Thinking about swapping out the rims on your 4 wheeler but feeling unsure where to start? Don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think. With the proper tools, a bit of know-how, and some patience, anyone can tackle this DIY job. In this guide, we’ll walk you through choosing the correct rim size, getting your wheels installed properly, and avoiding the common mistakes that can trip up beginners. We’ll also cover the process of mounting a new tire onto a rim, ensuring the tire beads seat properly for a secure fit. By the end, you’ll be ready to confidently roll out with a fresh set of rims that boost both your 4 wheeler’s looks and performance.
Key Takeaways
- Installing rims on your ATV is DIY-friendly—just gather the right tools and follow the steps carefully.
- Safety is critical: always use jack stands, and loosen lug nuts while the ATV is on the ground.
- Regular maintenance, including cleaning and checking tire pressure, is essential for keeping your new rims in top condition.
- Use an air compressor for inflating tires to ensure proper inflation and bead seating.
- Consider heavy-duty components, such as axles, for enhanced performance and reliability.
Gathering the Right Tools, Equipment, and Air Compressor
Once you’ve decided to replace or upgrade your 4 wheeler’s rims, your first real step is to gather the proper tools. Having the right equipment ready before you start will save you time and frustration later, and ensure safety, especially given the challenges posed by the stronger beads of off-road tires compared to on-road tires. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- A Jack or Lift: You’ll need to lift your 4 wheeler off the ground to remove the wheels and rims. Depending on your setup, a standard ATV jack might suffice, or you could use a small automotive floor jack if you have one. If you’re lucky enough to have a hydraulic lift in your garage, even better.
- Jack Stands (If Necessary): If you’re using a floor jack, it’s a good idea to have at least one jack stand to support the weight of the 4 wheeler. You can shift the vehicle’s weight in an unsafe way if you rely solely on a jack, and that can lead to accidents.
- Lug Wrench or Socket Wrench: Most 4 wheelers use a standard four-lug or sometimes a five-lug design, though there are variations. Make sure you have a lug wrench or socket that fits the lug nuts on your wheels.
- Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is essential for tightening the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended spec. This is a safety consideration as much as anything else—over-tightening can damage threads and under-tightening is dangerous if nuts work themselves loose.
- Penetrating Oil or Lubricant (Optional): If your lug nuts or studs are rusty, a quick spray of penetrating oil can make your life a whole lot easier when it comes time to loosen those nuts.
- Clean Rags or Paper Towels: It’s always a good idea to wipe down any dirty or rusty surfaces before installing new rims. Clean surfaces seat more securely and help prevent premature corrosion.
- New Valve Stems (If Needed): If you’re installing brand-new rims and tires, you may also need new valve stems. Many rim and tire packages come with them pre-installed, but it’s worth checking.
- Wheel Balancer (Optional): Balancing is less critical on an ATV compared to highway vehicles, especially if you’re mainly using it on dirt trails. However, if your 4 wheeler spends some time on paved roads or you regularly ride at higher speeds, you might want to have your wheels balanced. You can do this at many tire shops.
- Air Compressor: An air compressor is essential for quickly filling tires with air to ensure proper inflation and bead seating during the tire-changing process.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Now, let’s get to the main event—actually installing those rims. Below is a straightforward approach that should work for most 4 wheelers. Always consult your owner’s manual for any brand-specific instructions, and use common sense to keep yourself safe.
1. Prepare Your Work Area and Vehicle
- Park on Level Ground: Find a stable, flat surface to park your 4 wheeler. If you’re outside, try to avoid soft ground that the jack could sink into.
- Engage the Parking Brake: You don’t want your 4 wheeler to roll while you’re messing with the wheels. If your 4 wheeler has a parking brake, engage it. Otherwise, you can place wheel chocks behind the other tires (the ones you’re not working on first).
- Gather Your Tools: Keep your lug wrench, torque wrench, and other tools in easy reach.
- Check the Weather (If Outdoors): If you’re doing this in a driveway, make sure you’re not likely to get caught in rain halfway through.
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts
- Loosen Before Lifting: It’s typically easiest to break the lug nuts free while the wheel is still on the ground. Use your lug wrench or socket to turn each lug nut just enough to loosen it a quarter-turn or so. Don’t remove them completely; just loosen them so you won’t have to fight the entire torque when the wheel is off the ground.
