How to Properly Change Truck (Not Car) Tyres

Truck tyres are much different from car tyres. For one, they are much bigger and heavier. They also require different tools to get the job done. This being the case, one can not expect to change truck tyres the same way car tyres would usually be changed. The steps might be the same, but the process isn’t.

In this blog, we would be sharing with you the correct procedure for changing truck tyres in Sydney and the right tools you’d need to get the job done safely. With that said, let’s get to it.

Tools You’d Need to Change Truck Tyres.

●     Wrench

One thing to always keep in mind when dealing with truck tyres is that the nuts holding these tyres are usually larger than those holding car tyres. For this reason, you can’t use the same type ─ or more specifically size ─ of wrench you’d use for a car.

You need a truck-sized wrench, preferably a torque wrench for trucks to get the job done. Anything less would most likely be useless.

●     Hydraulic Bottle Jack/Lifting Platform

Just as it is with the wrench, a typical car jack would be of no use to you when dealing with a truck. You would need a truck jack instead (jacks suitable for trucks) or a lifting platform.

●     Pneumatic impact gun

The impact gun is a tool truck tyre changers use when the wrench fails. Its high torque capability makes loosening even a rusted nut look like a walk in the park. Since there’s no telling how rusted or frozen your truck tyres will be, it’s always best to have an impact gun in your tool.

●     Mount/Dismount bars

The mount/dismount bars are used for separating the truck tyre from the rim. Shaped like a chisel, the M/D bars are designed to separate the largest of tyres. You just need to apply a little pressure.

●     Air compressor

The air compressor, not only monitors your tyre pressure, but also inflates it when necessary. Ensure you have this crucial tool in your box before embarking on DIY truck tyre change.

●     Bead hammers or Club hammers

You use the bead hammer for hammering your M/D bars into that dividing line between your rim and tyre. With its large surface area and high driving force, you’d be able to separate your rim easily (which is the hardest part of changing a tyre).

●     ½ inch air hose

The air hose connects the air compressor to the tyre valve.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s bring you up to speed on how you can change your truck tyres in Sydney.

Lifting the entire truck

To lift your truck, get your hydraulic bottle jack (or your lifting platform), place it under a flat surface under your truck.

NOTE: You should get chunks of broken concrete to shock the other tyres. This stops them from moving off-track during your tyre change. It CAN happen (according to modern physics).

Once you’ve secured the other tyres and placed the jack under your truck, you have the go-ahead to start lifting your truck. Make sure you place the jack near the damaged truck tyre so you lift the damaged tyre completely off the ground.

Properly secured your tyres? Yes? Alrighty then, let’s get to the next part:

Loosening the rim nuts

Using your wrench, carefully loosen the 13 lug nuts. Take care not to get injured in this process (a lot of people do). If things get too complicated for you, you could always use your impact gun. The electrically powered gun rotates the nuts at high speed ー loosening each one in a matter of seconds.

Once you’ve loosened all the nuts, get on with the next step.

Remove the tyres

There’s no distinct procedure for this step. Just make sure you don’t dent the bolts in the process.

Separate the rim from the tyre

Earlier on, we mentioned that you’d need your M/D bars alongside your bead hammer for this job. Well, here’s how you do it:

• Work out a little opening between your rim and rubber tyre using your mounting/demounting (M/D) bar and your hammer. You might need a helping hand if you don’t find this easy.
• Expand the opening using your tools ー making sure you don’t damage the rubber tyre in the process.
• Remove your rim and keep the damaged tyre for repair or replacement.

Fix the rim into your spare tyre

Done with step four? Good job! Get your spare tyre, and work the rim into the spare using the M/D bar and your hammer. This should be relatively easy for you (since you removed it in the first place).

Pump your spare tyre

To distribute the pressure evenly, pump your spare tyre to match that of the other three. You’d need your air compressor and your hose here. Attach the hose to the opening on the compressor and your tyre valve and let the air through.

Attach it to your truck

Now that your tyre pressure matches the other three tyres, attach it back to your tyre plates with your impact gun ー tightening the lug nuts as hard as you can. Once done, lower your truck and check the pressure. If it’s not up to par, correct it.

There you have it! Expert-approved steps to changing your truck tyres yourself. If there’s an issue that needs fixing for your truck tyres in Sydney, contact us.

Disclaimer: This is a generic Information & post; content about the services can be changed from time to time as per your requirements and contract. To get the latest and updated information, contact us today or visit our website.