Mounting and demounting Procedures A tire cannot perform properly unless it is mounted properly on the correct size rim or wheel. The following are general instructions for demounting and mounting tube-type and tubeless tires. For detailed instructions on mounting and demounting truck tires on particular types of rims and wheels, refer to the instructions of the rim and wheel manufacturer or the Rubber Manufacturer Association (RMA) wall charts. SELECTION OF PROPER COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS: All tires must be mounted with the proper tube and flap (if required) and rim or wheel as indicated in the application data books. Make certain that rim/wheel components are properly matched and of the correct dimensions for the tire. Always fit new tube in a new mounting. Since the tube will exhibit growth in size through normal use, an old tube used in a new mounting increases the possibility of tube creasing and chafing, possibly resulting in failure. Always install a new flap in a new mounting. A flap through extended use becomes hard and brittle. After limited time, it will develop a set to match the tire and rim in which it is fitted. Therefore, it will not exactly match a tire/rim combination. See Section Five for flap recommendations. Always install new valve cores, and metal or hard plastic valve caps containing plastic or rubber seals. On tubeless truck tire valve stems, replace the rubber grommet. For tires requiring 'O' Rings, be sure to install a new one at every tire change. Always use a safety device such as an inflation cage or other OSHA approved device when inflating. Never stand over tire or in front of a tire when inflating. Always use a clip on valve chuck with hose extension and stand to the side when inflating. TIRE AND RIM LUBRICATION: It is essential that an approved vegetable oil base soap solution tire lubricant be used for mounting of tubeless and tube-type tires. The lubricant serves the following purposes: Minimize the possibility of damage to the tire beads from the mounting tools. Eases the insertion of the tire onto the rim by lubrication all contacting surfaces. Assists proper bead seating (tire/rim centering) and helps prevent eccentric mountings. A.TUBELESS TIRES - Apply lubricant to all surfaces of the bead area of the tire. When applying lubricant to the rim, lubricate the entire rim surface from flange to flange. B.TUBE-TYPE TIRES - Apply clean lubricant to all portions of the tire bead area and the exposed portion of the flap using sufficient but sparing quantities of lubricant. Also lubricate the entire rim surface. Avoid using excessive amounts of lubricant which can become trapped between the tire and tube can result in tube damage and rapid air loss. Caution: It is important that tire lubricant be clean and free of dirt, sand, metal shavings or other hard particles. The particles may lodge between the tube and the flap edges resulting in splits in the tube. The following practice is recommended: Use a fresh supply of tire lubricant each day, drawing from a clean supply and placing the lubricant in a clean portable container. Provide a cover for the portable container and/or other means to prevent contamination of the lubricant when not in use. We suggest the following method, which has proven to be successful in minimizing contamination and preventing excess lubricant form entering the tire casing: Provide a special cover for the portable container which has a funnel-like device attached. The small opening of the funnel should be sized so that when a swab is inserted through the opening into the reserve of lubricant and then withdrawn, the swab is compressed, removing excess lubricant. This allows the cover to be left in place providing added protection. A mesh false bottom in the container is a further safeguard against contaminants. The tire should be mounted and inflated promptly before lubricant dries. PREPARATION OF WHEELS, RIMS AND TIRES: Never weld or apply heat to a rim or wheel on which a tire is mounted. Always wear safety goggles or face shields when buffing or grinding rims or wheels. Inspect wheel/rim assemblies for cracks, distortion, deforming of flanges, side rings, lock rings, etc. Using a file and/or emery cloth, smooth all burrs, welds, dents, etc. that are present on the tire side of the rim. Inspect the condition of bolt holes on the wheels. Remove rust with a wire brush and apply rust inhibiting paint. Remove any accumulation of the rubber or grease, which might be stuck to the tire, being careful not to damage it. Wipe the beads down with a dry rag. Make sure there is no water, dirt, or foreign material inside the tire before inserting the tube.