Fixing a flat tire with a Harbor Freight Tire Changer & Lucid Adapter

No wheel damage tire removal to fix a flat tire on the GT500 with a tire puncture from a nail.

[@bernardmauge8613]

Perfect demo. No stupid music, good editing. Thanks.

[@5speed735i]

Yeah, plus one from me on that. Also no stupid one minute intro, and no nauseating, shaky/whirling around camera work. Tripods are a viewer's best friend!

[@WoodgemanX]

Lousy audio, any music would have been preferable to this.

[@bernarda658]

Right on about that damn music.

[@stevewheatley243]

Agreed. Can't stand all that so called music.😏

[@carlinshowalter1806]

I used one of these the other day at my friends dads garage and I'm getting one! My tire store down the street started charging $20 just to put a tire on a bare wheel. Hell with that.

[@minigpracing3068]

One tip for you, cut a rectangle of thick plastic from a washer fluid or antifreeze jug and fold it around the bead breaker. That will prevent scratches to the wheel and let you sink it down against the bead for easier breaking. I need to get me one of those Lucid adapters!

[@AgentWest]

To make mounting/dismounting easier, push down on the tire opposite of the tool. That will get it into the center, smaller part of the wheel so it does not need to stretch anywhere near as much. May be more difficult on such a wide, low-profile tire, but should still be possible once the bead is unstuck.

[@sstjacques]

I would not dismount tire and change or fix it for just a simple nail, just use a plug and done. I had plugs last over 8 years in tires, the full life of the tire. Thanks for the demo of this tire changer with duck bill mod.

[@AugieOmega1]

You've had tires with plugs for 8 years!! My Lort.

[@just_another_Joe]

I was thinking the same thing. Could have been solved in 5 minutes with a sticky rope plug. I’ve plugged multiple screw/nail holes in my truck tires and they all lasted for the life of the tire. But still good to see this process. I’ve changed tires using tire spoons, and this method is definitely easier.

[@joelterkovich443]

You have a very nice setup.

[@silvergrizzly316]

By far, the best demonstration of harbor freights diy tire changer. Thank you for sharing Matt! Subscribed!!!!!

[@JorgeAGamez-ny6pb]

Mr. Matt, I can't believe how detailed you explained on how to change or dismount a tire properly and handy as DIY way with Harbor Freight with a Lucid adapter tool. Need one for my CtsV. Sometimes it's scary to swing by at a tire shop. Thank you for your video, totally explained how to use the tool property.

[@partsisparts9568]

I enjoyed seeing the duckbill adapter in use. Regarding the nail puncture in the tread, I have always used a $7 walmart plug kit and fixed the tire right on the car. I have done dozens over the last 30 years and never had a leak.

[@tbrinkley112]

For real!! I use to bust a nut removing/installing tires. Plugs have been a huge time saver for me. Still use one of these to replace tires, but mine doesn't have the clamp and I had to make a whole new bead breaker 3x heavier. The one that it came with was just like his and bent on the first use.

[@randyrobison335]

Thanks for sharing. Like the bungee idea for the bead breaker. I really enjoyed making my own duck bill manual tire changer.

[@padroooo]

Thank you for your video. I once had a new set of tires mounted on new American Racing Wheels at the Tire Rack in South Bend Indiana . They actually let you in their huge shop while they are doing tire work. I observed them putting a new wheel on the tire machine with now tire and spinning it. I asked the guy why they did that and he said they check them for runout and balance before the new tire goes on. I was impressed. Low profile tires are harder to work with than regular tires and Runflats are a different game altogether.

[@donnatalielucasheimbigner7598]

You need to mark the tire at the valve stem so you can remount it in the same position to keep it balanced when finished.

[@vancheeliu6794]

Matt marked the tire at the nail and on the rim, so it is effectively the same.

[@ichicken5052]

doesnt always return to balance....infact nearly never...

[@jeremybreeden4228]

@@ichicken5052 I should start playing the lottery then lol. I've had to remove and replace the same tire on my cars quite a few times and I've also done it for a few friends using the method of marking the tire in the position to which it came off. I still take it and get it checked at a shop to see if it's in balance and everytime they have been.

[@YT-User1013]

He did say something to that effect.

[@YT-User1013]

@@ichicken5052 How accurate is “balanced” anyway.

[@73Bdiddy]

Thank you for showing this on a low-profile tire and using the Lucid adapter. I have made up my mine after watching.

