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

[@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.

[@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.😏

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Army_Of_Juan]

Make one diy it’s cheaper

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@kenken4153]

One of the best detailed videos ever made! Well done! No stupid music background music or skipping steps. You are awesome!

[@randyrobison335]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@joelterkovich443]

You have a very nice setup.

[@BDDD-x3k]

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

[@slee5045]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@helteeb8878]

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

[@tmph1814]

Very nicely demo and you got an amazing garage setup👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@lasvegasbadboyz]

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

[@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.

[@Jim12291958]

I definitely agree with your comment about not really doing this to save money but that us D.I.Y.er's like to do our own maintenance and enjoy working with our hands. Thanks for the 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.

[@dLLund]

thank you for posting. very clear, natural narration.

[@fandango2663]

First thing to do is mark the rim and tire to be sure and replace the tire exactly where is was on the rim, to be sure the tire will remain balanced. If you just put the tire back on anywhere, it will no longer be balanced. Good video

[@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!

[@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!

[@edwardlacika3022]

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

[@redbird1824]

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

[@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.

[@n9amiwavelengthradio]

A plug aint worth a shit when your rocketing a gt500 at 100mph. So you and your delicate is prob fine

[@NoMoreBsPlease]

​@@n9amiwavelengthradio A plug will handle 100 mph just fine.

[@fishhuntadventure]

@@n9amiwavelengthradio Good thing I didn’t know that before! I’d have been so scared. FWIW glue/rope plugs will survive multiple burnouts, and the vulcanizing plugs are even better. You don’t have to get inside and do patches. None of those are structural to the tire, they just stop air leakage. I’m less nervous about a plug than I am about schrader valve stems.

[@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.

[@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]

🎉

[@EssexSilvering]

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

[@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.

[@six4fishing]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@lawmanlawreaper]

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

[@dpo1867]

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

[@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.

[@oneilluminatus]

Like yourself, I love independence and self reliance. And besides that, if you want to have it done properly, well than you will have to do it yourself. That's my motto.

[@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

[@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

[@joshthorsell635]

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

[@echassin]

IDK if this was mentioned before in another comment, but some of us are here to overcome a steep learning curve for the HF tire changer. Small differences in technique can have an outsized impact. In that vein, the video is very enlightening but I would love to see what has been edited out 16:23. The video halts and restarts with the Lucid head in a different configuration and with a bead retainer installed. What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome them? If the missing portion is long or has bad camera angles, or shows you cursing, so be it. Dwell on those steps because IMO they are important to see.

[@thatsonebadhatharry8610]

I have never had a plug type repair fail or cause an unbalanced situation. Fast and easy and with a lift you don't even need to remove the tire/wheel from the car. [Edit] In many cases you don't even need a lift like yours.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

I’ve had good results from the rope plugs, but the reamer tool does a fair bit of damage to the steel belts, making the tire weaker, and generally unsafe for high speed operation. I had a tire fail from major belt separation from rope plugs on an interstate drive. Lucky it was a rear wheel on an AWD car.

[@thatsonebadhatharry8610]

@@wallacegrommet9343 I guess anything is possible but not the norm. To many people have used plugs for too long without any problems including myself. Now if you trying to plug a hole from bolt or large object I wouldn't even attempt to patch it from the inside. It's all subjective anyway. It all boils down to what you trust the most or trust to do the job you need it to do.

[@jaycarl1562]

Same here. In most cases a plug will last for the life of your tire without any issues. His setup is a good investment for those who have space, time and money

[@jtark9341]

I have plugged payloader tires and just recently a combine tire that took 4 plugs to fill the hole from a bone puncture. Lasted all harvest season and the combine is huge, it holds 24k lbs of grain alone so I have full faith in plugs. Also had to plug a traditional tire repair I did after some hay stubble poked through the old hole and punctured the patch

[@wallacegrommet9343]

How about at 75 miles per hour? Different conditions, absolutely. The plug I use is better called a patch plug. It’s both! The plug fills and bonds to the hole in the tread casing, and the patch inside seals the puncture. Dismount required, obviously. Living in Washington, I take advantage of Les Schwab tire shops, who patch tires for free as a goodwill public relations practice.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I clean up the wheel with a wire wheel on a 9" Grinder.. I use Freylube Rim Grease on the bead area. It dries to a sticky substance that helps to seal the bead.. Yet it makes it easier to brake the bead down 10 years later.

[@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.

[@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

[@whosonfirst1309]

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

[@dyardsale5475]

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

[@twistedhillbilly6157]

Looks like you bypassed the Bead seating.. It is a good idea to leave the valve out until both beads have seated

[@celticlightning9703]

This helped with my thought on purchasing one of these do-it-yourself tire changers. You did it all. That's what I wanted to see. It all sounds good when you hear someone tell you but it's a different story in practice most of the time.

