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Toyota Camry: How to Mount Tire to Rim

In this article, we show you how to properly mount a tire to your Toyota Camry's wheel and save you money in the process.

By Anthony Kaw - August 10, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

Most car owners, when faced with a bald tire, take it to an auto shop or dealership to have a new tire mounted to the wheel. However, what most car owners don't know is that the job is a pretty easy and an inexpensive one. So if you want to save on costs and avoid labor and disposal fees, continue reading to mount the new tire yourself.

Materials Needed

  • Two pry bars
  • Liquid detergent
  • Gloves
  • Air compressor
  • A round piece of wood or cardboard larger than the wheel (optional)
  • Tire mounting tool (optional)

Step 1 – Prep wheel for mounting

  • Because a wheel tends to slide around when you are trying to mount a tire, wear a good pair of gloves to keep your hands safe.
  • With the wheel facing up, lay the wheel on a piece of wood or cardboard. Alternatively, you can pick up a tire mounting tool if you're willing to spend the cash.
Figure 1. Use a round piece of wood to keep the wheel from sliding around.

(Related Article: Tire Modifications and Size Calculator - CamryForums.com)

Step 2 – Position tire on wheel

  • Spray liquid detergent on the inside of the tire (called the "tire bead") where it comes into contact with the wheel. This lubricates the tire and enables it to easily slide on the wheel.
  • Push one side of the tire onto the wheel, working your way around until the whole tire rests on the wheel. Step on the tire to help it slide onto the wheel as well.
  • Figure 2. Spray liquid soap on the tire to help it slide onto the wheel.
  • Figure 3. Slide tire onto the wheel.

Step 3 – Lock tire into wheel

  • Spray the tire with soap again. While pressing one side of the tire with your knees, insert the pry bar into an open space on the other side of the tire.
  • Step on the pry bar to keep it in place, and then use the other pry bar to push the tighter sides into the rim of the wheel until they are all in place.
  • Flip the wheel/tire over, and repeat on the back side. Be careful and take your time during this step to avoid damaging the tire, wheel, or tire pressure sensor if you have one.
  • Use an air compressor to inflate the tire to its proper psi based on the manufacturer's specs.
Figure 4. Use a pair of pry bars to lock the tire into the wheel.

Featured Video: How to Mount a Tire by Hand

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