[@robm3357]

I have one of those entire changers also. It has come in very handy. Used it many times. I hate waiting at an automotive repair place and customer service is a thing of the past.

[@giorgio.]

Not to mention the techs at tire places tend to work fast, scratch wheels and over-torque lug nuts.

[@rordonez885]

Awesome video !!! I wasn't expecting the tire repair portion. . A "Double Feature". Like some mentioned, best demo video on Harbor freight tire changer. Great job.

[@kenavram5586]

I had a tire with a nail in it exactly where he had it and no one wanted to fix it, just wanted to sell me a new tire. I used to fix tires at my dads gas station and never had a problem patching a nail at that spot. Finally convinced a garage to patch it and never had a problem with it. I swear no one wants to fix tires anymore.

[@algeriathelandofterrorists3329]

They don't want to fix it becuz it's in the curve of the tire no one want that liability....

[@kenavram5586]

@@algeriathelandofterrorists3329 but it was not in the curve, it was a half an inch on the flat side but no one wants to fix anything these days. I used to work in my dads garage fixing tires and I patched them all the time even on the curves and it was never an issue. Sidewalls are a little trickier because the tire is only two ply on the sides but for me that was no problem either. Put a patch on it and then put a tube in and problem solved.

[@helteeb8878]

You should add link where you buy the lucid adapter ...its more convenient and save time looking for it...

[@peterjet3819]

I thoroughly enjoyed that, I appreciate you sharing it with us.

[@timtimmons2715]

I have been using the same Harbor Freight tire changer on the farm for at least 15 years. I bought it on sale and it has paid for itself time and again. I have always used soapy water in a spray bottle for lube and it has never failed me. TT

[@kenavram5586]

I also used the soapy water for leak detection. If there is a leak it will bubble. Also use it to detect AC leaks etc.

[@MrMattDat]

Great video! I haven't seen someone do their own tire repair in decades! You are SO RIGHT about your attention to detail. Great job!

[@cal4tech]

Mounting a low profile tire 275-35-18 is much harder than it seems. I tried several times with that tire size and is still unsuccessful.

[@tmph1814]

Very nicely demo and you got an amazing garage setup👍

[@PaulG.x]

Lubricate the inside face of the tyre bead before mounting it on the wheel. The mounting tool also slides against the inside face (15:43 here) and lubrication will make it slide easier.

[@dylanmeade5583]

Also it is best to start stitching from the center and work your way to either side as it won't let air get stuck in there. And helps if you keep one of the plastic covers on the patch so you keep it nice and clean, put it on and pull the little plastic off

[@MrShankspony]

1) well constructed video 2) love that you enjoy doing all this yourself 3) I'd just use a plug but the internal patch is +++! 4) thank you... never knew about the accessory for the tire changer

[@EssexSilvering]

Great walk through, your the first ive seen doing this with a decent looking rim/wheel .... Thanks for sharing.

[@victorthecarguy3126]

Taking out the valve core and using some soapy water when you break the bead makes it even easier. I use a slide hammer setup to break the bead as I don't have the space for the machine. From a fellow DIY'er, thanks for the video.

[@michellatour150]

Often easier to initially seat the tire by leaving the Schrader valve out as it allows for a higher volume of air to enter the tire.

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

Right. And using an air blow gun gives more air flow than an inflator, for easier bead seating.

[@Jonathan-L]

Good job done Matt! Long live DIY.

[@blackenigma1054]

This video as very informative, thank you!👍🏿

[@edwardlacika3022]

Great stud idea and fantastic attention to detail. Exactly why I diy my vehicles. Thanks for the vid.

[@michaelnotigan7796]

Really enjoyed this one, having always relied on the local tire dealer to repair punctures. This takes all of the mystery out of it; not unlike repairing my bicycle's flats!

[@curtdow1831]

Is your Lucid adapter the “lite” duty version or the heavy duty version?

[@dylanmeade5583]

Mainly good stuff, practice with your bar, using the correct side to dismount. The hooked side is for mounting, soap the bar up a bit and slide it in there, starting by the stem, and push down with one hand or have a buddy do it on the side opposite the stem. This makes it much much easier to pry it off

[@dLLund]

thank you for posting. very clear, natural narration.

[@romeopapa1]

Matt... Thank you so much for the full walkthrough. I was just looking for a quick tutorial on the Lucid adapter, but this was great!

