psi to get her seated.

[MaximPhil]

Don, Silly question You do have the valve stem out when seating the tire?

Maxim Phil

[IanDMacDonald]

Pledge furniture polish.

[GLoweVA]

Try a ratcheting tie down strap around the circumference to squish the tire beads out towards the rim edge

[trbig]

It's against the rim.. it just won't pop out all the way.

[DGXSER]

Not a silly question Phil. But yes, it is out.

I'll work on it more tomorrow, been a busy evening.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[petejw]

hey don,
if all else fails, try bouncing the tyre and rim (with air)
on the ground, with the part of the tyre that hasn't popped
hitting the ground, hopefully you'll hear it pop.

[mikubuilder]

funny, I'm having same issue with mine(on my Virago), I'm putting Shinko712, and it will not seat I've tried all the known tricks...and no luck

[bikerphil]

Just another thought, did you guys clean the bead seating surface on the rim with a wire wheel, could be corrosion/crap on the rim preventing the tire from sliding on nicely.

[DGXSER]

In short, for my case, yes. My rim had more rubbery grease around the inside than any other I have seen. I used a wire brush in a dremel with a good rag and brake cleaner to get it down to the aluminum.

[IanDMacDonald]

I'd never suggest it, but have u considered the gasoline and match trick?

[mikubuilder]

well, I took it to work today and ether was the answer(don't tell my safety guy), but I didn't clean the wheel bead surface, and I should have...shop air pressure and volume probably helped, too.

[DGXSER]

I use a tire iron to pry from the opposite side to get the worst side pushed toward the outside of the rim. Apparently it was enough to get it to seal. that and another good coating of soapy water. First time I put air to it, it sealed right up and seated. Put about 30 miles on the new shoes tonight.

Thanks for all the suggestions!