Tubeless tires have become more popular among riders because they work better, have fewer flats, and have less rolling resistance. But there are times when a flat tire needs to be taken off for maintenance or repairs.
In this long article, we’ll talk about the tools you’ll need and show you step-by-step how to take a tubeless tire off a bike.
Tools Required
Before you try to take a flat tire off your bike, make sure you have everything you need.
Tire Irons: tire levers are important tools for getting the tire bead over the edge of the rim in a safe way. Tire sliders are usually made of strong metal or plastic, and they have a hook on one end. They give you enough force to lift the tire bead off the rim without hurting the tire or the rim.
Valve Core Removal Tool: The valve core is removed from the tubeless valve stem using this tool. With the valve core removal tool, you can unscrew the valve core, letting air out of the tire. By taking out the valve core, you can make sure the tire is completely flat before trying to take it off the rim.
Compressed Air Or Floor Pump: It’s best to fully empty the tubeless tire before taking it off to make the process easier. To remove air from a tire, you can use a source of compressed air or a floor pump with a Presta or Schrader valve attachment.
Lubricant: By reducing the amount of friction between the tire and the rim, lube-like soapy water can make it much easier to take off the tire.
Bucket or Basin: When you take off a flat tire, sealant or liquid that is inside the tire could leak out. If you put a bucket or basin under the tire, any drips will be caught and won’t make a mess. This step helps keep your workspace clean.
Safety Gloves: Wearing gloves when taking off a tire is not a must but it can be helpful. Gloves help you hold onto things better and protect your hands from sharp edges and liquids like a sealant. They also keep your hands clean, especially if you are working with dirty or greasy tires.
How To Remove A Tubeless Tire: Step By Step Guide
Getting a tubeless tire off a bike can be a little harder than getting an inner tube tire off. But don’t worry, if you have the right tools and know-how, you can do it. Let me help you to do it
Step 1: Get The Work Area Ready
Find a flat, stable area to work on before you start. Prepare enough space to operate in as well as a sufficient amount of light.
Step 2: Get The Tools You Need
Check carefully that you have all of the following equipment ready: tire levers (tire irons), a valve core removal tool, compressed air or a floor pump, lubricant (like soapy water), a bucket or bowl, and safety gloves.
Step 3: Let The Tire’s Air Out
Using the tool designed specifically for removing valve cores, remove the valve core from the tubeless valve stem. Before removing the wheel, do this, as it will allow the air to get out from the tire and ensure that it is completely deflated.
Step 4: Put The Bike In Place
Put the bike in a safe position, either on a bike stand or upside down with the wheels facing up. This will make the tire easy to get to and take off.
Step 5: Put Some Oil On It
Put a small amount of grease (like soapy water) on the tire bead to make the tire and rim move more smoothly. This will help the tire slide off the rim more easily.
Step 6: Put The tire Lever In Place
Put one tire lever between the tire bead and the rim, starting near the valve stem. Catch the edge of the tire bead with the hook end of the lever.
Step 7: Pull Up On The tire Bead
Once the tire lever is in place, pull it up to lift the bead of the tire over the edge of the rim. Make sure you don’t use too much force, which could damage the tire or rim. If you need to keep lifting the tire bead, put more tire levers a few inches apart.
Step 8: Take The tire Off The First Side
Once you’ve pulled one side of the tire bead over the edge of the rim, slowly pull the tire so that it comes out of the rim with your hands as you move around the wheel. Keep going until one side of the tire is off the rim completely.
Step 9: Take The tire Off The Other Side
Hook the tire handle onto the bead of the tire near the valve stem. Use the tool to move the tire bead over the edge of the rim. Again, use your hands to slowly pull the tire off as you move around the wheel.
Step 10: Put It Away And Clean Up
Once you’ve taken the tire off, put it somewhere safe and clean. Clean the rim and look it over to see if it’s broken or full of dirt. You can also use the bucket or bowl below to clean up any sealant or liquid that may have dripped.
With the tire removed, carefully inspect both the tire and the rim for any damage or debris that may have caused the need for removal. Clean the rim and tire thoroughly, removing any foreign objects or adhesive residue that might impede proper reinstallation.
Is It Possible To Remove Tires Without Tools?
It is possible to take off flat tires without tools, but it can be hard to do. If you don’t care and try to do it, you might run into some trouble. First of all, tubeless tires tend to fit tighter, so it’s easier to do the job with tools.
Without tools, it will probably be hard to break the bead and pry the tire off the rim. Second, if you try to push it off without tools, you could damage the tire or rim.
Most of the time, it’s safer and easier to use tire lifts or other tools made for the job. So, my advice would be to use tools. You can save time, and it might even help you avoid some hassle.
How to Remove Tubeless Tire By Hand
Removing a tubeless tire by hand can be a bit more challenging compared to using tire levers or other tools, but it is possible. Here is the process:
Deflate the tire: Remove the valve core or press the valve stem to release all the air from the tire. Ensure it is completely deflated.
Break the bead: The bead is the part of the tire that sits tightly against the rim. To break the bead without tools, stand on one side of the tire to hold it in place. Then, with your hands, push down on the opposite side of the tire around the circumference, applying pressure to break the bead away from the rim. This might require some force and can be easier if the tire is warmed beforehand.
Push the tire into the center of the rim: Once the bead is broken on one side, push the tire into the center of the rim. This creates slack on the opposite side and makes it easier to remove the tire.
Remove the tire off the rim: With the tire pushed into the rim’s center, use your hands to work the tire off the rim edge gradually. Start in one place and move around, pushing the tire over the rim edge. It might be helpful to alternate between using your fingers and palms to apply even pressure.
Remove the tire altogether: Once one side of the tire is off, move to the other side and repeat the process. Push the tire into the rim’s center, then work your way around, gradually removing the tire from the rim.
Be Careful While Removing
When removing a flat tire from a bicycle, be careful about certain things. Here are a few of them:
Be cautious with tire levers: If you’re using tire levers to help you remove the tire, don’t use too much force or pressure. Putting too much force on the tire or rim can hurt them. Use the buttons carefully and in a planned way.
Protect the rim tape: The rim tape covers the spoke holes in the rim, which keeps the tubeless fluid from leaking. Be mindful not to damage or displace the rim tape. If it gets broken, you might have to fix it before putting the tire back on.
Watch out for the valve stem: If the valve core is replaceable, remove it before you try to remove the tire. When working around the valve, be careful not to damage the valve stem or the hole in the valve in the rim.
Avoid sharp objects: Be careful not to run into anything sharp that could damage or hurt you. Make sure there are no foreign items in the tire or on the rim that could hurt you or the tire.
Maintain control over the tire: As you pull the tire off the rim, try to keep your grip on it. When stress is suddenly released, the tire can snap back onto the rim with a lot of force, which could hurt someone. Please don’t put your hands or fingers anywhere that could pinch them.
Final Words
In the end, taking off a tubeless tire from your bike may take some work and care, but don’t let that stop you! You can get through any problem if you have the right tools, skills, and a good attitude.
Remember, the key is to keep going. Don’t rush through the steps. take your time and do them properly. If you’re having trouble, don’t be afraid to ask for help or watch how-to movies to build your confidence.
Have fun riding!
