ATVs may be a vehicle that brings to mind images of farmers speeding through grassy fields or daredevils darting across the sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert. But did you know that ATVs can also be highly beneficial for your physical and mental health?
Not only do ATVs keep you fit and in shape, but they can also relieve stress and help expose you to some much-needed Vitamin D.
However, this does not mean that ATVs do not come with some negative side effects, something a seasoned rider knows all too well. If you happen to own one of these vehicles, then chances are you have had to repair or change one of its tires, which can be a very complex and time-consuming process.
This is because changing an ATV tire involves breaking the tire bead, which is a lot more difficult than it actually sounds.
Although you can easily send your broken ATV tires to a professional tire shop, you can also save a lot of time and money by repairing them yourself. But how do you break the bead on an ATV tire?
Down below, we have outlined the process of how to break your tire bead, as well as the various tools and equipment you will need to get the job done.
So if this is your first time changing an ATV tire, our informative instructions have everything you need to complete the process without a hitch.
Contents
What Is The Bead On A Tire?
The reason why changing ATV tires is so difficult is because of an attribute called the bead retainer, which is a small bump that is usually located close to the lip of the inside rim.
This bump goes all the way around the rim’s circumference and is used primarily to keep the tire in place when the ATV is being used.
However, this is not the only bead on your ATV, as the tires themselves are also equipped with a tire bead, which can usually be found running along the inside circumference of the rubber.
Typically, tire beads will take the form of a strong steel cable, which helps to create a secure and inforced loop within the tire.
When your tire has been beaded, this means that the tire bead has been pressed over the bead retainer and is resting against the inside lip of the rim.
This helps to keep the tire in place and prevents it from sliding sideways, allowing the user to partake in some aggressive riding without being concerned about the tire’s security.
Although tire beads and retainers help keep the tires secure and in place, this does not mean that they are airtight, as this is primarily achieved by the air pressure inside the tires themselves.
Because of this air pressure, the tire is constantly being pushed outwards against the lip of the rim, which also helps to keep the tire secure during the overall riding experience.
How To Break The Bead On An ATV Tire
When it comes to breaking the bead on an ATV tire, numerous methods can be used to accomplish this particular task. However, we believe that the method we have outlined down below is the best and safest way to get the job done.
For this method, you do not need to use a tire-mounting machine or any other equipment you may encounter in a professional shop. Instead, all you need is a valve stem tool and a bead breaker, which can vary depending on your preferences. (But we’ll get to that later).
First, let’s take a look at how you can break the bead on your ATV tire:
- Take your ATV tire and lay it down on a flat and solid surface. Use the valve stem tool on the tire valve, as this is a quick and affordable way to empty the tire of its air. If you are unable to obtain or purchase a valve stem tool, then you can also release the air by pushing in the pin. However, this is a very slow process and can take hours to fully deflate.
- For the next step, you will need to lubricate the tire, which can be done in one of two ways. You can either purchase some tire mount lubricant paste, or you can take some soap and water and mix them together in a plastic spray bottle. Although both methods will yield the same results, we do recommend using the paste for a more efficient process.
- Now it’s time for the bead breaker! Although you can use a variety of different tools to break the tire bead, we recommend using a BeadBuster for the best results. This tool has been specifically designed for the purpose of breaking beads and is often used by ATV owners when it comes to repairing their tires.
- If you have chosen to use a BeadBuster, then you can set it between the rim and sidewall of the tire, before using a power tool to tighten the BeadBuster to the drive. This should help to dislodge the tire from the bead and is arguably the most efficient way to approach the process. However, if you have opted for a different tool, then use it to remove the bead from the tire, which will probably follow a very similar method.
- Use the lubricant to spray the second area of the tire and then repeat the process again. You will have to do this as many times as it is needed, which could be anything from two to five times. Once the tire has broken from the bead, you must flip the tire over and repeat the previous steps on the opposite side.
What Tools Can You Use To Break The Bead On An ATV Tire?
As we previously mentioned, there are a variety of tools that can be used to break the bead on your ATV tire, with each one ranging in its features and capabilities. Some of these tools are known to be very expensive, while others are available at more affordable prices.
If you choose to go with a cheaper option, you could run into some problems with the quality of the tool you are using. However, most bead breaker tools are effective in their job, and the decision of which one you use will often depend on your own taste and preferences.
Let’s take a look at some of the best bead breaker tools on the market…
BeadBuster
We have already discussed the various benefits of using a BeadBuster to break the bead on your tire, but we think it needs to be said again.
The BeadBuster is a special tool that has been specifically created to break tire beads, and it comes in the form of a small clamp that can be attached to the rim of the tire.
The clamp then creates a wedge that forces the bead to go down over the bead retainer without causing any harm or damage.
Unlike many other bead breaker tools, the BeadBuster does not come with the risk of damaging the tire or the wheel, as it can only be applied to the head of the tire.
Because of this, the BeadBuster greatly reduces any chance of the tire or rim being damaged during the bead-breaking process, which makes it an effective and reliable tool.
Of course, there is one negative side to the BeadBuster: the price of the tool itself. Being the most professional bead breaker that you can purchase, the BeadBuster is often sold at very high prices, making it difficult for some people to easily obtain.
However, if you want your bead-breaking experience to go smoothly, it is still the best tool for the job.
Bead Breaker
If you cannot afford a BeadBuster or prefer to use more manual tools, then you can also use a portable bead breaker or tire changer to get the job done.
These are often considered a more affordable option and can usually be purchased from most hardware stores and auto supply shops.
However, this does not mean that portable bead breakers don’t have some negative attributes, especially when changing ATV tires. Because ATVs are primarily used for off-road travel, their tires feature much stronger beads than most vehicles, which can make them more difficult to break when the tires need changing.
When using a portable bead breaker, you will probably find that the tool will slip down the side of the tire instead of breaking the bead, which can make the overall process both stressful and tiring.
In situations like these, you will probably have to tackle the tire for a very long time before the bead breaks, which is not ideal in any given situation.
To combat this problem, you can use methods to make the tire more workable, such as lubricating it with soapy water or leaving a little air inside the tire before you begin the process.
If you choose to do this, then you should never leave more than 3-5 PSI in the tire; otherwise, you could risk the possibility of more damage.
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