Separating wheels from Airstreaks

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kenryan
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Posts: 342
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2011 3:46 pm
Location: anchorage, ak

Separating wheels from Airstreaks

Post by kenryan »

I'm trying to get my Matco wheels out of my 26" Airstreaks. Not having a lot of luck. Any suggestions?
Super Stol Kit #299
rkaufman
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Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2014 10:14 am
Location: TN

Re: Separating wheels from Airstreaks

Post by rkaufman »

I took mine off in Nov, had cords showing. It was a pain. I used a manual bead breaker a friend had and soapy water. Once I got one side moving the rest came easier.
I tried it without the bead breaker but didn't want to scratch my wheels up with tire irons, screwdrivers, etc...
I didn't realize they were that tight on the rims.

Good Luck,

Robert
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barry767
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Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2011 10:06 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: Separating wheels from Airstreaks

Post by barry767 »

I've done it twice. The second time was much easier using the following method. Deflate the tire and while standing on it, put the air cap back on to keep it from reinflating to ambient pressure. Use lots of soapy water as a lubricant. Find a long, 3 foot crow bar that you can use to pry the hub up, away from the tire. I put a flat tool, I think it was a wrench, between the claw and the tire to provide something firm for the claw to work against. Obviously, be careful not damage the hub as you slide the claw under the rim. I Gently tapped it in with a hammer. It's really a two man job because you'll need someone to stand on the tire as you work the crow bar around it. Eventually, it will free the hub. Unfortunately, even after one side was out, the other side wasnn't any easier. Wish i would have taken a picture. Hope this helps. Barry
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kenryan
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Re: Separating wheels from Airstreaks

Post by kenryan »

I made this bead buster to assist:
bead-buster.jpg
Still wasn't easy, but with a lot of soapy water finally got them off.
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Super Stol Kit #299
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