If you find yourself with a flat rear tire on your Lelectric Expedition electric bike, don’t worry! Changing the tube is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. However, before you begin, be sure to gather the necessary tools and materials, including a new tube, tire levers, and a pump. With a little preparation and effort, you’ll have your bike back up and running in no time.
First, you’ll need to remove the rear wheel from the bike. To do this, simply flip the bike upside down and locate the two bolts that hold the wheel in place. Loosen the bolts using a wrench or Allen key, and then carefully lift the wheel off the bike. Once the wheel is removed, you’ll need to remove the tire from the rim. To do this, use the tire levers to pry the tire bead away from the rim. Work your way around the tire until it is completely detached.
With the tire removed, you can now access the inner tube. Carefully remove the old tube from the tire and inspect it for any damage. If the tube is damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one. To install the new tube, simply insert it into the tire and inflate it until it is firm. Once the tube is inflated, you can reattach the tire to the rim. To do this, simply line up the tire bead with the rim and use the tire levers to pry the tire back into place. Once the tire is seated, you can tighten the bolts that hold the wheel in place. Finally, flip the bike back over and give the tires a few spins to make sure they are properly inflated.
Identifying the Necessary Tools and Materials
To change the rear tube on your Lelectric Expedition, you will need the following tools and materials:
Essential Tools:
- Tire levers: These are used to pry the tire off the rim.
- Puncture repair kit: This includes patches, glue, and a roughening tool.
- Tube: The replacement tube for your tire.
- Pump: To inflate the new tube.
Optional but Recommended Tools:
- Park Tool TL-6 tire levers: These are considered some of the best tire levers available, thanks to their strength and durability.
- Patch kit with vulcanizing adhesive: This type of adhesive creates a more durable seal than traditional glue patches.
- Digital tire gauge: To ensure your tire is inflated to the correct pressure.
Materials:
- Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol: To clean the tire and tube before patching.
- Rags: To clean up any mess.
- Soap and water: For cleaning your hands after working on the bike.
| Tool or Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Tire levers | Used to pry the tire off the rim. |
| Puncture repair kit | Includes patches, glue, and a roughening tool. |
| Tube | The replacement tube for your tire. |
| Pump | To inflate the new tube. |
| Patch kit with vulcanizing adhesive | Creates a more durable seal than traditional glue patches. |
| Digital tire gauge | To ensure your tire is inflated to the correct pressure. |
| Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol | To clean the tire and tube before patching. |
| Rags | To clean up any mess. |
| Soap and water | For cleaning your hands after working on the bike. |
Preparing the Workspace
To ensure a smooth and efficient rear tube replacement on your Lelectric Expedition, it’s crucial to prepare your workspace adequately. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through this preparation:
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials you’ll need:
- New rear tube (compatible with your Lelectric Expedition)
- Tire levers (3-4 recommended)
- Pump with hose
- Adjustable wrench (for removing the axle nut)
- Hex key (for loosening the brake caliper mounting bolts)
- Chain lubricant
Create a Suitable Environment
Choose a well-lit and spacious area with a flat and stable surface. Ensure there’s enough room to maneuver around the bike comfortably. If possible, place the bike on a stand or support it securely on its side.
Remove the Rear Wheel
Follow these steps to remove the rear wheel:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the axle nut on the drive side of the rear wheel and loosen it using the adjustable wrench. |
| 2 | Loosen the bolts securing the brake caliper to the frame. Do not remove the bolts completely. |
| 3 | Carefully slide the brake caliper out of the way and secure it to the frame or fork using a zip tie or bungee cord. |
| 4 | Remove the axle nut and pull the rear wheel straight back to detach it from the bike. |
Removing the Old Rear Tube
Before you can install a new rear tube, you’ll need to remove the old one. Here’s how to do it:
1. Remove the rear wheel from the bike. To do this, you’ll need to loosen the two nuts that hold the wheel in place. Once the nuts are loose, you can pull the wheel straight back to remove it.
2. Use a tire lever to pry the bead of the tire off the rim. Once the bead is off, you can pull the tube out of the tire.
3. Inspect the tube for damage. If the tube is punctured or torn, it will need to be replaced. You can also check the valve stem to make sure it is not bent or damaged.
Inspecting the Tube for Damage
When you’re inspecting the tube for damage, there are a few things to look for:
| Punctures |
|---|
| Small holes that can be caused by thorns, nails, or other sharp objects. |
| Cuts |
| Larger holes that can be caused by broken glass or other sharp objects. |
| Tears |
| Long, jagged holes that can be caused by a tire blowout or by the tube being pinched between the tire and the rim. |
| Valve stem damage |
| Bends, cracks, or other damage to the valve stem can cause the tube to leak. |
If you find any damage to the tube, it will need to be replaced. You can purchase a new tube at your local bike shop or online.
Mounting the New Rear Tube
Before mounting the new tube, thoroughly clean the rim and tire to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure that the tube is fully inflated and slightly elongated. Align the valve stem of the tube with the corresponding hole in the rim and carefully insert it.
