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Porsche: How to Mount a Tire to Your Rim

Learn what it takes to mount the tires of your Porsche to your rims. This DIY isn't for the faint-hearted, but continue reading because this article will help you through it.

By Brett Foote - April 14, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 928, Porsche 993, and Porsche 997 (1978-2012).

If you drive your car, which you should (that's what it was made for after all), you will inevitably need to replace your tires. Most people simply roll into a dealership or the tire shop to get this done, in which case you pay for mounting, balancing, and probably a tire disposal fee. But what if you want to save a few bucks, or you just like doing things yourself? Here's how to mount a tire with minimal effort, and a few basic tools.

Materials Needed

  • Two pry bars
  • Liquid detergent
  • Gloves
  • Air compressor
  • Round piece of wood larger than the wheel (optional)
  • Tire mounting tool (optional)

Step 1 – Prepare the wheel for mounting

Because a wheel tends to turn and slide around when you are trying to mount a tire on it, wear a good pair of gloves to save your hands. It's also a good idea to lay the wheel on a round piece of wood to keep it from moving around. Lay the piece of wood on a flat surface, and then place the wheel facing up. Alternatively, you can pick up a tire mounting tool if you want to spend the cash.

Figure 1. Use a round piece of wood to keep the wheel from sliding around.

Step 2 – Position the tire on the wheel

Spray liquid detergent on the inside of the tire—called the "tire bead"—where it comes into contact with the wheel. This lubricates the tire, which enables it to slide on easily. You can step on the tire to help it slide onto the wheel as well.

Figure 2. Liquid soap helps the tire slide onto the wheel with ease.

Step 3 – Lock the tire onto the wheel

Spray the tire with soap again. While pressing one side of the tire with your knees, insert the pry bar into an open space on the other side of the tire. Step on the pry bar to keep it in place, and then use the other pry bar to push the tight sides into the wheel rim until they are all in place. Flip the wheel/tire over, and repeat on the back side. Be careful, and also take your time during this step to avoid damaging the tire, wheel, or tire pressure sensor if you have one.

Figure 3. Use a pair of pry bars to lock the tire into the wheel.

Step 4 – Inflate the tire

Use an air compressor to inflate the tire to the proper PSI that is based on the manufacturer's recommendation.

Figure 4. Use an air pump or compressor to inflate the tire to the proper PSI.

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