View Full Version : Change your own tires?
Hi all,
How many of you do your own tires change? I've changed tires before, but only one at a time. Would it be different if I am changing all 4? Anything that the shop does that I can't do it myself?
I am thinking of doing this in the afternoon since I don't have the time to go to the garage in the next few days, and snow is hitting us on wed.
Let's share!
Chris
SSmoked
12-07-2009, 08:17 AM
changing just the tire or the tire and rim assembly?? its pretty simply to do it on your own just jack one side of the car up put some safety stand unbolt front and rear rims take them off and bolt on winter rims. same thing for the other side.
i changed my summer rims to winters on my driveway, and at the adjusted my coil overs to there max height.
cwp_sedan
12-07-2009, 08:18 AM
+1
It will just take you 4 times as long as doing one lol. Just make sure the lug nuts are tightened correctly to the proper torque setting.
I did mine myself and all I had was a small 2-tonne jack and some wrenches. Just do one at a time and it will be fine.
SL3VIN
12-07-2009, 10:25 AM
I do mine every season, I use an impact gun a torque wrench and a 2 tonne jack.
Just rbm when you are tightening the lugs to do them diagonally to each other. So if you do the top lug do the bottom next or if you do the upper right do the lower left next. That way you will ensure that the rim is evenly put on.
Also the torque wrench is important to see if you tighten the lugs to the proper factory settings... about 90lbs i think..??
RedRaptor
12-07-2009, 10:44 AM
About four years ago when I knew nothing at all about cars, MajesticBlueNTO offered to swap my winter tires for me. In the process, he also showed me how to do it. Ever since then, I've done my own tires swaps and would never let a shop touch my rims unless I had to. Thanks Neil. :)
kevcol74
12-07-2009, 10:50 AM
Swapping is easy (if you are talking about rims, not tires alone!!) with the proper tools.
It takes me 45 minutes at most, only because I always inspect my brakes while I'm at it. (adjust rear drums if my car has them, which my Escape does) And I always do it all with hand tools, I don't have an air compressor...yet....lol
Torque with a torque wrench when putting them back on, and re-torque after 500kms or so (everyone always forgets this!!)
I do believe 90 ft/lbs is a tad too much, I use 85, but there is a torque "window" in your manual....
STeeLy
12-07-2009, 10:51 AM
Yeah, like a few in here, I jack up the sides of the car instead of front and back.
2 Tonne Michelin Jack, 2 Jackstands, Breaker bar and Torque Wrench.
Jack up one side at a time, swap tires, switch to the other side, swap tires.
Takes me about an hour or so from start to finish.
x_o_k_x
12-07-2009, 11:05 AM
It takes me less then 20min, lift one side so that both tires are of the ground. Much easier and quicker especially if you have prokits. I always do my friends and mines lol. I did dozens of tire changes so its alot quicker for me
froggy
12-07-2009, 11:54 AM
I do mine every season, I use an impact gun a torque wrench and a 2 tonne jack.
Just rbm when you are tightening the lugs to do them diagonally to each other. So if you do the top lug do the bottom next or if you do the upper right do the lower left next. That way you will ensure that the rim is evenly put on.
Also the torque wrench is important to see if you tighten the lugs to the proper factory settings... about 90lbs i think..??
65 - 85 ft.lbs
Sorry I didn't clarify, I meant just putting the steelies with tires already mounted but not just putting the tires on ;)
Going to pick up a torque wrench now: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Wrenches/SpecialtyWrenches/PRD~0588660P/Torque%2BWrench%252C%2B1%252B2-in.%2B.jsp
cwp_sedan
12-07-2009, 02:18 PM
Sorry I didn't clarify, I meant just putting the steelies with tires already mounted but not just putting the tires on ;)
Going to pick up a torque wrench now: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Wrenches/SpecialtyWrenches/PRD~0588660P/Torque%2BWrench%252C%2B1%252B2-in.%2B.jsp
I'm not sure how good that one is but I'm sure it would get the job done. Princess Auto has a decent torque wrench that is probably more accurate. I heard they were sold out but they may have gotten more.
http://www.princessauto.com/vmchk/tools/hand-tools/sockets-accessories/2919389-1/2-dr-dual-scale-torque-wrench
Walrus
12-07-2009, 02:21 PM
Eek don't buy that pos. Get the click style.
I have this one (http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=944732&Ntt=944732&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=0&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber) from Home Depot.
