Seating tubeless tire
#1
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Seating tubeless tire
I’ve been running tubeless on my mountain bike, and it is definitely the way to go. Lower tire pressure means a smother ride, and potential flats just seal themselves up. Lately I’ve been able to hear a ball of tire sealant rolling around in my rear tire, so I decided it was time for some maintenance. I removed the wheel, took the tire off, removed the ball of goo, and cleaned the inside of the tire (that was a lot of work). I got the tire back on the wheel and used my air compressor to attempt to seat the tire. But because of gaps between the tire and the rim wall, I’m not able to seat the tire. I tried to work the tire to sit prettier in the rim, but to no avail. Also watched a couple of YouTube videos, but didn’t really see this issue being addressed. Has anybody else had to deal with this?
Last edited by robkyle; 07-27-20 at 04:13 PM. Reason: Spelling
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Hi Rob,
I would try to get the beads of the tires as much to the outside of the rim as possible. That is where they seal.
If you have a compressor you should then be able to pump it fast enough.
You can also remove the valve from the valve stem for better airflow.
Once the tire is seated you will have to go back to install the valve again.
Hope that helps!
I would try to get the beads of the tires as much to the outside of the rim as possible. That is where they seal.
If you have a compressor you should then be able to pump it fast enough.
You can also remove the valve from the valve stem for better airflow.
Once the tire is seated you will have to go back to install the valve again.
Hope that helps!
#3
Non omnino gravis
#4
Senior Member
Just checking--do you have sealant in there? It can be easier to seat with sealant already installed, even though its messy. Also make sure you remove the valve core from the valve--this will drastically improve airflow. You can stop it with your finger when the tire is seated, and quickly reinsert the core without losing all the air/spraying sealant everywhere.
#5
Senior Member
I've usually been able to get stubborn tires to inflate just by bouncing them around on the ground to force the tire out more towards the bead then trying with the compressor again. You can also try spraying the tire down with soapy water to make it slippery and easier for it to move onto the bead.
#6
Dino Sore
Have you tried applying soapy water to the tire bead? I keep a spray bottle of water and dish soap and that usually works. For problematic tires, I will fill a bucket with really soapy water and apply it liberally with a brush. That always does the trick.
With regard to the compressor, I always had problems using the standard schrader air chuck with a presta adapter. Removing the presta valve core can sometimes help with getting more air into the tire and seating the beads. I finally bought a Prestacycle Prestaflator which works great. It has a lever to give you a blast of air, and a variety of chucks including a couple that work on presta valves.
Also, if you want to clean out the tire, only remove the bead on one side. That makes it a lot easier to get the tire to reseat.
With regard to the compressor, I always had problems using the standard schrader air chuck with a presta adapter. Removing the presta valve core can sometimes help with getting more air into the tire and seating the beads. I finally bought a Prestacycle Prestaflator which works great. It has a lever to give you a blast of air, and a variety of chucks including a couple that work on presta valves.
Also, if you want to clean out the tire, only remove the bead on one side. That makes it a lot easier to get the tire to reseat.
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Are you removing the valve core before trying to seat the tires?
You need a lot of air flow and the valve core slows it down a lot.
You need a lot of air flow and the valve core slows it down a lot.
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I use a floor pump - fast - faster -FASTEST! It always works eventually! 🙃
You need to get it to seat so don’t stop until pop, pop, pop - at about the 45 lb Mark usually.
You need to get it to seat so don’t stop until pop, pop, pop - at about the 45 lb Mark usually.
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I tried this (with a basic floor pump), couldn't get it to work. Maybe it will work for you with a compressor. Basically: use a tire lever to seat the bead about half the circumference on each side.