Tire changers are valuable machines that make it possible for your mechanics to mount and dismount wheels, remove tires from a wheel, and replace tires with ease. Unfortunately, even the best models can incur wear and tear and begin having problems that make it difficult for your team to do its job. When that happens, tire changer troubleshooting is in order to accurately diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible.

Common Tire Changer Issues & How to Fix Them

Machine Won’t Spin

One of the most common reasons a tire machine stops spinning is that it needs a new motor. However, this problem can also be caused by problems with the wiring connections. If your machine stops spinning, check the wiring connections for signs of damage and examine the motor to see if it turns by hand. If there are no visible signs of damage and the motor turns fine by hand, you will either need to buy a new motor or invest in a new tire changer machine.

Bear in mind that the average lifespan of a tire machine ranges from eight to twelve years. Auto repair shops that have older machine models may find it’s cheaper in the long run to replace an old machine than it is to continually buy new parts.

Broken Bead Breaker

Lack of proper maintenance can cause a bead breaker to stop working. In other instances, you may need to double-check that the tire is fully deflated and make sure there is sufficient incoming air supply.

If you own a Coats tire machine, the problem could be a misaligned bead breaker arm. If you suspect this is the case, check the Coats tire machine repair manual for instructions on how to realign the arm. Alternatively, you can call a Coats tire machine repair specialist to do the job.

Machine Scratches Rims

Scratched rims aren’t just unsightly. They also decrease the lifespan of the vehicle’s tires and can cause serious vehicular accidents. If your machinery is damaging your customers’ vehicles, you’ll want to address the issue immediately to avoid lost revenue. Thankfully, stopping your machine from scratching the rims is as simple as replacing the tire machine’s steel mounting head with a plastic one.

Slow and Noisy Turntables

If the tire changer turntable is running slowly and/or making noise, the most likely cause is either a motor or gearbox failure. In such instances, you’ll need to call for technical support to diagnose and remedy the problem. Thankfully, you can prevent turntable issues by having your tire changers regularly maintained.

Air Leakage

If you notice a Visually inspecting your tire changer regularly can help you catch and address leaks while they’re still small. Some components you’ll want to inspect include the mainline water separator, hoses, fittings, air lines, cylinders, and foot plate. Any leaks should be immediately addressed to prevent more serious forms of damage.

leak while working with your tire changer machine, disconnect the device from the electric and air supply, open the machinery, and inspect it carefully. If you can’t find the root cause of the leak, call a technician.

Broken Digital Gauge

In most cases, if the digital gauge isn’t working, you just need to replace the battery. However, it’s always a good idea to check that your tire changer is connected to the electric and air supply before you get out a new battery.

Inoperable Pedals

There are several reasons why a tire changer’s pedals may not work properly. If you notice the pedals feel weak or don’t move easily, try oiling them. If there are signs of an air leak, turn off the machine, unplug it and disconnect the air supply. Then, open the machine and tighten any loose connections. Other troubleshooting steps you can take include making sure the pedal is clear and there is enough air pressure going into the machine. If problems persist, call a technician.

Limited Turntable Rotation

If your tire changer turntable isn’t working properly, you’ll need to turn off the machine, disconnect it from the air and electric supply, and open it up to check for problems. Rotation switch problems can cause the device to only turn in a single direction. If the turntable is moving slowly, won’t work smoothly, and/or makes a grinding noise, you may have a problem with your motor or gearbox. A turntable that won’t work at all likely has a faulty motor that needs replacement.

Routine maintenance can prolong the turntable’s lifespan and help it work more smoothly and efficiently than it would otherwise. Additionally, if the turntable only turns in a single direction, you may be able to fix it on your own by reconnecting any loose wires. However, in most cases, if your tire changer has problems, you’ll need to call a technician to address the issue and replace broken components.

Upgrade Your Tire Changer with Our OEM Parts

Keeping your tire changer in good working order at all times will maximize customer satisfaction with your shop and prevent decreases in revenue. At SVI Inc., we understand the many challenges auto shop owners face in properly maintaining equipment and replacing parts and machinery as needed. Our store offers access to over 40,000 alignment products, tire changer parts, and more to ensure you always have what you need, when you need it. What’s more, our team of seasoned mechanical engineers works hard to recreate discontinued parts and even design new parts from scratch. This lessens the odds that you’ll have to replace expensive machinery just because a single component won’t work properly.Are you looking for a reliable one-stop shop for all your mechanical needs? Does fast shipping and stellar customer service sound good to you? If so, contact us at your convenience to find out more about our products and/or services or to get a price quote on specific items.