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How to put a lawnmower tire back on the rim, step by step

It’s a fine sunny day of the spring season, and you are busy with some work in your garden. You use your trusted lawnmower that has not failed you. But suddenly, you feel that the lawnmower is not running as smoothly as it should. It feels like it’s being dragged on the ground forcefully. So, you turn off the lawnmower engine and get off your riding lawnmower. But what you see now is not pleasant at all. Your lawnmower has a flat tire, and you know you need to fix it with a new tire or tube.

As the lawnmower tire gets old, it is more likely that a nail can easily pinch into the tire and make it flat. A hard bump to the lawnmower can also cause this issue. This article shall be a step-by-step guide on removing a lawnmower tire, fitting a new tube or tire, and putting the tire back on the rim.

How to put a lawnmower tire back on the rim, step by step:

  • Step 1. Remove the tire from the lawnmower
  • Step 2. Remove the tire from the rim
  • Step 3. Check for any nails on the tire’s surface
  • Step 4. Install the tire on the rim
  • Step 5. Install the tire back on the lawnmower

Removing and replacing a lawnmower tire, step-by-step:

The detailed procedure of removing and replacing your lawnmower tire has been broken down into several small steps.

● Step 1. Removing the tire from a lawnmower:

The first step to fix the flat tire or replace it with a new one is to remove the old tire and the rim from the lawnmower. You shall follow the following steps to complete this procedure:

– Step 1.1. Remove the rim’s plastic boot:

There is a plastic boot (or a cap) at the center of the tire’s rim. Grab it using a pair of pliers and remove it from the rim. Try not to break it as it holds some grease and is a little brittle because of that.

– Step 1.2.  Remove the C clip from the rim:

Behind the plastic boot lies a c-clip. Grab the tab of the c-clip using a pair of pliers and pull it out of the rim.

– Step 1.3. Remove the washer:

Once you have removed the c-clip, you shall see a washer. Draw this washer out of the rim.

– Step 1.4. Draw the tire out of the axle:

After you’re done with the steps mentioned above, you can now pull out the rim along with the tire from the lawnmower.

● Step 2. Remove the tire from the rim:

As you have removed the rim and the tire from the lawnmower, it’s time to remove the tire from the rim.

– Step 2.1. Peel the tire off from one side of the rim:

To remove the old tube’s nozzle (if your tire has a tube), you first need to peel the tire off from at least one side of the rim.

To do that, hammer a flat head screwdriver at the junction of the tire and the tube. Once the screwdriver gets inside this junction, please give it a push and try peeling the tire off the tube. Repeat the same step on the opposite side of the tire as well.

– Step 2.2. Remove the nozzle from the rim:

Every tire and tube has a nozzle that is fitted into the tire’s rim. It would be best if you pulled out this nozzle from the rim to proceed further.

  • Grab the small circular rubber at the back of the nozzle: There is a small circular rubber at the back of the nozzle that holds the nozzle inside the rim and keeps it jammed. Grasp this rubber using a pair of pliers and cut it off.
  • Remove the nozzle: Once the rubber has been cut, grasp the nozzle’s head with a pair of pliers and pull it out in the upward direction.

– Step 2.3. Bring the tire up off the rim:

This is where things get exciting and is the most technical step of the entire process. You may need a couple of screwdrivers for this step. Although there are special tools to take the tire off the rim, we shall use screwdrivers to save some bucks.

Insert screwdrivers at different positions: Insert a screwdriver inside the junction of the tire and the rim, and pull the screwdriver upwards so that the tire starts coming up off the rim.

Do the same step using another screwdriver, which shall be inserted at some distance from the first one. Keep working around the tire doing the same step.

Remove the tire off the rim: The tire is now completely free from the rim’s grip. Remove this tire off the rim.

● Step 3. Check for any nails on the tire’s surface:

Grab a torchlight and check if there are any nails or a sharp object pinched into the tire’s inside or on the outside surface. If you find any, remove it from the tire’s surface using pliers.

● Step 4. Install the tire on the rim:

Phew, that must have been a tiring job. You are now halfway there, and all you need to do now is install the new tire back on the rim.

– Step 4.1. Install the new tube:

Some tires might be tubeless, while some may have a tube. You need to install a new tube if the previous one had completely weathered or has had various punctures.

