Question about breaking the bead?

**gatogato** · #1 19th April 2009

Hey guys, I am doing a tire change and I have broke the bead on the rotor side of the tire and pulled that side of the tire over the rim wall.

I am now working on breaking the bead on the hub's side of the tire. Is it okay if I rest the brake rotor on the concrete floor of my garage and use the kickstand from my other bike to break the bead? Will the concrete ruin my brake rotor? If I put some carpet underneath the tire can I do it this way?

Thank You

**Big Yellow Tractor** · #2 19th April 2009

I would try to support the rim off the ground somehow. Grab the spare wheel off your car and see if that will do the trick or maybe just some lumps of 2x4. You really don't want to risk a bent brake disc

**jamesbabber** · #3 20th April 2009

I've recently been mastering the art of tyre changing/repairs on my F650gs and found breaking the bead to be far easier than I thought just using a G-clamp... I know it isn't the lightest ever tool for carrying but it is easier than using the weight of the bike and the sidestand I suppose...

**Steve Pickford** · #4 13th May 2009

I'd support the rim & keep the disc off the ground.

Years ago I knocked together a triangle of wood, lengths measure 2" x 4" & about 30" long, the whole thing hangs on the garage wall for easy storage & access.

It's easy to bend a disc if it's resting on the floor, the leverage caused by wrestling with a hard to remove tyre can lead to expensive repairs.

I also made a wall mounted bead breaker from scrap steel plate, angle iron, steel pipe & a spare trolley jack handle, works very well.

**MotoEdde** · #5 13th May 2009

Use three C-clamps...and you should NOT place the rotor on the ground. If you must, put the new tire under the old tire when working it off.
But with three clamps...you should be able to get the tire off while the wheel is perpendicular to the ground.

To seat the bead...starter fluid is your friend.

**DAVSATO** · #6 13th May 2009

the disc will bend pretty easily, dont risk it.
take it off, its only a few screws but if you dont have a torque wrench dont do them back up too tight the hub metal is very soft and its easy to strip a thread.