Next, work the tube into the tire, starting on one side and gradually moving around until it is completely inserted. Ensure that the tube is not twisted or pinched and that it is evenly distributed inside the tire.
Once the tube is in place, place one bead of the tire back onto the rim, starting opposite the valve stem. Use a tire lever or your hands to push the bead over the edge of the rim. Continue working around the circumference of the tire, alternating sides to ensure even tension.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clean the rim and tire. |
| 2 | Inflate and elongate the tube. |
| 3 | Insert the tube through the valve stem hole. |
| 4 | Carefully work the tube into the tire, ensuring even distribution and avoiding pinching or twisting. |
| 5 | Mount one bead of the tire onto the rim. |
| 6 | Use a tire lever or hands to push the bead over the rim. |
| 7 | Alternate sides and push the remaining bead(s) onto the rim. |
Tightening the Axle Nuts
Step 5: Tighten the Axle Nuts
-
Hand-tighten the axle nuts. Using your hands, tighten the axle nuts as much as possible. Ensure they are both tightened to the same degree.
-
Use a torque wrench. Set the torque wrench to the specified torque for your vehicle. Tighten the axle nuts further by following these steps:
- Position the torque wrench perpendicular to the axle nut.
- Apply a steady, even force to the wrench.
- Continue tightening until the wrench clicks, indicating that the axle nuts have reached the desired tightness.
-
Check the tightness of the axle nuts. Use a torque wrench to verify the tightness of the axle nuts. Ensure they are both tightened to the correct torque.
-
Install the cotter pins. Insert the cotter pins through the holes in the axle nuts and castle nuts. Bend the cotter pins securely to prevent the axle nuts from loosening.
-
Double-check your work. Ensure all axle nuts are properly tightened and secured with cotter pins. If any of the axle nuts feel loose, tighten them further with the torque wrench.
Torque Specifications for Axle Nuts:
| Vehicle | Torque |
|---|---|
| Lelectric Expedition | 133 ft-lbs |
Reinstalling the Wheel
Once you have replaced the tube, you can reinstall the wheel. Start by sliding the wheel back onto the hub. Make sure that the axle is properly seated in the hub and that the wheel is tight against the hub.
Tightening the Axle Nuts
Next, tighten the axle nuts. You will need to use a wrench or socket to do this. Tighten the nuts until they are snug, but do not overtighten them.
Adjusting the Brakes
Once the axle nuts are tightened, you will need to adjust the brakes. You can do this by turning the brake adjusters until the brakes are evenly contacting the rim of the wheel. Make sure that the brakes are not too tight, as this can cause the wheel to drag.
Checking the Tire Pressure
Finally, check the tire pressure and adjust it to the recommended level. You can use a tire gauge to do this.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble changing the rear tube on your Lelectric Expedition, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure that you have the correct size tube for your tire.
- Check that the tire is properly seated on the rim.
- Make sure that the axle nuts are tight, but not overtightened.
- If the brakes are rubbing on the rim, adjust the brake adjusters.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The tube is not holding air. | Check for holes or punctures in the tube. If you find a hole, you can patch it with a tire repair kit. |
| The wheel is wobbly. | Make sure that the axle is properly seated in the hub and that the wheel is tight against the hub. You may also need to adjust the spokes to tension the wheel. |
| The brakes are not working properly. | Adjust the brake adjusters until the brakes are evenly contacting the rim of the wheel. Make sure that the brakes are not too tight, as this can cause the wheel to drag. |
Inflating the Tube
Preparation
- Locate the valve stem on the tube and remove the valve cap.
- Attach the tire inflator pump to the valve stem.
Inflation Technique
- Low Pressure Pumping: Start by pumping air into the tube at a low pressure (around 15-20 psi) to ensure the tube expands properly and seats within the tire.
- Halfway Inflation: Inflate the tube to about 50% of its recommended pressure. This will provide it with enough shape to roll it onto the rim easily.
- Lubrication: Apply a small amount of soapy water or tire mounting fluid to the bead of the tire to facilitate rolling it onto the rim.
- Rolling the Tire: Carefully roll the inflated tube onto the rim, starting from one side and working your way around. Ensure the valve stem aligns with the designated hole in the rim.
- Inflation to Recommended Pressure: Fully inflate the tube to the recommended pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
- Pressure Monitoring: Use a tire pressure gauge to monitor the pressure and adjust it as needed to achieve the ideal pressure range.
- Balancing the Tube:
- Uneven Tube Expansion: After initial inflation, inspect the tube for any uneven expansion. If one side appears significantly larger than the other, deflate the tube and re-inflate it carefully, rolling the tire onto the rim more evenly.
- Tubeless Tire Compatibility: If using tubeless tires, ensure the tube is positioned correctly within the tire and that the valve stem is firmly sealed to prevent air leakage from the tubeless sealant.
- Inserting the Valve Stem: Gently push the valve stem through the hole in the rim and tighten the valve cap securely to maintain air pressure.