Please insert the new tube inside the tire and stuff it in. The tube’s fill valve must be in line with the fill valve hole inside the rim, where it is to be fitted in. Insert the fill valve into the fill valve hole located on the rim.

– Step 4.2. Install the tire back on the rim:

If you are installing a new tire or putting the old tire back on the rim, this step is applicable for both of these cases. Screwdrivers and some hand force are all you need for this step.

  • Apply some transmission fluid on the tire’s inner edges: Apply some transmission fluid on the tire’s inner circular edges. This step is done to make the edges softer so that they may easily fit onto the rim. Oil can also be used to serve this purpose in case transmission fluid is not available.
  • Push the tire back in: Apply pressure on one side of the tire, and using a couple of screwdrivers, try to tuck the tire back on the inside of the rim, such that the tire gets stuffed in from all the sides.
  • Fill the tire with some air: Fill the tire with some air according to the tire’s recommended air pressure.

● Step 5: Install the tire back on the lawnmower:

Once the tire has been put back on the rim, it shall now be installed back on the lawnmower.

– Step 5.1. Place the tire back on the axil:

Place the tire back on the lawnmower’s axil, just like the way you pulled it out earlier.

– Step 5.2. Re-install the washers:

Insert the washers back into the tire’s rim.

– Step 5.3. Re-install the C clip:

Re-install the c clip back into the rim with the aid of pliers.

– Step 5.4. Re-install the plastic boot:

Re-install the plastic boot back on the tire’s rim.

Related Questions:

1. What size of lawnmower tires should I get?

Like other tires, a lawnmower tire has a series of numbers imprinted on one of its sides. These numbers indicate certain specific details about the tire. Only two parameters are enough to indicate the tire’s full size, i.e., the tire width and the rim diameter. There are two different systems for tire’s sizing:

Two-number sizing:

Most of the lawnmower tires use a two-number sizing system to indicate the tire size. For example, in two number sizing, numbers are displayed as 5-9. This number indicates that the tire width is 5 inches and the rim diameter is 9 inches. These two numbers are all that you need to get a fresh piece of a lawnmower tire.

Three-number sizing:

This sizing system indicates the tire’s size with the help of three digits. For example, if the number 15×6.00-6 is imprinted on your tire, the number before ‘x’ indicates the tire’s diameter when it is fully inflated. The tire width is indicated by the number between the ‘x’ and ‘- ‘. The last number indicates the rim’s width.

2. How much air pressure should I maintain in lawnmower tires?

Like other lawnmower parts such as the engine, fuel, and filters, they must be maintained for the lawnmower’s ideal performance. Similarly, maintaining an adequate and specific amount of air pressure in the tires is equally essential.

  • Consult Owner’s manual: There are various methods to determine the recommended air pressure for lawnmower tires. One can find that out from the user’s manual. The recommended pressure is also imprinted on the tire’s outside wall.
  • Tire Pressure units: Tire pressure is measured a pounds per square inch or psi. A lawnmower that has a 15-inch front tire along with a 20-inch rear tire should have ten psi and 14 psi, respectively.

Final remarks:

A flat lawnmower tire can ruin a garden lover’s mood. But removing and replacing a tire is not very complicated and can be done easily by most. Do not forget to take some precautionary measures before you start. Wear safety glasses and protective gloves to protect yourself from unnecessary injuries. And when you finish fixing your tire, also think about other maintenance tasks like the carburetor, air and fuel filters, and do not let gas get too old. This will prolong your lawnmower’s life, and you can continue to maintain your lovely garden!

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  1. Milton Berry says:

    Do I need any special tools to replace a lawnmower tire?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      You can use a pair of pliers and screwdrivers to replace a lawnmower tire. Follow the step-by-step guide in the blog post to make the process smooth and easy.

  2. Shelly Howell says:

    This guide is going to save me money on repairs, thank you!

  3. Noah Holland says:

    Do I need to balance the lawnmower tire after replacing it?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, balancing the lawnmower tire is essential to prevent any vibrations and ensure smooth operation. It will help extend the life of your lawnmower.

  4. Sophie Phillips says:

    I’ve always been scared of fixing my lawnmower tire, but this guide makes it seem doable, thanks!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Sophie! I’m glad you found the guide helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions while fixing your lawnmower tire. Happy gardening!

