Could not get 175/55r15 Kumho KH16 to seat on 15" rim

[sledmaster]

This was a shocker for me. I have been running Kumho KH16 front tires on the 15" rims but in the 155/60r15 size. Love them, but they are 10mm narrower than the stock 165/55r15 Kenda tires. I really wanted to get the width back.

I had always wondered if we could get the 175/55r15 size to fit under the fenders on a 2013 ST-S, but couldn't even get that far. I ordered a set of 175/55r15 Kumho KH16s and we could NOT even get them to seat onto the 15" Spyder wheels (FRONT). One side would seat, could not get the second side to seat on the rim. Took the pressure up above 50 psi, would not go. It would hold the pressure, but the tire would not pop up all the way around and seat onto the rim. Tried spinning the tire, flipping it, lubed it like crazy, just didn't go. Measured the I.D. and compared it to the Kenda, no logic as to why it wouldn't go on there.

Now I know some of you have been running this EXACT size on the 15" rims, so I am wondering if this was simply a case of this particular tire (KH16)not matching the Spyder wheels, but I am for sure left scratching my head on this one.

So, if anyone has some intelligent facts to share on the subject, I would love to hear it. Like, if you are running a 175/55r15 on stock 15" wheels, exactly which tire are you using? There are so few options, a Hankook and a Continental and a couple of Kumhos are about it for name brands, past that we get into some really odd stuff. Do not want to use the 165/55r15 Federal, too damn stiff of a drifter tire, not too keen on the 165/60r15 Conti either. If you are running 175/55r15 fronts, please advise!

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: I know that you've forgotten more about this than I'll ever know...

...But how about trying it after giving the rim a good cleaning, and using a WHOLE LOT more lube? :dontknow:

(I hate to be obvious, but I've got nothing else to suggest...)

After all: the tire's width shouldn't matter...

 

[BajaRon]

I've got to believe it will go if you scotch bright the area and lay the Goose Juice to it.

 

[Lastchance]

Put the tire out in the hot sun for an hour or so lube good leave bad side up still in sun should pop

 

[sledmaster]

Brand new rims, brand new tires, lubed it like crazy, tired several times, spun the tire around on the rim, flipped the tire over on the rim, drove us fricking nuts. Didn't know how much pressure we dare throw at it...just plain stumped us. Did not make sense. We had three sets of eyes on it, wondering what we were missing. Must be going nuts.....

Really liked this tire in the 155 size. They are rated 440 AA A so it is good treadwear, traction and temp ratings, lasted twice as long as the OE Kendas.

 

[Bob Denman]

Put the tire out in the hot sun for an hour or so lube good leave bad side up still in sun should pop

I like this advice... the heat will soften up everything, and make it more pliable...
Good Luck! :thumbup:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Little bit of propane and a match??? Hold the match with a looooooooooong stick!!! I do believe that is an old redneck trick!

 

[Bob Denman]

I've seen that trick in action, but I wouldn't try it... :shocked:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

THIS TIRE

IMHO something isn't right with this tire.......Spyder rims and car tire beads MATCH ..... I put Toyo T-1-R's in 185/50 -15 on my front rims ( 2014RT ) and they went on fine. This may sound silly but I'd try using a different machine and a different installer .....it's worth a shot .....good luck...........Mike :thumbup:

 

[SPYD3R]

175/55 R15

I PUT THE HANKOOK V4 ES 175/55R15 ON THE FRONT OF MY F3, AND THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING OUT FINE.... I NOW HAVE OVER 7000 MILES, AND THEY STILL LOOK NEW.... FAR BETTER THAN THE KENDA's..... NO ISSUES WITH ROOM UNDER THE FENDERS EITHER....
SPYD3R

 

[Bfromla]

Dont just keep putting pressure in:lecturef_smilie: , do try the sun option and maybe run a ratchet strap around the outside edge (along thread not thru rim)& tighten
( as if shrinking the tire diameter ).

I've had to do on various lawn mower &dolly small size tires. How were you spinning? :dontknow: I'm assuming there was a balance machine.

 

[Richardv]

It does fit......

This was a shocker for me. I have been running Kumho KH16 front tires on the 15" rims but in the 155/60r15 size. Love them, but they are 10mm narrower than the stock 165/55r15 Kenda tires. I really wanted to get the width back.

