Garages - Inflating Tires on Wheels with Split Rims or Rims using Retainer Rings
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What should I do when installing and inflating tires on split rims or rims with retainer rings?
Back to top- Make sure you are trained and authorized to complete the task and understand the safe work procedures.
- Inspect the rim parts and tire for defects, damage, and foreign particles. Clean the wheel parts and tire as necessary. Apply rubber lubricant to the tire head and rim mating surface before assembly.
- Securely install the tire and retainer ring or fasten the wheel together as required.
- Place the wheel assembly in a safety cage or a portable safety restraining device before inflating the tire.
- Inflate a tire outside a restraining device only to a pressure sufficient to force the tire bead onto the rim ledge and to create an airtight seal with the tire and bead.
- Properly position the tire and check the locking ring, if used, before inflating.
- Check the tire position locking ring for proper seating and as the tire pressure reaches 52 to 70 kPa (8 to 10 psi), before releasing the pressure.
- Inflate the tire to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure before removing restraining devices.
- Keep the ring with the same wheel and clean off rust.
- Recheck the ring. Never hit it with a hammer.
- Have a pressure control valve in the line when inflating tires.
- Apply rubber lubricant to the bead and rim mating surfaces when assembling the wheel and inflating the tire, unless the tire or wheel manufacturer recommends against its use.
- Inspect the inflated tire while still in the restraining device to make sure that the tire is properly seated and locked. If further adjustment is necessary, deflate the tire by removing the valve core before making the adjustment.
What should I avoid doing?
Back to top- Do not rest or lean any part of your body or equipment on or against a restraining device containing a rim wheel.
- Do not use rims, locking rings, or flanges which are bent, heavily rusted, cracked, or broken.
- Do not use rim parts that differ in manufacturer, size, or type.
- Do not stand near the tire during inflation. Use a clip-on air chuck, sufficient hose length, and an in-line, hand-operated valve with a gauge.
- Do not over-inflate. When inflating, keep to one side. Read and follow tire mounting precautions on the manufacturer's chart and tire labels.
- Fact sheet last revised: 2023-11-03
