How To Change A Hand Truck Tire
A two-wheeled hand truck makes it easier to move heavy, bulky items like appliances and large boxes. Over time, components like the tires and wheel assembly can become damaged from routine use. Because the tires consist of pneumatic rubber instead of solid rubber, they can be punctured by a nail and other sharp objects. A flat tire or broken wheel prevents the handcart from operating as it was designed.

Replacing the Tire

If the tire cannot be repaired or inflated, it must be replaced. This can be accomplished using two different methods. The first technique is to replace the tire and inner tube using the same technique in repairing bicycle and car tires. The second method requires the removal of the tire and rim as a single unit. In either case, lay the hand truck dolly on a flat surface with the package spade and truck handle in the down position. This will form a triangle shape with the wheels of the hand truck off the ground.

Changing the Tire

Changing a hand truck tire requires two flat tip screwdrivers as well as a new tire and inner tube. To remove the tire, begin by inserting the tip of one screwdriver between the edges of the flat tire and the rim of the hand truck wheel. This hand tool will be used as leverage to pry the tire off the rim.

Remove the Tire from the Rim

Tilt the handle of screwdriver downward to break the bead of the tire off the rim. Insert the second screwdriver tip into the newly created gap. While holding the first screwdriver in place, pull the second screwdriver around the rim of the moving dolly wheel until the entire edge of the flat tire is off the rim. Slide the tire so that the inner edge is against the outer edge of the rim. Follow the same procedure using the two screwdrivers to pry the tire off the rim.

Position the Inner Tube

Stretch the replacement inner tube over the rim of the aluminum hand truck wheel. The entire inner tube should rest squarely in the valley of the wheel. Ensure that it is not twisted. Insert the inner tube valve stem through the appropriate hole in the wheel rim, so the tire can be inflated later.

Place the Tire on the Rim

Use the flathead screwdrivers to position the first edge of the new tire on the rim, following the same technique used to remove the flat tire. Lift the inner edge of the tire over the inner tube. Ensure that the inner tube is not punctured, twisted, or pinched between the tire and the wheel rim. Pry the outer edge of the tire onto the dolly wheel.

Inflate the Tire

Make sure that the edges of the tire are against the edge of the rim. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the proper inflation level and then remove the cap from the valve stem. Use an air compressor to fill the inner tube and a pressure gauge to verify that the tire is properly inflated. Ensure that the tire is properly seated against the edge of the rim. Replace the valve stem cap.

Replacing the Wheel Assembly

Purchase a replacement wheel assembly that is compatible with the portable hand truck model. Remove the axle end cap if present. Locate the cotter pin holding the wheel assembly onto the axle and straighten the bent portion with a pair of long-nose pliers. Use the pliers to pull out the cotter pin. Remove any flat washers from the axle and set them aside. Pull the entire hand truck wheel from the axle. Leave the inner flat washers in position.

Align the axle with the hole in the center of the new wheel hub. Push the tire assembly straight onto the axle so that it is flush against the flat washers that are between the tire rim and the frame of the used hand truck. Replace the flat washers that were removed earlier. Locate the cotter pin hole in the axle. Replacement wheel hubs may be thinner or wider than the original model. If the hole is not visible, remove one of the washers. Add washers if there is excessive space between the hole and wheel hub. Insert the cotter pin. It should rest flat against the wheel hub. Bend the cotter pin arms around the axle to secure the wheel assembly in place.

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