Changing a tire on a 5 ton

[silverstate55]

I just discovered that the Michelin XZL's I bought have run flat inserts in them. I was wondering why they were so stinking heavy. They also have MRAP rims that need to come off. My questions related to tire changes: 1) any clever tricks getting these rims out above letting the air out first and brute force? 2) having no experience with run flats, can you fix a leaker in the field or do you just drive on it until you get back to your garage? Reduced speed without air pressure? I would think the bead may want to jump off not knowing how these fit/load yet. They will help the jacking height issue for sure.

The run-flats have a bead lock built in to their base; if your tire bead comes off the wheel, something is seriously wrong.

If you have a forklift or front-end loader, this will help you apply downward force to remove the tire/run-flat from the inner wheel half. Make sure you support the inner wheel half with wood blocks or something that won't damage the inner wheel half, as this gives enough room for the tire & run-flat insert to be removed downwards using gravity as your friend. Otherwise, you can do as I have: tire spoons with cheater pipes for more leverage, and LOTS of dish soap or tire lube to encourage the run-flat to come off the wheel. Mine aren't too bad as compared to others, as I've removed rust & debris from the inside of the wheels...if you've got any rust or debris build-up, it will be a bear to get it off. A 12-pound sledge helps motivate the run-flat off the wheel as well, if used judiciously.

ETA: I never strike the tire with anything; I always put a large slab of wood (2x6, 2x12, whatever you have) to prevent damage to the sidewall of the tire. When using a forklift or front-end loader bucket to press against the tire to try to remove it from a wheel, I again use the wood to prevent damage to the sidewall from the metal being pressed against it.

 

[BEASTMASTER]

these clowns are messing with you. a 5 ton jack will pick up the any axel. you're only lifting one wheel, about 3 ton, i have no problem lifting my 5 ton with a 5 ton bottle jack.

 

[rosco]

Clowns or not, bottle jacks can and do develope defects. They can leak internally, pick up some load, but not their rated load, but still feel like they are trying to work. A 12 ton jack is an all around size to have around equipment. They have a little better reach, and don't cost much more, and you don't strain them at their limit, to get the job done!

 

[porkysplace]

Be extra carefull with Habor Junk jacks . Be careful with jacks

 

[silverstate55]

I've had that happen to me with name-brand Made-In-USA jacks too, as well as have them get air in the hydraulic line & start to slowly come back down...

Safety is paramount when working with ANY jack!

Be extra carefull with Habor Junk jacks . Be careful with jacks