How to Install a Bell Self-Sealing Inner Tube

Bell self-sealing inner tubes prevent flat tires. They contain a special liquid solution inside the tube that seals small punctures. For mountain bikes, kids' bikes or any bike that goes off-road occasionally, self-sealing inner tubes have become essential. Installing a set of Bell self-sealing inner tubes will save you time and money. And they will prevent a flat tire that leads to a long walk home.

Things You'll Need

  • Tire levers
  • Baby powder
  • Floor pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Let the air out of the tire. Remove the tire from the bike. Insert one tire lever between the rim and the tire, forcing it if you have to. When the lever penetrates, pry up on it to pop the tire over the edge of the rim.

    • 2

      Hold the tire between your knees. Insert another lever beside the first one. Pry on it to free more of the tire from the rim. Hold the first lever tight with one hand. Grab the other lever with your other hand and slide it along the rim, forcing it if you have to. Slide it all the way around the rim. This will free the tire from the rim. The levers will also come loose. Set them aside.

    • 3

      Reach in a pull the old tube out. Sprinkle a small amount of baby powder into the tire. Spin the tire around in your hands to make sure the inside of the tire is coated with powder.

    • 4

      Inflate the Bell tube with the floor pump just enough to give it form. Stuff the Bell tube into the tire, making sure to insert the valve stem through the hole.

    • 5

      Hold the tire with both hands in front of you. Kneel down and set the tire on the ground. Place your thumbs about four inches apart facing each other at the top of the tire. Begin pushing the tire back over the rim, using your thumbs together. As the tire begins to go back over the rim, work your thumbs away from each other around the rim, popping the tire back onto the rim as you go.

    • 6

      Pump the tire up to the recommended pressure with the floor pump. The recommended pressure is marked on the side of the tire.