Rear Tire Install Idea

[Fontanaman]

When I change my rear tire I put the center stand on a two x four so the rear wheel / tire clears the rear fender. This works well until installing wheel / tire for it is about 3 inches too low. I don't have enough hands to lift the tire, install caliper, insert the washer, and insert the axle. So here is the solution. A rear tire change box.

The height of the box is 3.125 inches. It slips underneath the tire, holds the tire in place so my hands are free to install caliper, insert the washer, and insert the axle.

The box is easy to make. The interior has 2x4s to make for a sturdy box and easy assembly.

 

[gixxerjasen]

Never used your foot?

Nice easy solution though.

 

[Fontanaman]

Never used your foot?

Nice easy solution though.

Yeah I have used my feet, but I have silicon grand toe joints and a right hip that is going bad. Balancing a tire on my feet does not work too well anymore.

 

[SeattleTy]

Nice job and good idea, makes for simplicity

 

[GL4435]

Nice idea,

... you could customize the dimensions to hold your tire irons, rim protectors and other tire changing gear. Thanks ... another idea I can swipe from the forum!

 

[garauld]

Nice idea. Might I suggest making the sides slightly tapered so it can be moved in/out thus raising/lowering the tire as needed to precisely line up the axle bore.

 

[Fred W]

Nice idea. Might I suggest making the sides slightly tapered so it can be moved in/out thus raising/lowering the tire as needed to precisely line up the axle bore.

Here's what I've done in the past: I slide a fairly long piece (2 or 3 ') of 1 x 8" pine board underneath the tire (after I've rolled it in under the fender) and then lift up the rear end and slide a block of wood under it to lift the axle hole to the right height. Sliding the block of wood in or out adjusts the height so the axle will fit right in.

Something like the OP's more permanent solution but with a height adjustable feature would be primo.

Thinking "outside the box" (sorry), what if the wheel lifter allowed the tire to rest on the ground at it's lowest height? That way you would stick the wheel on the lifter and slide it under the fender together, then jack the wheel up to install height after getting it in position?

Hmmm... Another tool I didn't know I needed, but seems like a really good idea.

 

[jmgrif]

This is why "god" invented beer and friends! But don't drink till everything is buttoned up! Actually in my case I have a lift (lucky me) and I find a 1x4 just long enough to rest on the flanges on either side of the platform gives me the necessary adjustments to fiddle the axle through. I guess if I decide to follow Fairlaner I may have to find another piece of wood.

 

[DeweyIsgod]

I usually change both tires at the same time. With a homemade pipe stand and ratcheting tie downs, it's easy to lower the front end to get more room and then after the new rear is in place, raise it to exactly the heights needed to reassemble. Having the front wheel off while doing the rear makes it easy.

 

[carlson_mn]

Just put the wheel into the hub and it holds itself while you align the spacers and caliper bracket. No need for the axle to hold the rear wheel. I think a lot of people don't know this, lol.

 

[Fred W]

Just put the wheel into the hub and it holds itself while you align the spacers and caliper bracket. No need for the axle to hold the rear wheel. I think a lot of people don't know this, lol.

...and the "trick" for doing that is putting the transmission in gear so you can couple the splines.

But what fun is that if you don't make any new homemade tools?

 

[Dodahdude]

Assuming it's all based off of a 180X55X17. Correct........ Great idea. I hate buying stuff when I can use my mind and make it myself. My son is in augh when I make stuff.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Nice idea Fontanaman!

After engaging the splines, I generally enlist help from the SO to hold the washer in place...works most of the time!

--G

 

[NightShine]

My son is in augh

Sounds kinda painful...