[@davidcrosby969]

Prior to unmounting your tire leave the object in the tire makes it easier to find the hole, put a mark on your tire inline with the valve stem, so you can line it back up when remounting for the tire balance. Break the bead on the inside first, get some tire patch adhesive it will make a better repair, and lube the beads prior to reinstalling the tire. Ive done a gazillion tires just speaking from experience, hope this will help in the future

[@1925sk]

That’s exactly how it was done in the video.

[@topdogega4664]

I agree it’s not about saving money or time. I for one just enjoy doing my own work. I get to control the care and quality of work.

[@kenavram5586]

One thing to also do while you have the tire apart is to put a new valve stem in. They are very cheap and well worth it.

[@still-DJ]

Great job and video. I always purchase the road hazard warranty on tires because most tire stores will never fix a flat when the first outer tread (like yours did) has a nail/screw/puncture in it. If the puncture is anywhere else on the tread, no problem. I'm told there's too much flexing and to much liability for the store so, they just install another matching brand-new tire; well worth the warranty especially on $300.00 plus E-rated truck tires. And yes, I must buy another road hazard warranty on the new replacement tire. Again, great job and video.

[@adamsfamilybaseball2929]

What if I told you I personally patched and/or plugged the very edge of a tire and even sidewalls dozens and dozens and times, usually as temp fixes, and never had one leak or fail? Patches flex and stretch too. Carry on. :)

[@still-DJ]

@@adamsfamilybaseball2929 I do like your Evel Knievel (Robert Craig Knievel) spirit, but I do hope this was only because you had no choice and weren't just risking your family's lives because you could.... and you also ONLY ran or put that "May-POP" tire on the rear for a very short time. Sometimes a guy has to do what a guy has to do. We've all been there my friend. Stay safe and thanks for sharing. Love that it worked for a short time.

[@cntryby]

Tip, use diagonal cutter to pull objects out of tires. Don't cut them, just gets a better grip. Some nails and screws the head wear off, nothing to pry against.

[@lasvegasbadboyz]

Thanks for showing us that this tire changer will work with custom wheels and over the 16” stated ad. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@tacticalofficer6103]

Hi what size welding clamps are you using ???? Thanks

[@turbotrana]

Surprised you did it so well and so easy.

[@letmeplaymystrat]

The 17:05 mark, the cut in the video where all of the cussing happens while trying to seal the bead and keep the air in. :) I enjoyed this video, Cheers!

[@joshthorsell635]

Nice to see another Shelby owner changing their own tires! Cheers!

[@yhird]

Magnificent work Matt. Subscribed.

[@jacobh.7076]

You will absolutely save money doing this yourself. I currently have all these tools in my Amazon cart for $175. If you change out two sets of tires you have paid for the tools. You're gonna spend at least 25 a wheel to get tires mounted. It is absolutely worth the small investment.

[@kewalSingh-zo5xf]

VERY VERY GOOD INFORMATION , 100% WILL WORK FOR ME . THANKS

[@Liberty4Ever]

Good DIY video for a home gamer. That Harbor Fright tire changer looks like a good bang for the buck tool for occasional use. I need five new mud and snow tires for my new-to-me Japanese mini truck and I'd like to do them one at a time so I can sand blast and powder coat the rims, and that would be a big hassle for a tire shop.

[@davidwhite4474]

Tire shop wouldn't do it ( wait on you to clean & paint ) . This needs to be bolted down some how . Like here he bolted to floor , I've seen people use 4'×4' ×2 plywood 3/4" .

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@davidwhite4474 - I haven't done the tire swap and rim powder coating yet but have decided to do them one at a time, myself. The mini truck uses small tires that are probably not much more difficult to remove and install than motorcycle tires. If it's a problem, I'll get a Harbor Freight tire changer. I'll static balance the tire myself too. It's a low speed truck with small tires and probably doesn't need dynamic balancing.

[@bryansteen2219]

Can you talk more about the duck bill assembly? I purchased a similar assembly but mine doesn't have the bearings on the top and bottom where it connects to the pole. I'd like to see how the bearings fit and work threading into the pole. Thanks

[@slee5045]

Love people who take pride in their work. It’s not about how fast the job gets done.

[@jd-pb3qc]

Excellent video, thank you! Like the steps and pace! Keep it up!

[@666ImI666]

I couldn't agree more with you on everything you stated. That's also a really Kool car

[@mrmark8603]

Very professional video.

[@bjkjoseph]

I like that combination plug patch they make it seems like it would be the way to go, but I could be wrong, but it seems better

[@mattsautomotivechannel]

You are right, the plug patch is better because it will prevent water intrusion to the steel belts which can lead to rust and degradation of the tire. That is what I will use for all future repairs. Thanks for your input.

