TYK How To Guide: How to Install an Inner Tube

Flat tires happen at the worst time- whether it’s in the field, on the road, or in your yard it's never ideal timing. The good news? You can properly install your own inner tubes yourself.

Learning how to install an inner tube is a simple skill that saves time, money, and frustration. With the right tools and TYK Industries' clear steps, you can handle inner tube replacement yourself and get your equipment rolling again fast.

Installing a TYK Industries inner tube is a manageable task with the right tools and careful attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Tools You'll Need

• Tire irons, pry bars or screw drivers
• Rubber mallet
• Valve core removal tool
• Valve stem fishing tool
• Air pump or compressor
• Talcum powder or baby powder (optional but recommended)
• Soapy water (for lubrication)

 Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Remove the Wheel and Deflate the Tire
• Safely remove the wheel from your vehicle or equipment.
• Use the valve core removal tool to fully deflate the tire.
2. Break the Tire Bead
• Use a rubber mallet to gently tap around the tire sidewall, loosening the bead from the rim.
• Work around the circumference until the bead is free on one side.
3. Remove One Side of the Tire
• Insert tire irons between the tire and rim to pry one side of the tire over the rim edge.
• Work incrementally around the rim until one side of the tire is completely off.
4. Prepare the Inner Tube
• Lightly inflate the new inner tube just enough to give it shape.
• Dust the tube with talcum powder to reduce friction and prevent pinching during installation.
5. Insert the Inner Tube
• Place the tube inside the tire, ensuring it sits evenly without twists.
• Using a valve fishing tool, align the valve stem with the rim's valve hole and insert it through. Make note of the valve stem placement on the inner tube prior to installation. Valve stems that are off-center (most tubes) should be aligned properly with the side of the wheel that has the off-center valve stem hole before installation to prevent the valve stem from being ripped during inflation.
6. Re-seat the Tire Bead
• Carefully work the tire back onto the rim using tire irons, being cautious not to pinch the tube.
• Ensure the valve stem remains straight and properly positioned.
7. Inflate the Tire
• Gradually inflate the tire, checking that the bead seats evenly around the rim.
• Inflate to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
8. Final Checks
• Inspect the tire to ensure the bead is fully seated and the valve stem is straight.
• Reinstall the wheel onto your vehicle or equipment.

PRO TIPS:

1.       Inflate the inner tube 24 hours before installation.
This allows you to ensure the tube is functioning properly and is in factory-perfect condition before installation.

2.       Matching the stem to the valve hole is critical

While the inner tube is inflated, check the valve stem position on off-set valve stem tubes. This allows you to match the valve stem position on the inner tube with the valve hole position on the wheel. If unchecked and accidentally installed in reverse, the stem will experience extreme pressure during inflation causing damage and tube failure.

3.       Use blunt end removal/installation tools

When mounting the tire on the wheel, use extreme care and blunt end tools to reduce the chance of piercing the inner tube. Sharp, flat edged screwdrivers and inner tubes don’t hang out at the same parties.

4.       Inflate slowly

This allows the inner tube to take shape while helping to prevent folding and pinching inside the tire during inflation. Slow inflation also helps prevent excessive pressure on the valve stem as the tube moves into position inside the tire.