As the title says.

Changed the rear tyre today, no problems with the change, but I can't get the bead to set.

Unfortunately I don't have an air compressor, but last time I changed my tyre I got it to set OK with a foot pump.

The bead isn't sealing against the wheel, so the air is just coming straight out.

Any handy hints will be greatly appreciated, don't really feel like taking the tyre off again.

 

Lay the wheel flat and lightly lift up so the top bead seals.
If that doesn't work, go to a fuel station of somewhere there is compressed air.

I have even shot starting fluid in tires then thrown matches at it. Dangerous....but works when all else fails. DON'T TRY THAT AT HOME KIDS!!

 

^ I've seen videos of the lighter fluid trick but the tire goes back to relax state and your back to square one. Sometimes it works from what I've seen.

A better trick is to run a ratchet strap around the tire to expand it onto the bead.

 

ratchet strap round it or is that just flat faced tyres like cars??

 

Already tried the gas station airline and it still wouldn't pressurise

I'll try the ratchet strap thing tomorrow.

Thanks for the suggestions, keep the ideas coming guys

 

Take out the valve core and try the gas station again.

 

Hawk just for curiosity what brand of tire is it?
Of the 10 times in the last 2 years that I have had to set a bead I've never had one give me any difficulty.

+1 on lifting the tire up
+1 on a ratchet strap
And a ++ 1 on removing the valve core with shop air.

I have used the starter fluid and match method on lawn mower tires - but I have also seen good tires shredded doing that YIKES!!

 

When using the ratchet strap, make sure to use plenty of soapy water. This helps out more than you would think. it will set faster and evenly.

 

Thanks for all the help guys.

I used the starter fluid/match method in the end and it worked like a charm.

However as a foot note. I think the curved valve adapter I was using at first may be defective. Had a spare and used that to inflate the tyre fully and everything is OK now.

Once again thanks for all the help, this is such a great forum, but it's the people that make it that way.