Tire Changer FAQ

Do I need to purchase assist arms for my tire changer? While you can technically use manual "palm pressure" to seat a bead, we highly recommend TCE Air-Powered Assist Arms for modern tires with stiff sidewalls.

  • Efficiency: Assist arms push the top sidewall down or lift the bottom up effortlessly.

  • Protection: Without them, the tire bead may press against the rim lip, potentially stalling the motor or scratching the rim.

  • Heavy-Duty: For thick-ply sidewall tires (like skid steer tires), assist arms are essential.

 

 

What range of wheel sizes can I service with a TCE tire changer?

Generally, the outside clamping range of the machine should be at least 2” larger than the rim size you are servicing. To expand your capabilities, we offer:

 

 

How does the TCE machine hold the rim in place?

  • Inside Clamping: Typically used for standard steel automotive and truck wheels.

  • Outside Clamping: Used for decorative or alloy wheels to prevent visible marks.

  • Rim Protection: All TCE tire changers include plastic jaw protectors. For high-end decorative or drop-center rims, we recommend using our Center Post Adapter to virtually eliminate the risk of damage.

 

 

Why does my TCE balancer show 0.25–0.5 oz remaining after I apply weights?

Many older machines have a large "Zero Target," meaning they show "0" even if the wheel is off by 1.0 oz. TCE Wheel Balancers are precision-tuned with a target of less than 0.25 oz.

  • Fine Tuning: If you see a small residual reading, use the "FINE" button to see the exact imbalance (within 1/10th of an oz).

  • Check Mounting: Variations often occur if the wheel isn't mounted properly. Ensure the wheel is Hub Centric or Lug Centric as required and that the nut is tightened securely. If the wheel slips on the shaft during braking, the reading will be inaccurate.

 

I broke the demount tip on my very first try! Is it defective?

No. Demount tips break for one reason: Prying. * The Rule: NEVER use the mount/demount bar as a pry bar. It is designed to LIFT the bead.

  • The Fix: You must keep the bead opposite the bar pushed down into the drop center. If you feel high resistance, STOP. Re-verify the bead position before proceeding. A correct technique allows a single tip to last for 100+ changes.