SL3VIN
12-07-2009, 03:28 PM
or invest in a snap-on one, best money can buy
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=953&store=snapon-store
Soyabean
12-07-2009, 03:43 PM
Hmmm, I've done my tires twice and yes, i know we should use the torque wrench. But I dont use one. I just tighten it as hard as I can. I put anti seize on the lugs before I tighten them and so far everytime I take off the tires it hasn't seized *knock on wood*. Would I still need one knowing that it works perfectly fine for me? (or at least I think it's perfectly fine)
Hives
12-07-2009, 03:51 PM
I just take them off and tighten the lugs by hand till its tight. I have a bad ass impact gun that would take anything off, so im not ever worried about tight lugs lol The shop I went to tightened my new winters with an impact gun. Hope it comes off in spring.
cwp_sedan
12-07-2009, 03:58 PM
Hmmm, I've done my tires twice and yes, i know we should use the torque wrench. But I dont use one. I just tighten it as hard as I can. I put anti seize on the lugs before I tighten them and so far everytime I take off the tires it hasn't seized *knock on wood*. Would I still need one knowing that it works perfectly fine for me? (or at least I think it's perfectly fine)
NEVER, NEVER apply anti-seize to the lugs or studs!! If you want to apply some to the hub then ok but even then it isn't really required.
Noisy Crow
12-07-2009, 04:06 PM
Where do you guys put the jack to lift the entire side of the car at once? I'd be worried about bending something as the side sills are normally load-bearing...
Soyabean
12-07-2009, 04:11 PM
NEVER, NEVER apply anti-seize to the lugs or studs!! If you want to apply some to the hub then ok but even then it isn't really required.
whoops. Why should we never do it? Cuz the lugs might loosen?
cwp_sedan
12-07-2009, 04:22 PM
whoops. Why should we never do it? Cuz the lugs might loosen?
I'm sure anti-seize may cause the loosening on the lugs if they aren't tightened properly, but that's not my main concern. The problem with anti-seize is that it lubricates the threads, which can result in a very much higher tension in the bolt/stud. You could snap off a stud if you aren't careful.
Did mine this weekend. No torque wrench either, just by hand guess. I would say not "As tight as you can" either, unless you are a sissy. 65-85ft.lbs is not that hard.
tweak_s
12-07-2009, 04:30 PM
Always do mine.
Hardest part is jacking up the car when its lowered, LOL.
Soyabean
12-07-2009, 04:31 PM
I'm sure anti-seize may cause the loosening on the lugs if they aren't tightened properly, but that's not my main concern. The problem with anti-seize is that it lubricates the threads, which can result in a very much higher tension in the bolt/stud. You could snap off a stud if you aren't careful.
How would the stud snap off though? Well i know now, maybe next spring i'll avoid using it. Stupid advice from my dad lol
cwp_sedan
12-07-2009, 04:37 PM
How would the stud snap off though? Well i know now, maybe next spring i'll avoid using it. Stupid advice from my dad lol
I hear of people doing it all of the time. I personally don't use it. It will help to prevent corrosion but could cause ill effects at the same time. If you do continue to use it only use as little as you can.
Did mine this weekend. No torque wrench either, just by hand guess. I would say not "As tight as you can" either, unless you are a sissy. 65-85ft.lbs is not that hard.
Sissy? It's extremely easy to over-torque lugs. You would be surprised how many people think they aren't over tightening when really they are.
mazdaskit
12-07-2009, 04:43 PM
ive always done all my own stuff.. id even do my own services if i didnt have warranty lol
froggy
12-07-2009, 05:42 PM
Where do you guys put the jack to lift the entire side of the car at once? I'd be worried about bending something as the side sills are normally load-bearing...
at the normal point you just have to keep on jacking up up and away, something like 12" and you should be able to get both wheels off the ground, or if you are not comfortable with that use the floor jack to get the front side most of the way up and use the regular trunk jack to get the back end the rest of the way up. Of course always use axle stands.
DumpInfo
12-07-2009, 05:45 PM
I just pay cause I can't be bothered :chuckle
laksman91
12-07-2009, 05:54 PM
As long as your wheels are mounted and balanced, you're set to do this no your own.
Noisy Crow
12-07-2009, 06:11 PM
at the normal point you just have to keep on jacking up up and away, something like 12" and you should be able to get both wheels off the ground, or if you are not comfortable with that use the floor jack to get the front side most of the way up and use the regular trunk jack to get the back end the rest of the way up. Of course always use axle stands.
