How to Put a Tube in a Bike Tire

Unlike automobile tires, bicycle tires typically have an inner tube which holds the air for the tire. A puncture through the tire itself can rupture the inner tube, which then needs to be replaced. Replacing the inner tube will require the wheel to be removed from the bicycle, so you can fully access the tire and fit the new tube over the posts. Once removed, installation of a new inner tube is relatively easy.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Tire levers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Balance the bicycle upside-down on the handlebars and seat. Turn the wheel and carefully examine the tire for sharp objects that may still be puncturing the tire. Remove any such objects.

    • 2

      Remove the wheel by loosening the nuts on the sides of the tire posts. If this is a back tire, you may have to shift the wheel forward to detach the drive chain from the gears. You can then get enough slack to slide the tire off the bike without removing the chain completely.

    • 3

      Remove one side of the tire from the wheel by working the tire sideways with your hands. You may need to lever the tire off using bicycle tire levers. If you don't have any tire levers, you can use the backs of a couple of spoons, which are dull enough not to damage the tire. Slip the lever between the tire and the rim, and push down to force the base of the tire over the rim. You may need to do this in several places to provide enough room to slip off one side of the tire. You do not need to fully remove the tire from the rim.

    • 4

      Pump just enough air into the new inner tube to give it a flexible, round shape.

    • 5

      Fit the inner tube into the tire with the valve stem pointed down.

    • 6

      Insert the valve stem through the valve hole of the rim.

    • 7

      Slip the side of the tire back onto the rim. Try not to use a lever, as this may damage the new inner tube. Working an inch at a time, you should be able to slip the tire on the rim completely by hand.

    • 8

      Check the valve stem and make sure it is fully through the valve hole at a perpendicular angle. If the tire has slipped down, creating an angle in the valve stem, you can slide the tire around to adjust the angle.

    • 9

      Fill the tire with air. Start with a little at a time, and examine the valve stem and tire edges. Make sure the stem doesn't angle and there is no bulging at the tire's edge. If there is bulging, you may need to remove some air to adjust the tire positioning. When everything looks good, you can fill the inner tube to the recommended pressure, which should be listed on the inner tube box or on the side of the tire.

    • 10

      Reattach the wheel to the bike, using the same procedure you used when taking it off. Tighten the post nuts to secure it in place. You should also rotate the tire to make sure there is no wobbling. If there is, the wheel is misaligned. You can loosen the nuts and re-adjust to insure proper alignment.