[@shkokyone6748]

Sir, I am impressed !!!

[@dyardsale5475]

good video. There are plugs that have a stem that goes thru the puncture hole.

[@RemmikRotus]

A year later, how did the patch hold up? Of course I noticed those tires were almost ready to need replacing so maybe never made it another year just based on tread.

[@viscache1]

Most nail leaks can be plugged without taking them off the rim. I have a plug in a motorcycle tire that has been there since 2006 that the dealership told me wouldn’t last a day…But I digress, I came here to watch the HF tire remover video and you did a great job. I like your adaptations and plan to make my own version to save a few bucks…welding isn’t free but if you already have the metal…

[@kkinesis5310]

I agree re good old' fashioned plugs - they work great (but having a better grade "T-handle" insertion tool is essential... also rubber cement to ease the plug in & enhance the seal). Here's a link to a vid showing z DIY version of the Lucid upgrade: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqbEpoyXq9ODbbM

[@Annon89]

I didn’t realize they had adapters for those harbor freight changers. I went with a no mar for my motorcycle and it works well for trailer tires and some automotive.

[@whosonfirst1309]

Thanks for the excellent no bs demo. P.S. nice garage.

[@redbird1824]

You don't look like a mecanic.You look an accountant. But you have very good mechanical skills and instincts.

[@gmasterdude]

Excellent you made it look easy.

[@Zdosse]

What kinds of tire spoons were you using? I need those, I like the rubber protection tips.

[@joechanning4779]

I was wondering why you didn’t just use a wheel plug instead of breaking the tire completely down to fix it, unless you wanted to demonstrate how your harbor freight wheel changer worked?😊

[@six4fishing]

Hit the nail on the head with why people like to do things themselves. It is simply NOT about money!

[@vancheeliu6794]

When torquing down the wheel nuts, should we lift the vehicle slightly such that only a small fraction of the vehicle weight is on the wheel whose nuts are not yet torqued ?

[@propmaker69]

I seen that you had green valve stem caps. Does that indicate the tire supposed to be pressurized with nitrogen and not air

[@geeflores6062]

Hello n God bless. I like the way you made your video on removal and installation of the tire. I was wondering where did you order hour center piece with duck bill, it looks sturdy and less shifting. Plus the screw down bolt/housing is very good. If you can please let me know where I can order one for mine, I'd appreciate it. Thank you for making your video, it helps me to improve my ability to do my tires.

[@wahswolf88]

Nice, I have those rims on my 08 GT 500. Cool video on how to do this.

[@notempolimit]

Thank you!

[@dpo1867]

Nice clear video Matt. Where did you get your Lucid adapter?

[@The-You-Doober]

Hi Matt! Subscribed! Where can I get that Lucid Adapter for that Harbor Freight manual tire machine?

[@oilspill321]

I bought one of those HF, but have not used it yet. I have found that a Magic Eraser works well to get the old rubber off an aluminum rim without scratching it.

[@seananderson127]

Lube the sharp edge of the outside bead...inside the tire. Dont put the valve core back in until the bead is seated. Do not use abrasives on aluminum rims. The only time you do that is if the rims are very corroded with mounds of aluminum powder, and in that case you follow up with bead seal. No need to clean those wheels...at all. Ford rims will last decades unscathed with zero cleanup. We dont clean that risidual rubber off in the shop because it will just waste labor AND harm the rims. We call that combo "dumb."

[@engrxtn]

What size of shrink heat tubing you used for the tire iron? I scratched a little bit the rim with the tire iron even though I had it tape? Also…do you like the blue rim protectors you had on at one moment?

[@mattsautomotivechannel]

I used Plasti Dip coating Here is a link to the video I made while do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKObh4idjqeohdU

[@HawaiianReloads]

A hydraulic lift and a manual tire changer. Skimp here to go all out there. Nice! I dont have any of those. Hahaha! But I'd love to have both... Nice job!

[@acke26]

best way to not scratch or damage the rim edge is simply to turn the rim upside down with the face pointing downwards. Just cut a hole in a rubber mat and place it on the top surface of the harbor freight tire changer. When working on the backside it doesn't matter if you get some minor scratches

[@jimmyjames27]

If you mark the tire where the valve stem is before, then when you put it back together you match up the mark and the valve stem so that the tire is still balanced!

[@jreeder6168]

Very good demo. Better job than one would get at a pro shop. KZbinrs can learn from this one. Thanks Matt, hope wife fixed you a good dinner for job well done.

