Tyre Lube

gripper · Dec 7, 2015

Any thoughts on a suitable tyre lube that won't rot an alloy rim. (I know washing up liquid is heavy in salt) I've just had a hell of an problem breaking the bead on a tyre that was fitted using tyre lube only 3 months ago.

Deets55 · Dec 7, 2015

baby power or talcum power works pretty good.

Matchless · Dec 7, 2015

Finding the bead hard to break is a good thing. It means the tyre won't creep & rip the valve out of the tube. It is also less likely to come off the rim in the event of a sudden deflation.

gripper · Dec 7, 2015

Valid point particularly as I don't use a security bolt any more. Not sure they were much good in the first place.

lcrken · Dec 8, 2015

The industry standard for mounting tires is Ruglyde. It will not corrode alloy rims. I bought a gallon can of it decades ago, and am still using it. After it dries, you get a nice bond to the rim, which, as Matchless points out, is a good thing. Here in the US it's available at pretty much any auto supply store (NAPA, etc.). Don't know about overseas.

Ken

nickguzzi · Dec 8, 2015

We all know hydrocarbon oil degrades rubber (don't we?)
Soap and detergent can do the same. The oils which are part of the mix, and help the binding of the rubbers and other ingredients, will be broken down then the rubber fails.

Easiest stuff is the product Ken mentioned. Not sure if it is retailed here in UK. Maybe a few kind words with your friendly neighbourhood tyre fitter?
Talc works fine - I'm sure a few older geezers remember the little stick of talc and the grater thing that came in old repair kits. A travel size dispenser is convenient.

lcrken · Dec 8, 2015

I use talc (usually in the form of baby powder) on the tube, but never thought of using it on the tire bead for installation. I can't see any reason not to, unless it stays slippery and makes it easier for the tire to move on the rim and tear the tube. I don't use rim locks, but if you do, it's probably not an issue. Might not be an issue even without them. I just don't have any experience to judge by.

Ken

Deets55 · Dec 8, 2015

Dusting the inside of the tire and the outside of the tube lets the tube expand without pinching or binding. I tried that on a set of Honda Comstar rims and worked great. I didn't want to trap any moisture inside of those rims. I didn't have any issue getting the bead to seat. Got about 1000 miles and no tire slippage on the rims. Will probably do the same thing on my Excels when it time for tires. If not I have a gallon of Ruglide (napa) in the garage

Deets55 · Dec 8, 2015

Dusting the inside of the tire and the outside of the tube lets the tube expand without pinching or binding. I tried that on a set of Honda Comstar rims and worked great. I didn't want to trap any moisture inside of those rims. I didn't have any issue getting the bead to seat. Got about 1000 miles and no tire slippage on the rims. Will probably do the same thing on my Excels when it time for tires. If not I have a gallon of Ruglide (napa) in the garage

aceaceca · Dec 8, 2015

When I used a glycerin and water mix for the first time I was amazed at how easy the tire went on. My preference now.

Bernhard · Dec 9, 2015

Washing up liquid is a big NO- NO for fitting tyres :!:
Why :?: because the tyre bead will creep, and if you have tube tyres, it will rip your tube valve out-don’t ask me how I know :!:

There are other lubes other than pure water on the market ;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keyw ... 6llu0d3r_p

http://www.tyre-equipment.co.uk/acatalo ... tml#SID=72

jimbo · Dec 9, 2015

I use this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/No-Mar-Tire-Lub ... 02&vxp=mtr

Rusty bucket · Dec 9, 2015

jimbo said:
I use this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/No-Mar-Tire-Lub ... 02&vxp=mtr

I use the same stuff, it's vegetable based and dries w/ little residue (I've noticed none). I have in the past used Windex to lube a tire before mounting, it works if your quick enough. Soapy water can work too but seems to get everywhere and dry before your ready as does the Windex.

pete.v · Dec 9, 2015

Along with a little lube, these rim protectors are essential.

http://www.motosport.com/product?psrefe ... AhhA8P8HAQ

Deets55 · Dec 9, 2015

or these:

http://www.stubbytiretools.com/Stubby-P ... 0200BL.htm

Pete

pantah_good · Dec 10, 2015

Those Stubby tire tools look interesting, but how hard are they to engage when you get around to the last part of the tire bead to get over the rim, when things get really tight?
Bill

gripper · Dec 10, 2015

Thanks gents, talc worked a treat

Davo · Dec 11, 2015

What's the groups thoughts on using Windex (window cleaner).
Not as slippery as proper tyre lube but does the job and then evaporates.
I've done quite a few this way and never had a problem and nearly every kitchen has a bottle of it!
It does contain solvents and ammonia so perhaps it's not so friendly to rubber.

Danno · Dec 11, 2015

I have a No-Mar tire changer some friends and I invested in. It came with a tub of their vegetable-based lube. Works great, no metal reaction, water-soluble and dries slightly tacky. Judicious application during tire swaps, avoiding getting any on the bead or bead seat of the rim is prudent.

Bernhard · Dec 11, 2015

Davo said:
What's the groups thoughts on using Windex (window cleaner).
Not as slippery as proper tyre lube but does the job and then evaporates.
I've done quite a few this way and never had a problem and nearly every kitchen has a bottle of it!
It does contain solvents and ammonia so perhaps it's not so friendly to rubber.

I have no thoughts or experience of this except, wipe some on a window and leave it, it stays there.