I have a big rig,,34 feet....well, my manual sez "leave it to the pros" when changing a tire. I like to at least be able to check my belts etc. so I need to take off the front tire. I have an electric 450 lb torque gun. and some cheap jacks I got at Harbor Freight rated at 7500 each. my leveling jacks do work. I was thinking of some large bottle jack, but I would have to put lots of pavers down to get the height I want... any hints....I realize that any input is just an opinion so don't be shy... thanks for any input guys.

I also have the equipment to remove tires. But I don't. The wheel and tire weigh 100+ lbs.

What I don't understand is why a wheel would have to come off to check belts.

Susan and I routinely remove tires. One of us jacks and the other watches the studs in the holes. As soon as the axle is raised enough, that is with the tire sitting on the ground but with no weight on it, and can be wiggled with the lug nuts off, we drag the wheel straight out, or walk and wiggle it a little. (yeah, I know, that sentence is too long, but the next one will balance it out) Same going on. She is a girl and I have busted-up knees and back, but little exertion is required. A little sand under the tread acts as ball bearings, if you feel like it.

It's all technique.

.

bill h brings up a topic I should have mentioned in my post - the main reason I don't mess with the wheels on the Barth is because I live alone in the sticks - if something happens, I could be in trouble.

Main reason I don't mess with mine is that I'm 70+, a bad back, questionable cognitive skills, and a major case of laziness.

I like the response from Jim and Tere. I used to do a lot of things that I couldn't afford to pay someone else to do, thank goodness things have changed.

A couple of comments / tips - pavers are not a good platfrom - they can fracture and 'dump' the jack. Better to use a good old fashion 2x8 or something similar.
The 450 ft lb electric impact wrench won't work on a 400 ft lb lug nut. The wrenches are usually way over rated, my 1200 ft lb air wrench has to work a little to spin the nuts off.

still - its worth the effort! give the nuts a try before you jack it up, if one comes loose then keep going!

First do you want to change the tire or just remove the wheel. I will skip the wheel change, but you can change the tire without removing the wheel.

Jack up as usual and release all the air by removing the valve core. Next break the bead. Often the is very easy but just hitting the sidewall with a hammer. If not I use a air chisel to break the bead. Now a tire iron and along with a couple of big screw drivers or something else to pry with and off comes the tire.

I use two parts laundry liquid to one part water to make everything slippery.

Anyway the wheel mounted to the axle makes for a stable platform.

Hope you get the idea.

these are all good ideas to consider. I like the team effort and sand idea. I probably should get some bigger jack stands. and pavers are of course a dumb idea>>> just fishing.... Harbor freight 7500 might be a bit small.

I just want to take a look under there (there must be a motor) curiosity killed the cat

but I don't like shying away from a challenge...except fishing reels....I always have parts left over???!!! jl

quote:

Originally posted by Gary Carter:
Next break the bead. Often the is very easy but just hitting the sidewall with a hammer. If not I use a air chisel to break the bead.

I use a bottle jack resting on the sidewall next to the rim and jack the heaviest part of the RV to unseat the bead.

We need a picture of that one.

quote:

Originally posted by bill h:


I use a bottle jack resting on the sidewall next to the rim and jack the heaviest part of the RV to unseat the bead.

quote:

Originally posted by olroy:
We need a picture of that one.

I have a coupla 4WD tires to break off the rims, but it isn't getting done, so no picture.

But, perhaps I can clarify: I lay the wheel/tire assembly on the ground under the frame of the heaviest vehicle around. I position the base of the bottle jack on the sidewall as close to the rim as I can, with the top of the jack pushing up on the frame of the vehicle. As the jack is pumped, it either lifts the vehicle or forces the bead off the rim. Sometimes it requires a second effort a few degrees away. P30 rims are pretty easy to break, compared to others. I have done it with a sledgehammer, but it is a little scary unless you make a tool.

Bill: No need to post any photos. Even I got the written picture and I'm not the sharpest tack in the box..........

quote:

Originally posted by carlflack:
Even I got the written picture and I'm not the sharpest tack in the box..........

To set the bead: Spray starting fluid into tire cavity, stand back, wait 5-10 seconds, and ignite.

Crude, but effective!

quote:

Originally posted by Bill N.Y.:
To set the bead: Spray starting fluid into tire cavity, stand back, wait 5-10 seconds, and ignite.

Crude, but effective!

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