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Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT 1994-2014: How to Mount Tire to Rim

Learn how to mount a tire on your rim with the help of this article.

By Jerry Perez - October 20, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT (1994-2014).

Whether you got a flat, upgraded your wheels, or bought new tires, at some point you will need to mount tires on a rim. Although the process sounds much more complicated than it actually is, it can be done at home and without specialty tools from the tire shop—for the most part. Tires have a strong inner rim that must stretch enough to break through the wheel lip, and one must be careful to not damage the wheel and tire while doing this; otherwise, it could render both of them useless. Follow the steps on this guide to learn how to possibly mount your tires on a wheel without going to a tire shop. It's simple.

Materials Needed

  • Tire grease
  • Breaker bar
  • Paint brush
  • Air compressor

Step 1 – Grease the rim

One of the key actions to perform before proceeding to any further actions, is to thoroughly lubricate the wheel. Follow these steps:

  • Grab the tub of tire grease and paint brush.
  • Cover the paint brush with grease thoroughly.
  • Spread the grease over the outer and inner rim of the wheel, making sure to cover the inside and outside of it.
  • Also, spread the grease over the flat area in between rims, as this will make it easier to slide in and inflate faster.
Figure 1. Use grease to lube tires and wheels.

Step 2 – Grease tires

With the rim properly greased, it's time to also grease the tires because, although the rim is greased, the tire can easily get stuck mid-application and make things difficult. Follow these steps:

  • Use the paint brush to spread grease on both interior and exterior rims.
  • Make sure the inside of the tire is free of any debris, as this could get locked inside the wheel and tire once it is inflated.
Figure 2. Lube tires.

Step 3 – Pop tire in

Now comes the most interactive part of this install, the mounting of the tire. Follow these steps:

  • Make sure you look for the direction of your tires, as some tires must be mounted facing a certain way.
  • Place the tire in the right direction over the rim and lower it into the rim, twisting it as you go along so the first rim pops in.
  • Once the first rim is in, stand on the tire and use the breaker bar to gently pry the outer rim into the wheel.
  • Figure 3. Position the tire on the wheel and pop it in.
  • Figure 4. Use breaker bar to pop tire in.

Step 4 – Inflate the tire

Once the tire is fully in, simply use an air compressor to inflate the tire and make sure the bead or rim of the tire pops all the way out to the very edge of the rim. It usually makes a popping sound when it is fully seated.

Figure 5. Inflate tire.

Featured Video: How to Install Tire on Wheel Without Machine

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