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--- motorsports:vehicle-maintenance [2024/08/01 18:54] – [Liquid Tire Sealant] marcos
+++ motorsports:vehicle-maintenance [2025/03/10 18:20] (current) – [Tire Removal and Mounting] marcos
@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 Whatever my current projects are, not meant to be comprehensive.
+\\
+===== Follow a Routine =====
+\\
+With all the dust from dirt roads, cleaning the air filter should happen frequently!  You may as well check fluids and tire air pressure as well.  Make sure the engine and ac cooling fans are working.
+It's wise to visually inspect tires at every stop.
 \\
@@ Line 275: / Line 283: @@
 The clamps can be applied onto additional layers of sidewall placed over the patch to distribute pressure more evenly.  No need for using pieces of plugs or other strips onto the tire exterior for a simple tear.  Cold vulcanizing fluid doesn't need heat as it is a chemical process.
-Here's a good example of what I'm talking about, although he places the patch on the outside: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC_Kf7WSa1M |sixtyfiveford on YouTube]].  Good advice about running the chords perpendicular to the tear.
+Here's a good example of what I'm talking about, although he places the patch on the outside: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC_Kf7WSa1M |sixtyfiveford on YouTube]].  Good advice about running the chords perpendicular to the tear.  If I adopt his sewing technique, then an external patch would be necessary to protect the threads?
+The patch will be adhered but can come off while mounting the tire, so have the patch opposite of where you are using the lever arms to mount the tire.
 \\
 ==== Tire Removal and Mounting ====
-Make sure to mark the position of the tire with the rim.
+Make sure to mark the position of the tire with the rim.  Many tires come with markings that should line up with the wheel stem valve.
+++++ Use lubricant! |
+There are dedicated tire mounting lubricants for sale like Ruglyde, but who wants to buy yet another product?
+Update: I ended up using straight vegetable oil.  Not messy as I painted the surface with a paper towel rather than pouring oil directly.
+Any vegetable oil works as a lubricant for mounting/dismounting.  Petroleum based oils supposedly harm the rubber.  Soapy water is corrosive.  See [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEQUlH_sTo4 |The Tinkering Old-Timer on YouTube]].  However, using vegetable oil sounds messy.  Maybe add some antifreeze to the soapy water?  Although no one mentions antifreeze, perhaps because of its toxicity.
+Silicone oil/lubricant or silicone protectant also works?  The goal for the lubricant is that it lubricates temporarily so the tire doesn't slide on the rim when in use.  Silicone lubricant does dry out, so is the residue slippery between the tire and rim?  See [[https://reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/ywwjg1/eli5_how_is_silicone_both_a_lubricant_and_a/ |Reddit]].  Also, people who mention using it in the forums haven't had the slip experience.  There are plenty who warn in capital letters, but they don't mention having used it themselves.
+Lots of suggestions, including wd-40 and even shaving cream, at advrider.com forum: [[https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/changing-your-tires-silicone-lube.642476/ |2010]] [[https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/tire-mounting-lubes.876340/page-2 |2013]] [[https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/rubber-lube-for-tire-mounting.1070718/ |2015]] [[https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/home-made-tire-mount-lube-rim-protector.1589049/ |2022]].
+Ruglyde ingredient percentages:
+  * Water 72.48
+  * Coconut Oil 11.03
+  * Potassium hydroxide 7.08
+  * Sodium dichromate, dihydrate 6.93
+  * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycol_ethers |Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether]] 2.28
+  * Petroleum distillates, solvent dewaxed heavy paraffinic 0.16
+  * Triethanolamine 0.04
+A formal article: https://www.tirereview.com/easy-does-it-proper-lubrication-can-reduce-mounting-concerns
+++++
+The tire bead must unseat completely and sit in a groove with a lesser diameter in order to start pulling one side over the rim.  The act of pushing the tire bead away from the rim wall and into that groove is called debeading the tire.
+One side of the rim may have a deeper debeading groove.  Use that side for both mounting and dismounting.  Unfortunately, this groove is usually on the outer face of the rim that you don't want to scratch.
-Use a wooden 4x4 plank to loosen the bead of the tire from the rim, as shown by [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii8PtW8lDWY&t=150 |Smitten in the Mitten on YouTube]], then remove the tire with pry bars.
+You can use a low profile car jack to debead the tire.  I use a concrete park bench: slide the wheel under the bench but over the jack.  May help to place a tire iron between rim and tire before lowering the jack so the tire doesn't return to place.
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8IiRrgdEZg |Mounting a car tire on a rim with NO TOOLS in seconds]] by Spanky’s Hot Rods on YouTube.
+You can also loosen the bead of the tire from the rim by driving a car over a wooden plank, as shown by [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii8PtW8lDWY&t=150 |Smitten in the Mitten]] on YouTube.