[@dennisprah223]

The guys got money, I mean a lift in your garage. If I had cash I'd have all the toys also. He likes being Independent. In today's society.., that's a plus ! Way to go.

[@cashstith4935]

Where did you get the lucid adapter from?

[@mattsautomotivechannel]

The Lucid adapter has been working great for me, I just which it wasn't so expensive. If I had some decent welding skills, I would have made my own as you did.

[@SOG671]

🎉

[@lawmanlawreaper]

Nice home work shop :) like you said it's not about the cost but about the journey, keep moving stay young.

[@wildmanjeff42]

Man, you've got a nice garage, and great channel, subbed ! Thanks for the video !

[@mikes1308]

Hey Matt. Great job. What brand is that prybar you used at 8:10? One end black, other end yellow. Looks like it has good protective coating on both ends. Can't find one like that anywhere. Have a link where to purchase? Thanks!!

[@mattsautomotivechannel]

Here are the links to the black plastic cover on the one end and the yellow end is a plastic dip. Plastic Cover: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N2A8BWO/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Plastic Dip: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009YO1HWS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Hope that helps, have a great day!

[@raulrocamora5190]

Great video just wanted to know where did you buy the Lucid adaptor at?

[@billypirtle1443]

Where did you get the upper kit for this changer.

[@tonydize3944]

Love the video man i just ordered my charger after watching your videos i will only change atv tires so I should be good

[@juantwo322]

Where can U purchase those tire irons U are using & especially the Lucid Adapter ?

[@mudracer007]

Awesome job perfect where did you get that little adapter thank you

[@mattsautomotivechannel]

I have never used the black type so I don't know if it is better. The stuff I use does tend to dry quickly, so you need apply right before mounting the tire and after a few minutes it is dry.

[@randirlom9508]

The black stuff is bead sealer not a tire lubricant

[@iancameron198]

We're did you get the tire grinder and cement etc and patches

[@mattsautomotivechannel]

@@iancameron198 I purchased all those things from Amazon.

[@lukequigley121]

Good tip on using the door panel clip tool..

[@BroBob1254]

Nicely done! I have The same Tire changer and I Fabricated an Attachment that goes on and off as needed to do Motorcycle Tires! How do you like The Lucid Adapter?

[@greggolszanski1621]

Best thing to put tires is dawn dish soap in a spray bottle with water also makes it easier to get off.. always mark your valve stem with chalk on the tire and align the marks up while installing tire.. never have to worry about balance...

[@robertojames7904]

I do nearly all of the mechanical work on my four cars. I'm quite happy to DIY brakes, shocks, CV joints, injectors, plugs, paint correction, and all sorts of repairs, especially those requiring lots of skilled labor. But somethings are best hired out. Mounting tires is one of them or any other grunt work requiring a specialized machine but not much brain power. My local tire guy does this for $25 including remove, repair, balance, and mount. I don't donate to any charity or church because the directors all fly on private Gulfstream jets. So I pay the tire shop the going rate and toss the guy who does the actual work an extra twenty bucks. That's my personal form of helping others out in a direct way without any private jets. involved. For a big job like a transmission swap, I usually tip fifty or a hundred bucks. Works good, makes me feel good, helps out the worker, and usually results in a little extra attention to detail on the part of the employee. Nice video though.

[@bonholio0o]

Thanks for the nice instruction, clean garage so it's very easy to follow. One thing I noticed missing, is there a reason you skipped the plug before applying the patch?

[@chrisperry3525]

I've manually done tires with tire irons...I worked for a school bus company and they always did those big tires with irons on the floor! I've done bike and motorcycle tires for a long long time, and now am doing tractor tires. I 'cheat' and mount the rim to my workbench LOL. I just ordered a bubble balancer...so I should be inde on tires and balancing instead of paying $20 and 30 min drive time everytime PLUS I now have 24/7 access to repairs!

[@ocramidajzj]

Hi, excellent video. You're the first person to use the harbor freight changer to replace a larger wheel/lower profile tire, which is the same application for my Minis. You also mentioned that you had a tire balancer. May I ask which one you use? Thanks

[@mattsautomotivechannel]

Sure, the balancer I have is the bubble balancer from Harbor Freight, it works very well, but can only balance statically not dynamically. A dynamic balance will require a more sophisticated balancer that spins the wheel. The static balancer usually works well for most tires and narrow wheels, but will fall short if the tire has an imbalance from the inside to outside of the tire. Have a great day!