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STAGE THREE / BEAD SEATING
Bead seating usually occurs on the long tapered side
of the wheel first and the shorter side last. Bead seating
will usually require at least 7 PSI in the tire. 40 PSI is the
maximum safe pressure at this stage regardless of tire
operating pressure. Most European import cars and
many aftermarket alloy wheels are very tight and can be
difficult to bead seat. Also note that asymmetrical hump and
run-flat tires are extremely difficult to bead seat. Follow tire
manufacturer’s recommended procedure for bead seating.
1. Once tire pressure is indicated on the air gauge (inflation
pedal depressed, continue to inject air into the tire in short
intervals. Check the pressure frequently. Stand back during
bead seat. Keep hands, arms, and entire body away from
tire during this procedure. Tire beads should move outward
and “pop” into their bead seat position as pressure inside
the tire increases. If this does not happen, a problem exists.
Investigate carefully. (See Fig. 16.12)
2. Release air pressure from the tire by pressing the manual
release valve button. NOTE: The inflation hose must be
attached to the valve stem during this procedure.
(See Fig. 16.13)
WARNING!
KEEP HAND AND FINGERS CLEAR!
KEEP ENTIRE BODY AWAY FROM THE TIRE.
WARNING!
OPERATOR SHOULD KEEP HANDS, ARMS AND
ENTIRE BODY AWAY FROM THE TIRE DURING
THE REMAINING BEAD SEAT AND INFLATION
PROCEDURES. DO NOT STAND OVER TIRE,
AS PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT
FROM INFLATING TIRE. AVOID DISTRACTION
DURING INFLATION. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
FREQUENTLY TO AVOID OVER INFLATION.
EXCESSIVE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE TIRES TO
EXPLODE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
TO OPERATOR OR BYSTANDER.
Fig. 16.12
Fig. 16.13