Aligning the Wheel
Once the new tube is inflated, you need to align the wheel. To do this, loosen the axle nuts on both sides of the wheel. Then, hold the wheel in place and turn the crank forward. This will cause the wheel to align itself with the chain.
Once the wheel is aligned, tighten the axle nuts. To ensure the wheel is properly aligned, check that the chain is running smoothly over all the gears. If the chain is slipping or jumping, the wheel may not be aligned properly and you may need to adjust it again.
Here is a table summarizing the steps to align the wheel:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loosen the axle nuts on both sides of the wheel. |
| 2 | Hold the wheel in place and turn the crank forward. |
| 3 | Tighten the axle nuts. |
| 4 | Check that the chain is running smoothly over all the gears. |
| 5 | If necessary, adjust the wheel alignment until the chain runs smoothly. |
Double-Checking Tightness
To ensure a secure installation, it’s crucial to double-check the tightness of the rear tube. Inadequate tightness can lead to a loose fit and potential issues during operation. Here are some detailed steps to follow:
- Visually inspect all the bolts and nuts around the rear tube to ensure they are fully tightened. Use a flashlight to illuminate any areas that may be hard to see.
- Use a torque wrench to apply the specified torque to all the bolts and nuts. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended torque values.
- Tighten the bolts and nuts in a crosswise pattern to evenly distribute the force and prevent warping or bending.
- Inspect the rear tube for any signs of movement or looseness. If there is any noticeable movement, re-tighten the bolts and nuts as necessary.
- After several hours of operation, re-check the tightness of the bolts and nuts as the materials may settle and require further adjustment.
- Regularly monitor the tightness of the rear tube as part of your maintenance routine.
- Use a torque chart (provided by bike manual or website) to ensure optimal tightness.
- Consider using thread-locking compound on bolts to prevent unintentional loosening.
- If you experience any issues with tightness, consult with a qualified bicycle mechanic to assess the situation and make necessary adjustments.
| Bolt Size | Recommended Torque |
|---|---|
| 5mm | 5-7Nm |
| 6mm | 8-10Nm |
| 8mm | 12-14Nm |
By following these steps, you can ensure that the rear tube is securely installed and operating as intended.
Testing the Bike
Step 9: If it’s not immediately obvious where the puncture is, inflate the tire again and use the soapy water solution to spray the tire liberally. Bubbles will form where the air is escaping, indicating the location of the puncture.
Step 10: Carefully examine the tire and tube for any other punctures or damage. If you find any, repeat steps 5-8 to patch or replace the affected area. This step is crucial to ensure that the bike is repaired correctly and prevent future punctures.
Step 11: Once you’re satisfied that the tire and tube are free of punctures, inflate the tire to the recommended pressure. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines or the tire sidewall for the appropriate pressure.
Step 12: Spin the wheel and listen for any unusual noises. A slight rubbing sound may be normal, but if you hear a grinding or scraping noise, check for any obstructions or alignment issues.
Step 13: If everything looks and sounds good, take the bike for a short test ride. Carefully ride the bike, paying attention to any changes in handling or performance. If you notice any issues, refer to the relevant repair instructions in this article.
How to Change the Rear Tube on a Lelectric Expedition
Materials you will need:
- New inner tube
- Tire levers
- Patch kit (optional)
- Pump
Instructions:
- Deflate the tire: Use the valve stem to release all the air from the tire.
- Remove the wheel: Loosen the nuts that hold the rear wheel in place using a wrench. Lift the bike up and remove the wheel.
- Pry off the tire: Use the tire levers to carefully pry the tire away from the rim, starting from one side and working your way around.
- Remove the inner tube: Once the tire is loose, pull out the old inner tube.
- Inspect the rim tape: Check the rim tape inside the rim for any tears or damage. Replace the rim tape if necessary.
- Insert the new tube: Slightly inflate the new inner tube and insert it into the tire. Make sure the valve stem is lined up with the hole in the rim.
- Put the tire back on: Place the tire back on the rim, starting from the opposite side of where you pried it off. Use the tire levers to carefully push the tire bead over the rim.
- Tighten the wheel: Line up the wheel with the bike frame and tighten the nuts that hold it in place. Do not overtighten the nuts.
- Inflate the tire: Use a pump to inflate the tire to the recommended pressure.
Tips:
- If you have a puncture repair kit, you can try to patch the old inner tube instead of replacing it.
- If you are having difficulty changing the tire, refer to the Lelectric Expedition user manual or consult with a bike mechanic.
People Also Ask
How often should I change my rear tire?
The frequency of tire changes depends on factors such as the type of tire, riding conditions, and frequency of use. Generally, tires should be replaced when they show signs of wear, such as cracks, bulges, or excessive tread loss.
Can I change the rear tube myself?
Yes, changing a rear tube is a relatively straightforward task that can be performed with basic tools and materials. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to prevent damage to the tire or wheel.
What is the recommended tire pressure for a Lelectric Expedition?
The recommended tire pressure for a Lelectric Expedition varies depending on the tire size. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or the tire sidewall for the recommended pressure.