-Use any vegetable oil as a lubricant for mounting/dismounting.  Petroleum based oils harm the rubber.  Soapy water is corrosive.  See [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEQUlH_sTo4 |The Tinkering Old-Timer on YouTube]].
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8IiRrgdEZg |Mounting a car tire on a rim with NO TOOLS in seconds]] by Spanky’s Hot Rods on YouTube.  My God I couldn't do that with my tires.  I did stand over the tire but needed to use a single lever to work the last of the tire over the rim.
 ++++ In case it's too hard with tire levers/irons or pry bars |
 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ODocXwHasY |NO DAMAGE Tire Mount Dismount Change Bar Build, by sixtyfiveford on YouTube]]
-Or just buy a whole gizmo such as the one [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX7DvJo7A8E |John Salt]] uses.
+Or just buy a whole gizmo such as the one [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06Jr9t1CnNQ |John Salt]][[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QND8n_ArNRo|+1]] uses.  Although [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg9az4p6t8g |Scotty Kilmer]] thinks it's a pile of shit.  John Salt modified his.
 ++++
@@ Line 327: / Line 364: @@
 ++++ Alternate |
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE5mUKl0Moo |Harbor Freight Bubble Balancer. A Long Term Review And Demonstration.]] by FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs on YouTube.\\
+I asked him: "Did you ever make the comparison video between the static balance,dynamic, and road force balancer?"\\
+Answer: "I really need to. I did one, but not on film. The results? Bubble is dynamic was no more than 1/4 Oz change."
 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyTD2WllSmI |Digital Wheel Balancer Vs Bubble Balancer comparison]] by Gerard Burke on YouTube.
@@ Line 349: / Line 390: @@
 Also the dynamic balancing by spinning the wheel after the static balance, and moving the applied weights in or out by trial and error.  No, this will not work, and here's why:
-The weight distribution for being out of dynamic balance yet statically balanced, would be weight half on the inside and half on the outside of the rim, each half opposite radially.  The static weights you just applied on the centerline of the mass of the rim, you can just keep them there.  You have now have no idea where to apply weights for dynamic balance.
+The weight distribution for being out of dynamic balance yet statically balanced, would be weight half on the inside and half on the outside of the rim, each half opposite radially.  The static weights you just applied on the centerline of the mass of the rim, you can just keep them there.  You now have no idea where to apply weights for dynamic balance.
 ++++
@@ Line 363: / Line 404: @@
 === Shop Balancer Instructions ===
-Know how so you can correct the guy at the shop.  Especially if you ask them to double check and the tire doesn't show as balanced: ask right after they balance one, to remount the balance tire and check for balance.
+Know how so you can correct the guy at the shop.  Especially if you ask them to double check and the tire doesn't show as balanced: ask right after they balance one, to remount the supposedly balanced tire and check again.
 [[https://www.derekweaver.com/learn/wheel-balancer |Full Documentation]] by derekweaver.com.
@@ Line 396: / Line 437: @@
 \\
-===== Charging the Battery =====
+===== Wheel Alignment =====
 \\
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tmai5DeWos |Wheel Alignment]] by That Shop Teacher Guy on YouTube.\\
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQy_OwtrRsk |Camber]] by Subearu on YouTube.\\
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9yO3WF7Vug |Toe-in]] by Embark With Mark on YouTube.\\
+[[https://nasaspeed.news/tech/suspension/setting-toe-with-a-laser-level/ |Toe With a Laser Level]] by Scott Gress on nasaspeed.com
+++++ Alternate |
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILPv_skgtzE |DIY Car Alignment with No Special Tools]] by Budget Outlaws on YouTube.  There's no way I'm doing the string method.  Holding a level steady to measure camber?  No way!\\
+https://www.hagerty.com/media/opinion/the-hack-mechanic/using-a-do-it-yourself-camber-gauge\\
+https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/ccrp-0910-diy-alignment-guide
+The following is for adjusting toe on solid rear axles.\\
+{{:motorsports:alignment-plates.jpg?direct|Toe Alignment Plates}}
+++++
+++++ Easy visual toe alignment check |
+For toe, I like to use the wheels themselves for reference.  I use the tire sidewall plane as a sight on the other tire, or something pressed onto the other tire.  If the steering wheel is straight, then the sight point on the other tire will be the same on either side of the car.
+For the front wheels, it doesn't have to be exactly the same on either side, because toe-in is the difference in alignment of one wheel compared to the other.  When driving in a straight line, the caster will even out the difference to track straight.  Caster and camber are responsible for the vehicle driving straight.
+Maybe my toe alignment isn't popular because the tire sidewall could have deviation?  Maybe lasers could be used... Ha!  Found a link: [[https://nasaspeed.news/tech/suspension/setting-toe-with-a-laser-level/ |Toe With a Laser Level, Scott Gress]]
+++++
+To do an alignment on a vehicle with independent suspension, the [[https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/effect-of-weight-on-alignment.482929/ |weight]] of the car needs to be on the wheels.
