Quick Tire Swaps and Rotations | Guide | DIY

[Dezoris]

Quick Tire Change/Rotation Guide

Problem:

I figured I would dump this here as, I HATE swapping tires for events.
Always having had 3-4 cars, I am always doing rotations, winter wheel swaps etc. And finally got sick of fighting.

So I wanted a new setup that was quick, easy to transport and worked well. Please use the parts and guide as reference, chose your own setup vendors etc.

Research:

After to talking with a friend who works on a pit team for Spec Miata/SRF most of the guys use cordless impact wrenches, either by Snap-On or Matco.

Clearly the cost of those tools is more than a seasons worth of tires, so I talked to a few suspension shops who do some team racing and settled on the following parts.

Work Smarter Not Harder
9 minutes per Side

Parts List:

• Dewalt DCF880HL2 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, good for 150lbs Ft Lbs [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092RUSAE/ref=oh_details_o01_s01_i01"]Amazon.com: DEWALT DCF880HL2 20-Volt Li-Ion 3.0 Ah 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit with Hog Ring: Home Improvement[/ame]
• Brownline Digital TQ Wrench (Vendor on this Site) [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032A60W2/ref=oh_details_o01_s02_i00"]Brown Line Metal Works BLD0212 Digital Torque Wrench : Amazon.com : Automotive[/ame]
• Torque Wrench Sockets Non Marring 19mm and 21mm Titan 21092 1/2". [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008XM7MJ4/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00"]Titan 21092 1/2" Drive Deep Lug Nut Socket. Size 19 mm : Amazon.com : Automotive[/ame]
• Impact Socket Set Ingersoll Rand SK4C3F. [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HGKR5K/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i02"]Amazon.com: Ingersoll Rand SK4C3F 1/2-Inch Drive 3-Piece Lugnut Service Flip Impact Socket Set: Home Improvement[/ame]
• Torque Sticks for Impact Wrench Neiko Torque Sticks Set [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IX3BSM/ref=oh_details_o01_s01_i00"]Neiko Heavy-Duty Torque Stick, 1/2-Inch Drive Extension Bars 60 to 140 Ft Lbs - Chrome Molybdenum - Amazon.com[/ame]

Install Video

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbToa2nqxKM&"]Tire Swap Test For Rotations and Track Days | Brownline Torque Wrench | Dewalt Impact Wrench - YouTube[/ame]

1. Get your car jacked up by preferred method.
2. With the impact gun attach your ingerolls impact sockets for the FR-S. And remove the lugs and wheel.
3. Place the new wheel onto the hub making sure it is seated properly and hand thread on the lugs.
4. Attach the TQ stick labeled 80lbs to the Impact.
5. Tighten the lugs per the 5 lug pattern
6. Repeat for other wheels.
7. Lower the vehicle and attach the non-marrring sockets to the torque wrench and set the wrench to 90lbs FT.
8. Tighten the 5 lugs in proper fashion.
9. Set tire pressures.

Photos of Parts

[bpracer]

Those are some cool tools.

I have a cheap Pep Boys, 24v Goodyear branded cordless impact. Surprisingly effective, and the battery lasted at least 5 years before I had new cells put in.

Cordless impacts are definitely your friend at the track, Also, when your trailer tires explode on the way home from the track. Between a drive up ramp and the cordless impact, I can change a trailer tire in minutes.


*********

Off topic, but I have found that a good percentage of D load range trailer tire failures are due to cheap rubber valve stems failing, They are only rated for maybe 50psi, not 65psi. They leak air, tires get hot, go boom. Use metal valve stems. It will save you from changing as many tires on the side of the road.

[xwd]

I had an old Milwaukee 24v I just retired. It's a beast and can deliver a lot of torque. I replaced it with an 18v DeWalt which is tiny in comparison. I really only use it to zip the lugs on and off it doesn't quite have enough juice to break the lugs loose at 85lb-ft. I just use the stock tire iron to break them loose.

[Scooby South]

I am using a Ryobi 24V Lithium... Works well.. Torques right to 78lbs..

[simpleisbest]

Get this or make you own:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...umber=35-70000

Being able to jack up a whole side of the car from under the door is a HUGE time saver!

[CSG Mike]

I use one of these

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-19...2&blockType=G2

Two batteries are enough for 10 full changes without straining the battery.

[xwd]

Originally Posted by simpleisbest

Get this or make you own:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...umber=35-70000

Being able to jack up a whole side of the car from under the door is a HUGE time saver!

I agree I've been using one of these for years:

http://protechproducts.com/index.php...&product_id=57

[ABQautoxer]

Originally Posted by dwx

I agree I've been using one of these for years:

http://protechproducts.com/index.php...&product_id=57

I have two of the different version of the same ones:

http://www.purems.com/Products/PROTE...-Lift-Jack-Pad

1006 not the 1007. Love them.

[CSG Mike]

Are these better than a hockey puck with a groove cut in it?

Serious question... I use a hockey puck. lol

[Scooby South]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Are these better than a hockey puck with a groove cut in it?

Serious question... I use a hockey puck. lol

Same principle... and probably cheaper..

If it works... stick with it.. BTW...I have to dig mine out (the hockey puck) and Retrofit it for the BRZ...Forgotten I had one for my old STi.. thanks..


Bill

[xwd]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Are these better than a hockey puck with a groove cut in it?

Serious question... I use a hockey puck. lol

Same principle. I bought the protech one originally because I was lazy. I've also found it to be pretty much indestructible and since its bright yellow easy to find in my messy garage.

[Dave-ROR]

I have a bunch of pucks sitting around, never bothered to use anything besides the jack saddle for lifting the car. Hmm..

Normally I just use the lift instead.

[ABQautoxer]

We use wood blocks with grooves for the lift and they are showing major signs of wear. I use these devices and they show no wear, they are basically going to be indestructible. So better than a Hockey puck, no I dont think so so unless those are prone to split over time, but they are turn key which is nice.

[Tt3Sheppard]

Originally Posted by simpleisbest

Get this or make you own:
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...umber=35-70000

Being able to jack up a whole side of the car from under the door is a HUGE time saver!

This is amazing im buying this.