While replacing the damaged lower wheel outer bearing flange it got me thinking just how much load/strain is placed on the lower (driven) wheel and it’s related components. When fitting the tyre back onto the wheel I noticed that is had stretched quite a bit as it went onto the wheel too easily!

Putting the tyres onto the wheels last year was a real struggle so why has this one stretched ? will the upper tyre the same ?

Had a closer look and can see why it stretched, I cut out to much around the valve base and created a week spot. Decided to put a new tyre on the wheel so off to Kmart to buy another 12” kids bike inner tube for $5.00.

Above: Same procedure as before cut neatly and exactly around the inside middle of the tube.

Above: I did a better job this time cutting around the valve base with a pair of aviation snips. Next step is to wash off all the powder so the tyre has a better grip on the wheel rim.

One again it was a real struggle to get the tyre onto the wheel, like last time I had to use croc clamps to hold one half while I stretched the rest onto the rim. I’m thankful to still have pretty strong hands.

Above: The new tyre looks good – LOL

Above: This time I used extra hose clamps to secure the shaft and the wheel itself.

Above: Finished aligning the wheel so the motor V-belt runs truly on the wheel’s drive ring and the blade is tracking nicely. Time to put back the table and the left blade guard.