+So the wheels are free to slide, turn plates are nice because you don't have to roll the car back and forth to settle the suspension.
+DIY turn plates: 2 squares of slick, texture free vinyl floor tiles, without sticky-back, with salt applied between them.  I've been told oil and grease are too messy.
+Settling of the suspension without tools is done by push-rolling the car forward.  Does push-rolling the car forward create a drag force unlike when the wheels sit on turn plates?
+If your floor is not level, you can also [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K17_oQCPASo |stack vinyl flooring]] to even out the height differences under the wheels.
+Camber and toe require the steering wheel be centered.  "If you don’t have a steering wheel lock, you can move the seat all the way forward and jam a helmet between the steering wheel and the seat."  [[https://www.onallcylinders.com/2023/08/03/how-to-check-set-wheel-alignment-at-home |Wayne Scraba]]
+If you don't have the expensive LongAcre caster and camber tool That Shop Teacher Guy has, the {{:motorsports:steering-geometry-and-caster-measurement.pdf|formula for caster}} can be had from Subearu's camber tool measurements:
+++++ Expand formula |
+caster (deg) = (180 / 3.1415) * [(camber1 - camber2) / (turnangle1 - turnangle2)]
+For a 40 deg change in turn angle,
+caster = (180 / 3.14) * (camber1-camber2) / 40 = 1.43 * (camber1-camber2)
+++++
+I don't have easy access to my wheel spindles.  I want to have a set of inexpensive wheel clamps to make things easier.  One magnet on the disc brake may be a little off, but two is good enough to make a reliable base for the laser toe-in tool and bubble camber tool.
+{{:motorsports:magnetic-alignment-face.jpg?direct|Magnetic Alignment Face}}\\
+[[https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/72126-diy-chassis-alignment-toe-settings |911Fiddler on nam3forum.com]]
+++++ More images |
+{{:motorsports:laser-mount.jpeg?direct|}}
+{{:motorsports:laser-mount-2.jpeg?direct|}}
+{{:motorsports:reading-mount.jpeg?direct|}}
+++++
+If you don't have a pit from which to make your adjustments like at the alignment shop, you are shit out of luck and have to raise the car to adjust camber as Subearu did.  Unless your vehicle has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaCyi8N9XIQ |naturally curly hair]], er, I mean has "good ground clearance".
+\\
+===== Storing The Car =====
+\\
+  * Cover to protect from elements
+  * Don't use the parking brake for long term
+  * Start the car every 2 to 3 weeks
+  * Drive the car to lubricate the gear boxes
+  * Run the air conditioner
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bdq5PI8s6s |How Often Car Need to Be Driven?]] by Auto Zone on YouTube.
+\\
+==== Car cover ====
+\\
+Should not be waterproof so that humidity isn't stored inside the car?  Reflectivity helps keep the car cool in the sun.
+\\
+==== Charging the Battery ====
+\\
+Modern cars have electronics that continuously drain the battery, requiring that the car be charged as often as once per week if left without use.
 A lead-acid battery, measured without load, should not go [[https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-low-voltage-of-a-12V-lead-acid-battery-before-it-takes-damage/answer/Stephen-Dudley-13 |under 11.9v]].  It only takes a dozen or so cycles under this voltage to ruin a battery.
@@ Line 404: / Line 528: @@
  [[https://www.digikey.com/Site/Global/Layouts/DownloadPdf.ashx?pdfUrl=C6A39B8C0AB6445A82EDEF71B3F5CEAB |digikey.com]]
-For 2000s model cars, it's likely ok to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf4NitFCviQ |charge the battery while still connected to the car]], but newer cars may have more complicated electronics?  Connect the [[https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/303412/when-jumping-a-car-battery-why-is-it-better-to-connect-the-red-positive-cable-f |positive terminal first]], then the negative terminal.
+A charger should have a charge controller to avoid overcharging the battery.
+If using a solar panel along with a charge controller, keep in mind that the charge controller uses battery to function.  So cloudy days and shade can result in a net drain.  See [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJps37W7CuM |more molecules]] on YouTube.
+For 2000s model cars, it's likely ok to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf4NitFCviQ |charge the battery while still connected to the car]], but newer cars may have more complicated electronics?  I don't know.
+If you have to disconnect the battery, remember to connect the [[https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/303412/when-jumping-a-car-battery-why-is-it-better-to-connect-the-red-positive-cable-f |positive terminal first]], then the negative terminal.
 <WRAP center round box 95%>
@@ Line 433: / Line 563: @@
 Given my engine has 100K miles, I'll be using 20W-50.  I'll be waiting a minute after starting the car so the engine warms up before applying load.
+\\
+===== Brake Fluid =====
+\\
+[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvyjS91DWWU |Using a squirt bottle to pump brake fluid]] by GerrysDiy on YouTube.
 \\

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