  5. Jimmy Holland says:

    Are there any specific brands known for durable lawnmower tires?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      For durable lawnmower tires, consider brands like Kenda, Carlisle, or Marathon. These brands are known for their longevity and quality. Good luck with your tire replacement!

  6. Ricardo Adams says:

    Is it recommended to wear gloves while handling lawnmower tires?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Wearing gloves while handling lawnmower tires is recommended to protect your hands from any sharp objects or debris that may be present. Stay safe and enjoy your gardening!

  7. Kelly Dean says:

    I had no idea about removing a lawnmower tire, thank you for sharing!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for the kind words, Kelly! I’m glad you found the information helpful. Happy mowing!

  8. Nelson Gonzalez says:

    Very useful tips on maintaining lawnmower tires, appreciate it!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for the kind words, Nelson! I’m glad you found the tips useful. Happy mowing!

  9. Cecil Burns says:

    Thank you for explaining the process in such simple terms, makes it easy to follow!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Cecil! I’m glad the explanation was helpful for you. Let me know if you have any more questions about lawnmower maintenance.

  10. Lorraine Ferguson says:

    This article is a lifesaver for someone like me who is not very handy, thank you!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Lorraine! I’m glad this article was able to help you out. Happy gardening!

  11. Jeanne Mitchelle says:

    Is it common for lawnmower tires to get flat frequently?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, flat lawnmower tires can be common due to nails or sharp objects. Follow the steps outlined in the article for a quick fix.

  12. Chloe Prescott says:

    How do I know if my lawnmower tire is tubeless or has a tube?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To determine if your lawnmower tire is tubeless or has a tube, you can try removing the tire from the rim. If you see a tube inside, you have a tube tire. Otherwise, it’s tubeless. Hope this helps!

  13. Isaiah Johnston says:

    Will any tire size work for all lawnmowers, or do I need a specific size for my model?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Isaiah, for lawnmowers, it’s important to get the right tire size based on the width and rim diameter. Check your manual or look for the numbers on your current tire. Hope this helps!

  14. Marie Davidson says:

    Can I repair a lawnmower tire myself or should I take it to a professional?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Marie, you can definitely repair a lawnmower tire yourself. Follow the step-by-step guide in the blog post to remove the tire, check for issues, and put it back on. It’s doable!

  15. Derrick Shaw says:

    What is the average lifespan of a lawnmower tire?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      The average lifespan of a lawnmower tire is around 3-5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regularly checking for nails and maintaining proper air pressure can help extend the tire’s life.

  16. Owen Hamilton says:

    How do I know if my lawnmower tire needs to be replaced or simply patched up?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Replacing a lawnmower tire can be tricky, but with these steps, you can do it easily. Check for nails, fit a new tube, put the tire back on the rim, and reinstall it on the lawnmower.

  17. Holly Vasquez says:

    I never knew removing a lawnmower tire could be so detailed, thanks for the information!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Holly! I’m glad you found the information helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions about lawnmower maintenance.

  18. Colleen Ward says:

    Are there any hacks for preventing lawnmower tire punctures?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Colleen! To prevent lawnmower tire punctures, try checking for sharp objects in the grass, avoiding rough terrain, and maintaining proper tire pressure. Best of luck with your lawn care!

  19. Keith Ford says:

    Great step-by-step guide, very helpful!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Keith! I’m glad you found the guide helpful. Let me know if you have any questions about fixing a lawnmower tire. Happy gardening!

  20. Judy Jacobs says:

    Can I use a regular bike tire as a replacement for my lawnmower tire?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      You could use a regular bike tire, but it may not offer the same durability and performance as a lawnmower tire. It’s best to opt for a tire specifically designed for lawnmowers.

  21. Jacqueline Berry says:

    How often should lawnmower tires be replaced?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Replacing lawnmower tires depends on wear and tear. If you notice cracks, punctures, or loss of air pressure, it’s time to replace them. Regular maintenance is key.

  22. Clifton Wilson says:

    Thanks for breaking down the process in easy steps, makes it less intimidating!

  23. Mattie Black says:

    I appreciate the clear instructions provided in the article, very helpful!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you so much, Mattie! I’m glad you found the instructions helpful. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy gardening!

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