Thanks... I'm not sure my jack will lift that high... I normally just jack the car high enough to for the tire to clear the ground. I'll have to see when I put the summer tires back on in the spring.
Just did it myself. It took around 1.5hr. I bought the torque wrench, but I didn't have the right size lug to use it (silly me, I thought i did). With that said, I just tightened it the best that I could without feeling like I am over tightening it. I will drop by one of the garage I usually go to during my days off on thur/fri to make sure they are properly tightened.
fourtrack78
12-08-2009, 12:06 PM
what size are the sockets?
Walrus
12-08-2009, 12:21 PM
21mm
cwp_sedan
12-08-2009, 12:51 PM
I have also heard that 13/16" fits better. But I'm sure both 21mm and 13/16" would work just fine.
Did mine this weekend. No torque wrench either, just by hand guess. I would say not "As tight as you can" either, unless you are a sissy. 65-85ft.lbs is not that hard.
Sissy? It's extremely easy to over-torque lugs. You would be surprised how many people think they aren't over tightening when really they are.
That was exactly my point, it's very easy to over torque them, hence only a sissy would use the "as tight as you can" method previously posted.
Jeremy
I have also heard that 13/16" fits better. But I'm sure both 21mm and 13/16" would work just fine.
I tried a 13/16" on mine, it didn't fit! (Stock lugs)
ShortBus
12-08-2009, 08:57 PM
I tried a 13/16" on mine, it didn't fit! (Stock lugs)
unless the speed3's are a different size i don't see why it doesn't fit, as i use 13/16" on mine because my socket set didn't come with 21mm.
i don't do one side at a time because i don't want to ruin the pinch welds (not that they are that important) so i do the front/back at once.
kevcol74
12-08-2009, 09:14 PM
unless the speed3's are a different size i don't see why it doesn't fit, as i use 13/16" on mine because my socket set didn't come with 21mm.
i don't do one side at a time because i don't want to ruin the pinch welds (not that they are that important) so i do the front/back at once.
Wow, its good to know you are not damaging your pinch welds, but the fact you don't know their importance boggles me! The rocker is welded to the inside rail/wall, basically creating a "boxed" section from front wheel to back. Your car is unibody, meaning no frame that a body bolts to.... Do you think that means you have no frame? That pinch weld, is the bottom of your "frame", and a very important part of the structure of your car's body.
I fail to see how people "save time" by jack the whole side of the car up at once. If I just do a swap (without checking my brakes, which you really should do while you are there!!) it takes me 20 minutes with HAND TOOLS!
ShortBus
12-08-2009, 09:43 PM
Wow, its good to know you are not damaging your pinch welds, but the fact you don't know their importance bogles me! The rocker is welded to the inside rail/wall, basically creating a "boxed" section from front wheel to back. Your car is unibody, meaning no fram that a body bolts to.... Do you think that means you have no frame? That pinch weld, is the bottom of your "frame", and a very important part of the structure of your car's body.
I fail to see how people "save time" by jack the whole side of the car up at once. If I just do a swap (without checking my brakes, which you really should do while you are there!!) it takes me 20 minutes with HAND TOOLS!
yes i know what the pinch welds are but if you flaten/fold the weld (lip) when you jack up the car with a floor jack from the side your car is not going to fall apart.
kevcol74
12-08-2009, 11:27 PM
yes i know what the pinch welds are but if you flaten/fold the weld (lip) when you jack up the car with a floor jack from the side your car is not going to fall apart.
Well, thats not true... depends on how rusty they are! :chuckle
BiG-ED
12-08-2009, 11:48 PM
gahhhh
was just putting my tires on now BUT as i took the lugs off the back wheels (13/16 also doesnt fit) the wheels were just straight stuck onto the axle.
ive tried the wood block and hammer
tried heating the hub
tried kicking and just pretty much everything involving brute force.
tried lubing it too.
any other suggestions?
or am i going to have to just give'r in to maz with 2 steelies already on. :P
edit: nvm. 4 cans of lube and 20 mins of straight kicking later, finally got them off. :P
froggy
12-09-2009, 10:13 AM
unless the speed3's are a different size i don't see why it doesn't fit, as i use 13/16" on mine because my socket set didn't come with 21mm.
i don't do one side at a time because i don't want to ruin the pinch welds (not that they are that important) so i do the front/back at once.
