I'm changing the rear 150/70-18 tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Rally on my son's DesertX. He's absconded to Cal Poly SLO for what I suspect is a debaucherous college party (or maybe I'm just recalling my youth or being jealous - he'd NEVER do such a thing!
So task 1, after using my trusty chain hoist as a support, was getting the rear axle nut loosened. I bought a 12-point 36mm 'Craftsman' socket for $6 delivered which seems criminally cheap. Got a Shinko 50/50 tire for just over half the price of the Pirelli at $135. I bought some big zip ties as I'm gonna try that method.
Whoa, that nut is on there tight. 132 lb/ft or 180 Nm in new money. It has to be more than that. I tried my 1/2" breaker bar, which is 14", with my standard go-to hunk of pipe for leverage . Nope. Then I tried my air impact. Nope. Heck, it got the Suzuki stator nut off, but not this. Then I rummage around and think hmm, my buddy used to use box-ends for extenders and I have this huge trailer hitch box-end (which also fits my Norton's oil drain plug/screen)—got it! It was much more than 130lbs. I'm 240 and put all my weight on it with a 2' plus lever. Damned Ducati!
Next is breaking the bead. The tire won't fit in my bench vise which is my other go-to. I have a backup plan, a big C-clamp. It fits! Eh, it didn't work. I grabbed some lumber and with that, popped it off.
Am I chasing at windmills? Am I too old for this? Yes of course I am, but I will endeavor to persevere and try again tomorrow. I hope the zip ties help to get the tire off but I'm sceptical. I think the hardest part is in front of me. Maybe it's time to just hang it up but I have heard $100 or more to get a tire changed. That plus 150-250 for the tire every 5K for the rear, 10K for the front?. I don't think I can stomach that. I know my son can't.
Now it's bourbon and coke and a football game in a bit. And a heating pad.
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