Karting Tires

 

Karting Tires – How to Mount Go Kart Tires

Replacement of karting tires carries with it a risk of injury, but it can be done using proper safety precautions. The main challenge to mounting go kart tires is due to the fact that the wheels are one piece. The first time you attempt to mount karting tires will probably take you several hours, but don’t get discouraged because each time you perform the process it will get easier and faster.

The first step in mounting karting tires is to heat the tire in an oven or tire box. Since most people do not own tire boxes an oven will suffice. When an oven is not available it is also possible to simply lay the tire out in the sun for a couple of hours. This isn’t the most efficient approach, but it will help. Heating go kart tires will make removal easier.

Karting Tires – Discharging Air and Removing Bead Locks

Discharge the air from the tire by inserting something inside the tire valve and continuing until you no longer hear the air discharging. Most rims for karting tires will have 3 screws, also called bead locks. Remove these bead locks using either a bead lock tool or the proper size of Allen wrench. Remove the valve core and set it aside in a safe place.

The next step is to break the bead by placing the tire under a bead breaker and then applying pressure to the tire by forcing down the lever. Some bead breakers will allow you to break beads on both sides at the same time while others will require you to break one side at a time. Used bead breakers for karting tires can often be bought for under $50 on shopping sites such as eBay.

Before sliding the tire off it is a good idea to use some type of non-oil-based lubricate such as a spray-on soap-based liquid around the rim and tire. This will make it easier to slide off the tire. Do not use a tire iron as it can cause damage. Push down one side of the tire until it looks flat. On the non-flat side of the tire, push it over the rim until the top non-flat side of the tire comes off of the rim. At this point, one side will be off the rim while the other side will still be on the rim. Repeat the process by flattening down one side of the tire and then forcing the non-flattened side off the rim. This may take quite a bit of manual force.

It’s now time to mount the new go kart tire. Be sure to check the tire itself to make sure the arrows are pointing in the right direction. After mounting, the visible outer side of the tire will show the arrows pointing forward in the direction the karting tires will revolve.

Lubricate the inside edge of the tire to be mounted by spraying on a mixture of soap and water. It’s best to start by inserting the inside part of the rim (the side that will not be visible once the karting tires are mounted and placed on a go kart). Push the inside part of the rim down into the tire opening and with a rolling motion push it until the inside of the rim is completely inside the tire.

Inserting the outside part of the rim into the tire can be a bit more difficult. Squeeze one section of the tire until both the inside and outside areas have been pushed close together. The middle of the tire should now be creased down toward the rim. With the tire on its side on the ground (with the outside of the tire facing up), push down on the squeezed area until the outside part has been forced over the rim.

Before adding air make sure the edges of the karting tires are outside of the bead locks. If the bead locks are not inside the karting tires edge it can cause tearing. Spray some lubricant onto the edges of the karting tires before inflating. Using an air pressure hose add air until you hear the two loud pops as the tire pops into place. Tighten down the bead locks, making sure not to tighten them too tightly. Adjust the air pressure according to the manufacturers suggestions. Spray your soap and water solution around the bead locks to make sure no air is leaking in those areas.

Video – How to Mount Karting Tires Safely and Efficiently