I had always wondered if we could get the 175/55r15 size to fit under the fenders on a 2013 ST-S, but couldn't even get that far. I ordered a set of 175/55r15 Kumho KH16s and we could NOT even get them to seat onto the 15" Spyder wheels (FRONT). One side would seat, could not get the second side to seat on the rim. Took the pressure up above 50 psi, would not go. It would hold the pressure, but the tire would not pop up all the way around and seat onto the rim. Tried spinning the tire, flipping it, lubed it like crazy, just didn't go. Measured the I.D. and compared it to the Kenda, no logic as to why it wouldn't go on there.

Now I know some of you have been running this EXACT size on the 15" rims, so I am wondering if this was simply a case of this particular tire (KH16)not matching the Spyder wheels, but I am for sure left scratching my head on this one.

So, if anyone has some intelligent facts to share on the subject, I would love to hear it. Like, if you are running a 175/55r15 on stock 15" wheels, exactly which tire are you using? There are so few options, a Hankook and a Continental and a couple of Kumhos are about it for name brands, past that we get into some really odd stuff. Do not want to use the 165/55r15 Federal, too damn stiff of a drifter tire, not too keen on the 165/60r15 Conti either. If you are running 175/55r15 fronts, please advise!

.... replied to you pm.

Richard


The tech had to go up to 55 - 60 psi for one of them. It finally "pop" in place. Also make sure to align the color dot with the valve. He couldnt balance it even with up to 6.5 oz , and after aligning the dot, tire balanced with 3/4 oz.....

last thing, if you have basic fender, it is tight to re-install the wheel under the fender. Put a rag on the caliper to protect the inside of the mag. Also start inserting the tire from mud flap toward the top of fender. Make sure the plastic clips holding the wires along the post are position so that the wires are not towards the tire, and all will be fine with plenty of clearance. It also fit nicely under the upgraded fenders. ( i.e. rss sts rts......). Both my ST and my son in law RSS are equipped with thoses Solus 175

Richard

 

[Bob Denman]

IMHO something isn't right with this tire.......Spyder rims and car tire beads MATCH ..... I put Toyo T-1-R's in 185/50 -15 on my front rims ( 2014RT ) and they went on fine. This may sound silly but I'd try using a different machine and a different installer .....it's worth a shot .....good luck...........Mike :thumbup:

185/50?? :shocked:
That's about the widest tire that I've heard of anyone using up front.
How does it fit under the fenders? :dontknow:

It's too bad that you couldn't get us a picture of them; I'll bet that it looks awesome!

 

[sledmaster]

We were rotating the tire on the wheel so we had different contact patches to see if that made a difference.

Going to put the tires out into the sun for an hour and try again. Did get a response from someone that put these exact tires on two units, had to go up to 55 psi to get one of them to pop on. Must be a tight carcass?

If anything I might try a different installer, one never knows.....thanks Mike!

 

[taxmyzer]

Pictures!

ray:ray:rayictures from anyone using 185 or 175 55R15's. What mods if any did you have to make?

 

[BajaRon]

Put the tire out in the hot sun for an hour or so lube good leave bad side up still in sun should pop

VERY GOOD! :agree:

Forgot about that one! :thumbup:

DON'T GIVE UP!

 

[BajaRon]

Little bit of propane and a match??? Hold the match with a looooooooooong stick!!! I do believe that is an old redneck trick!

Having spent 33 years in the fire service I think this is a GREAT idea! :thumbup:

We call it JOB SECURITY!

I think this might be a better way to go....

 

[Bob Denman]

I wonder how the "Bead-Zooka" would work for getting Salesmen off of your porch??

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

ADJUSTMENTS

ray:ray:rayictures from anyone using 185 or 175 55R15's. What mods if any did you have to make?

For the 185/50 - 15 tires .....I bent the fender brackets slightly, I could have just put 1/8 in washers on the lugs before I put the wheels on, that would have worked also........I have the Basic - old style fenders on my 2014 RT...........Mike :thumbup:

 

[Peter Aawen]

Haven't had this problem with my 176/60r15's, but when all else fails seating the bead on anything, put a ratchet strap around the circumference of the tread (just like bfromla & others mentioned) & tighten it up until the bead pops onto the rim/seat - that will even work with NO air pressure, IF your ratchet is strong enough!! :thumbup:

Then again, if you are getting this done by a 'professional' tire fitter & they've been unable to seat the bead with just air pressure & they don't know about ways to get around this, then maybe you need to find another fitter?!? :sour:

Taxmyzer, you wanted pictures of 185 or 175/55R15's fitted?? How about 175/60R15's? Only mod done, possibly not essential tho, was swapping the raised hex head bolts holding the fender onto the frame for flatter dome head screws that protrude into the tire space less.