[@silvergrizzly316]

Yes, like Matt was saying, mark the rim with chaulk along with a mark aligned with the puncture hole when remounting then no need for re-balancing. I myself will have to remember that very step😆👍👍

[@celticlightning9703]

@@silvergrizzly316 are you sure? 🤔😂

[@RonnieCarter38501]

@@celticlightning9703 If you remount the tire in the same relative position, what's changed to cause the wheel to be unbalanced?

[@celticlightning9703]

@@RonnieCarter38501 It's not that I had an issue with a remount. I plan on changing my own tires rather than waste time and money at a garage. As long as you put the same tire on in same position without disturbing the weights if you have some on then yeah it shouldn't be an issue. But changing out old to new could be a different ball game.

[@kenavram5586]

Especially nowadays where many shops won't repair a tire close to the shoulder like he had. I just had a tire with a nail in the same spot and 3 shops refused to repair it at that same spot with a patch. Finally talked one into doing it but they really put up a fight. No problem after they fixed it but I think they wanted to sell a new tire instead.

[@world_still_spins]

Center cap indexed to valve stem and spokes, very good.

[@peterjet3819]

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

[@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.

[@adam1885282]

This is one of just a few jobs I don’t diy, it’s fun to see it done manually. I’ll stick to costco for now, they have ice cream

[@davidwhite4474]

I just mark the air valve on tire for balance . Good video .

[@billiardball9650]

most comments are just silly people , you do what you enjoy doing

[@The-You-Doober]

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

[@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

[@Jonathan-L]

Good job done Matt! Long live DIY.

[@crazysvt03]

Should have used a patch plug, now moisture can get into the hole and rust the belt, causing a dangerous blow out later on. The patch plug is used by all tire shops for that very reason

[@SW-ok8qr]

Patch plugs are superior but he did a good job on the patch. Nothings getting past that.

[@joedoe4642]

Absolutely no water will get in the tire with a plug, you are completely wrong

[@crazysvt03]

@@joedoe4642 hum

[@seananderson127]

That patch was ridiculous garbage. After that much labor you better be installing a plug patch. The underside of that patch is exposed to the elements...period. I changed and patched tires professionally for years. Thousands and thousands. Sometimes hundreds a day. Watching that was cringe.

[@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!

[@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

[@cashstith4935]

Where did you get the lucid adapter from?

[@michaelmusson3593]

you might not be doing this to save money but you might be doing it to save your time. Last time I had a slow leak I took it back to Discount Tire at 10:30 AM and it wasn't ready till 6:30PM

[@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...

[@curtdow1831]

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

[@toobView13]

great job!, recommend some soapy water when taking things apart.

[@mdb9238]

Skipped over that re-balance check you talked about. Bummer. also, that duck head thing, where do I get that for my HF machine?

[@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

[@mpn7jxc]

That’s a fancy home garage. For sure. Even brought bubble tester instead of soap lololol

[@kennybryant1910]

This is a great video. I would not have just patched that tire in that location. It is to close to the edge and might leak after some hard driving. I might would have used a plug patch. Those hold better on the outer edge near the bead of the tire. But hey...as long as it doesn't leak air it's all 👍

[@mudracer007]

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

[@lukequigley121]

Good tip on using the door panel clip tool..

[@miguelmaldonado9881]

This tool is worth it. I went to get a flat fix,....they wanted $40, and $80 for 4 dismount and mounts

[@dinochips]

we need them in the uk, states get all the cool stuff first. would buy one straight away!

[@bobbg9041]

I plug it on the car. But looking at the tread you should replace all 4 always do them in sets.

[@JamesRobertson-fh1cs]

Safety Seal plugs are the best for our family garage, we've been using them since the early 80's and never had any problems, no way would we take a tire off if it could be fixed with a simple plug.

[@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?

[@wallacegrommet9343]

There are better patches, for sure. They combine a plug and a patch with a metal insertion tool. Otherwise, good video.

[@txrick4879]

Oh yes the wire helps guide and the rubber neck seals the hole better than just a patch . The auto parts store I worked in would even sell them single . Totally affordable .

[@turbotrana]

Surprised you did it so well and so easy.

[@kewalSingh-zo5xf]

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

[@goldentrunnell7450]

It's obvious why you do things yourself, you could hear the satisfaction in your tone.

[@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?😊

[@Pharmgdb]

Thank you my friend. Well done. I would like to see you balance. I will search to see if you did a video.

[@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.