that works fine for changing the tires but if your doing a rotation and you have directional wheels then that method just doesn't work. you have to do one side at a time
kevcol74
12-09-2009, 10:38 AM
that works fine for changing the tires but if your doing a rotation and you have directional wheels then that method just doesn't work. you have to do one side at a time
Not if you use your spare tire... :chuckle
Jack stand FTW here, you don't have to jack up the entire side with one lift! lol
mazda lover
12-09-2009, 12:42 PM
I have also heard that 13/16" fits better. But I'm sure both 21mm and 13/16" would work just fine.
i use 13/16 I have my own air compressor and air gun and 3 ton floor jack. Done in no time..
ShortBus
12-09-2009, 12:42 PM
that works fine for changing the tires but if your doing a rotation and you have directional wheels then that method just doesn't work. you have to do one side at a time
that's what my 4 jack stands are for.
froggy
12-09-2009, 01:02 PM
that's what my 4 jack stands are for.
lol well I don't have four jack stands I only have 2 plus I don't have room in my garage to be able to park the car in the middle of it and have enough room to work on both sides at once. I do one side turn the car around, do the other side I know it sucks but I still get it done in about 45 mins - 1 hour
bubba1983
12-09-2009, 09:48 PM
jus did mine tonght..took all of a whopping 5min
cwp_sedan
12-09-2009, 10:04 PM
jus did mine tonght..took all of a whopping 5min
Must have been nice in your heated garage! :chuckle
kevcol74
12-09-2009, 10:40 PM
jus did mine tonght..took all of a whopping 5min
Thats BS Bubba! I know you'd have a beer for every wheel you pulled....:chuckle
bubba1983
12-10-2009, 07:57 AM
lol no no no
heated garage, or non heated garage, it only takes a whopping 5min anyways!
ive done it in a snowstorm in teh driveway....5min, whoopie lol
Noisy Crow
12-10-2009, 09:26 AM
lol no no no
heated garage, or non heated garage, it only takes a whopping 5min anyways!
ive done it in a snowstorm in teh driveway....5min, whoopie lol
Yep.. go outside, fish around in the garage for the jack, drop the jack handle on your foot, swear, decide, "the hell with it," toss the jack back in the garage and go back inside and have a beer: five minutes, tops! :chuckle
bubba1983
12-10-2009, 09:55 AM
seee he knows!!
Fobio
12-10-2009, 10:20 AM
ok...this is gonna sound kinda bad cuz you guys know I'm all about doing it right...
I usually jack the car up somewhere under the hinge of the front door. there's spot there that I can use to regularly jack up the whole side of the car, not just the corner. doing it this way, I can get both wheels off of one side and put two back on without jacking each and every frickin' corner.
taking my time, it usually takes about 1/2 hr. I have done it in under 15 min tho. for lowered cars, a couple of pieces of 2x4 under the front wheel makes getting a regular (non-low pro/non-racing jack) jack under much easier.
ok...this is gonna sound kinda bad cuz you guys know I'm all about doing it right...
I usually jack the car up somewhere under the hinge of the front door. there's spot there that I can use to regularly jack up the whole side of the car, not just the corner. doing it this way, I can get both wheels off of one side and put two back on without jacking each and every frickin' corner.
This is how i do it:)
DualSoul
12-10-2009, 11:37 AM
I'm interested in seeing how a tire change is done in person. Would love to be able to swap em on my own (given the proper tools, which I'll need as well).
MistaChin
02-03-2010, 09:02 AM
Bringing this back, I'm looking to get a jack but I'm unsure if this jack would be able to fit underneath my car since I'm on prokits. Could someone chime in?
http://www.jcwhitney.com/HYDRAULIC_JACK_and_STAND_KIT?ID=12;0;0;0;100001;Pr oductName;0;0;0;0;2008291;0;0
mazdaskit
02-03-2010, 09:07 AM
best type of jacks would be a low profile ones... costco sells them for around 79.99 i believe and look something like the pic below http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/142879_lg.jpg
tweak_s
02-03-2010, 09:08 AM
Bringing this back, I'm looking to get a jack but I'm unsure if this jack would be able to fit underneath my car since I'm on prokits. Could someone chime in?
http://www.jcwhitney.com/HYDRAULIC_JACK_and_STAND_KIT?ID=12;0;0;0;100001;Pr oductName;0;0;0;0;2008291;0;0
It looks similar to the one I have so in which case no it would not. I need to jack up with the stoc jack first and then use this one after for the rest of th way.
cwp_sedan
02-03-2010, 09:08 AM
I would suggest getting a low profile jack, but if you don't want to spend the extra money, just get a normal one. If it doesn't fit under when you are on the ground all you need to do is roll up on a block of wood to give you another couple of inches of space.
