This afternoon a couple co-workers came over to my cube and let me know my rear tire was a bit low and that I should check it out. When I got outside, the rear tire was completely flat.
I first tried the Ural air pump to just put air in the tire thinking, somehow, it had leaked out. This is when I also had my first RPOC moment… the tire pump didn’t fit on the tire correctly and it wouldn’t lock in and just leaked air instead.
I set about removing the cotter pin with the supplied pliers, and then took the axle nut off. So far so good. When I got over to the other side, I found I needed two 17mm wrenches to remove the axle pinch bolt.
That’s when I noticed the black plastic ring on the inside on the spare… I removed that and it went right on. The rest was pretty easy. Re-inserting the cotter pin was slightly annoying.. apparently they work better when completely straight.. who knew? Inserting the cotter pin before tightening the axle pinch bolt makes things easy too.
I put the tools away and went back inside to put my gear on. I stopped by Sears on the way home and purchased some extra tools to make the next tire change a bit easier.
1) a pair of needle nose pliers
2) a pair of vice grips
3) a small bottle jack
4) a metric socket set (with a 17mm)
I also put my bike pump into the tug (sidecar) until I can buy a smaller one that fits in the trunk. I also need to add a light of some sort. A 12V light with a cigarette adapter would be perfect.
When I got home, filled up the flat tire to 40psi, and am currently waiting for it to go flat again. I can’t find any nails or anything else wrong with the tire, and I can’t hear any hissing. I’m stumped. I might just replace the tube with a heavy duty tube for good measure and call it done.
The ride in was very comfortable with my new heated gloves despite it being 2F. The ride home was also nice with a 500% increase in temps (10F)! I’m happy I had the opportunity to learn in the parking ramp rather than on the side of the road. I’m also very thankful to have such helpful co-workers!
UPDATE: I found the problem with the tube. The tube was pinched by the spoke bolts.
good job with your first tire replacement....
ReplyDeletere putting the tug onto the centerstand, it's actually really easy. Lower the stand till it touches the ground, place left foot on it to hold it in place. With both hands,grab under the rear fender support bar and lift the bike there, at same time pulling it towards the rear to lock the centerstand in place. I also bought a small bottle jack to do this but it's not needed, it'll come in handy for other things though.
check this video out where I learned this technique:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGD1a2Q0WHk
Thanks for the tip on the center stand! I have been stumped since I bought the Ural. I also think it would help to remove the sand bags in the tug. :) :)
ReplyDeleteI need to return my bottle jack and get the next size up. It can't lift the rig high to get the tug wheel up.
How fortuitous for you ... yo1ur preparations paid off big time! Hope next year is a trouble free as well
ReplyDeleteThanks Chuck. It has been a great 2009, and I feel very lucky to have enjoyed nearly 15,000 trouble-free miles.
ReplyDeleteI hope your 2010 is just as good!
Chris:
ReplyDeletedon't you just hate it when there is no visible sign of a puncture. How did the air come out ? What happened to me was the air was low and going over bumps it just leaked out from the rim seal. Tire got ruined when it went flat and got pinched while rolling.
glad you got mobile with a little help
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
Bob: yes! I still have no idea why the tube is leaking. When I replace it with an Heavy Duty tube, I'll take the old one into the bathtub and figure it out, so I can stop wondering.
ReplyDeleteYou did ok but you violated the first rule of hassle free riding. Never jinx yourself by saying things like that! :)
ReplyDeleteirondad: LOL!
ReplyDeleteown a 2009 patrol and just changed the rear wheel. Only 3000K and the tire is nearly worn out. Using a vid and tools plus an extra 17mm had no problem. Good tip on using center stand. Mike
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