Introduction
It can be extremely dangerous to ride a dirt bike while the tire spoke is broken. This guide provides the necessary steps to fix the tire without any professional assistance, and will be cost effective while offering a fresh set of skills and knowledge to the fixer. This process can be easily achieved with the right tools, like the ones suggested below, and following each step correctly.
Tools
Parts
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Remove the valve stem cap, then let the air out of the tube by pushing in on the valve end with either a fingernail or the open end of your smaller wrench.
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Use a 12 mm wrench to loosen the rim lock nut as far as possible without removing it.
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Push down on the edges of the tire to break the bead and create a gap between the rim and tire. Work around the entire tire until the tire is loose from the rim.
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Flip the tire over, then repeat the process of breaking the bead.
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Spray lubricant around the edge of the tire where it meets the rim. Do this all the way around, then flip and repeat on the other side.
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Push down on the tire to one side of rim lock to create a gap, then insert one of the tire spoons with the curved edge facing down. Be sure it makes it over the lip of the tire that is in the rim.
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About 6 inches away, insert the tire iron, and then the other spoon in the same manner.
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With all 3 tools inserted into the rim, grasp the tire iron and push in and over towards the center of the rim. Continue holding it down and repeat with the spoon to the side of it away from the rim lock.
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Leave the spoon nearest the rim lock in position to prevent the tire from slipping back over the rim.
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Use one spoon and, inserting it every 6-8 inches, work around the tire levering it over the edge of the rim.
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Once the tire is completely over the rim, flip the tire over and repeat Steps 5 and 6 to bring the tire over the rim on both sides.
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Stand the tire up, resting it on the ground.
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Grip the tire with one hand and the rim with the other.
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Push the tire away from you while pulling the rim in towards you. This may require some force.
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Pull the rim out of the tire, and set the tire aside for later.
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Set the rim back on the stand.
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Identify the spoke to be replaced.
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If necessary, use snips to cut the safety wire on the spokes, and remove.
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If necessary, use the utility knife to cut a small hole in the rim strip behind the spoke nipple.
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Loosen the spoke nipple using a 7 mm wrench.
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Remove the spoke.
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Replace the spoke.
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Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the new spoke into the nipple.
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Pull tube partially out of tire where the valve stem is located.
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Push valve stem through the hole in the rim.
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Thread valve stem nut onto valve stem.
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Push tube back into tire so the tire is resting on top of the rim all the way around.
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Hook the curved side of the tire spoon over the edge of the rim and begin levering the tire back onto the rim.
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Work from the valve stem around the tire to the rim lock.
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Flip the tire over, and insert a spoon on either side of the rim lock.
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Pull on the rim lock nut so it goes in towards the center as far as possible.
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Use the spoons to lever the tire out and over the rim lock, then push the rim lock nut the other way so the tire drops between the rim lock and the rim.
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Insert the spoons on the side of the tire, with the bead still out, and begin working that side in the same as the other side.
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Use the spoons and iron as necesssary.
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Connect the air pump to the valve and inflate the tire.
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Overinflate the tire to around 25 psi. Use the pressure gauge to check this.
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Remove the tire from the stand and bounce it a few times on the ground to be sure the bead is set.
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Set the tire back on the stand.
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Double check that the rim lock is snug.
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Use the pressure gauge and let the air back out of the tire to the correct pressure for the tire (typically 13-15 psi).
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Tighten the valve stem cap back onto the valve stem.
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If upon filling the tire it won't hold air, most likely the spoons pinched the tube and caused a hole while reinstalling the tire. If this is the case, it will be necessary to remove the tire again and patch or replace the tube before installing the tire again. Otherwise, enjoy riding!