MistaChin
02-03-2010, 09:10 AM
I would suggest getting a low profile jack, but if you don't want to spend the extra money, just get a normal one. If it doesn't fit under when you are on the ground all you need to do is roll up on a block of wood to give you another couple of inches of space.
Awesome, i may go the cheaper route. But for my information, how much is a low profile jack and where could I find one?
EDIT: just saw mazdaskit's post lol. But any other places I could find one? I don't have a costco membership.
yearoftherat
02-03-2010, 09:10 AM
According to the ad, the jack have a height adjustment of 5.3" minimum, so I would at least make sure you have 6" clearance for the jack to fit underneath your car.
Fobio
02-03-2010, 09:14 AM
I roll up on 2 pieces of 2x4....and I'm only lowered 1"...I'd get a lo-pro jack, but if you already have a regular one and your car is not too low, just use 2 pieces of 2x4, 1 for each side...
cwp_sedan
02-03-2010, 09:20 AM
Awesome, i may go the cheaper route. But for my information, how much is a low profile jack and where could I find one?
EDIT: just saw mazdaskit's post lol. But any other places I could find one? I don't have a costco membership.
If you can find one for under $100 I would get a low-pro version. Definitely worth it over the hassle of using 2x4s, etc. Find someone with a Costco membership. If you're in TO, shoot me a PM.
MistaChin
02-03-2010, 09:24 AM
Thanks everyone! PM sent
STeeLy
02-03-2010, 11:43 AM
Yeah, I could also use a low profile jack... thanks for posting the one from costco...
Which costco carry it though?
tweak_s
02-03-2010, 11:50 AM
lol wood seems like such an easier and better method than my two jack method..
Really stupid question though, having trouble picturing someone rolling onto a 2x4..lol. shouldn't be any issues right ? lmao
STeeLy
02-03-2010, 11:58 AM
lol wood seems like such an easier and better method than my two jack method..
Really stupid question though, having trouble picturing someone rolling onto a 2x4..lol. shouldn't be any issues right ? lmao
Shouldn't be, unless you have nails sticking out of the 2X4
SpeedBaby
02-03-2010, 01:07 PM
Shouldn't be, unless you have nails sticking out of the 2X4
lmao!
well if you're gonna put 2x4 with nails sticking out under your car, maybe a good point would be NOT to change your own tires.... or if you will, at least have a camera rolling and youtube it later :chuckle
jaimie08mazda3
02-05-2010, 01:43 AM
I just change them in my driveway.. it is so simple. Usually my buddy brings his jack over and we do it to both the cars. It is nice having 2 sets of rims too :)
bubba1983
02-05-2010, 09:21 AM
^ or 3
Rob23
02-05-2010, 10:25 AM
i had the worst time with a siezed winter rim it took FOREVER to get it off, ever since that i just pay the 25 bucks and let the dealership do it.
SonicBoy
02-05-2010, 12:33 PM
Oh oh, not the dreaded seized tire topic again.
It's really not that bad.
Synopsis: Just use a bit of Anti-Seize on the hub everytime you change and no more seized wheels on hub.
ShortBus
02-05-2010, 05:41 PM
the costco jack is heavy, if you want to spend more princess auto has some decent lighter ones.
don't get that jack from jcwhitney, the jack and saddle is really narrow/small so it could tip more easily.
Fobio
02-05-2010, 05:47 PM
i had the worst time with a siezed winter rim it took FOREVER to get it off, ever since that i just pay the 25 bucks and let the dealership do it.
Oh oh, not the dreaded seized tire topic again.
It's really not that bad.
Synopsis: Just use a bit of Anti-Seize on the hub everytime you change and no more seized wheels on hub.
it's likely the rear wheel, which I've had the pleasure to prying off with the handy dandy breaker bar that I also used to loosen nuts...next time I switch I might be able to get a pic for you guys...
you can basically put the breaker bar between the back of the wheel and wedge the between the wheel and the rear axle knuckle (?)...then just lean back and let your body "pull" the tire off...
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