- If Rusty, Use Lubricant: If the lug nuts are stuck, apply a bit of penetrating oil, wait a minute or two, and try again.
3. Lift the 4-wheeler
- Position the Jack: Slide the jack under a solid part of the frame or a designated jack point (consult your manual if you’re unsure).
- Pump the Jack: Lift your 4 wheeler until the tire is completely off the ground, giving you enough space to remove it.
- Place Jack Stands (If Needed): If using a floor jack, slide a jack stand under the frame as a backup support. Safety first!
4. Remove the Old Wheel
- Remove Lug Nuts: Now that the weight is off the wheel, finish removing each lug nut. Put them somewhere safe, like a small cup or container, so you don’t lose them.
- Pull the Wheel Off: Carefully wiggle the old wheel off the hub. If it’s stuck (which can happen due to rust or corrosion), a few gentle taps with a rubber mallet on the backside might help free it.
5. Inspect the Hub and Components
- Check the Studs: Make sure the wheel studs aren’t bent or damaged. If you notice stripped threads or any irregularities, fix them before moving on.
- Clean the Surface: Wipe any dirt, rust, or debris off the hub surface. A clean contact surface ensures the new rim sits flush.
6. Mount the New Rim and Tire Bead
- Align the Bolt Holes: Position the new rim so that the bolt holes line up with the studs on your 4 wheeler’s hub.
- Hand-Tighten the Lug Nuts: Thread each lug nut by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten them until they’re snug, going in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure even seating.
7. Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts
- Lower the 4 Wheeler: Use the jack to lower the wheel back onto the ground slowly.
- Torque to Spec: Using a torque wrench set to your 4 wheeler’s recommended specification (often somewhere around 65 to 85 ft-lbs for many ATVs, but check your manual), tighten each lug nut in a star pattern.
- Repeat for Each Wheel: If you’re installing more than one rim, repeat all these steps for each wheel.
Final Checks and Adjustments
Once you’ve installed the new rims, it’s tempting to immediately take your 4 wheeler for a spin and show off the upgrade. However, a few post-installation checks can go a long way in preventing issues down the road.
- Check for Clearance: Turn your handlebars fully left and right (if it’s a front wheel). Bounce the suspension a bit. Make sure the new wheels or tires aren’t rubbing on the fender, suspension arms, or any brake lines. Do the same checks in the rear, especially if you have independent rear suspension or if your 4 wheeler has a swingarm that moves up and down significantly.
- Inspect for Leaks or Loose Components: If you replaced valve stems, check around them for any air leakage. Also look at the lug nuts again and see if any appear loose. If you’re unsure, go back with your torque wrench and confirm they’re at the correct spec.
- Check Tire Pressure: If you’re installing new tires with your new rims, make sure each tire is at the recommended pressure. This will help you avoid pinch flats and ensure even handling. Different tires have different recommended pressures, so consult the tire’s sidewall or the tire manufacturer’s data. Additionally, check the fit and security of ATV tires to ensure they are properly seated and secure.
- Short Test Ride: Take the 4 wheeler for a quick, easy ride. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. After a few minutes, stop and re-check your lug nuts. Sometimes they can settle in, and you might find you need to snug one or two up a bit more.
- Alignment (If Needed): Though changing rims typically doesn’t require a full realignment, if your 4 wheeler’s alignment was off before, or if you’ve changed the rim offset substantially, you might benefit from checking or adjusting the alignment. Using heavy-duty components can enhance reliability and performance, ensuring your ATV is ready for any terrain.
6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even if you’re methodical, it’s easy to make a few missteps, especially if you’re a beginner. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when installing new rims—and tips on how to avoid them:
- Over or Under Tightening Lug Nuts: This is one of the biggest mistakes. Over-tightening can strip threads or warp the wheel, while under-tightening can cause the wheel to come loose. Use a torque wrench and stick to manufacturer specifications.
- Neglecting Wheel Hub Cleanliness: If there’s rust, dirt, or other debris on the mounting surface, the rim might not sit flush. This can cause wobbling, uneven wear, or even lug nuts loosening over time. Always clean the hub thoroughly before installing a new wheel.
- Skipping the Offset Consideration: Installing rims with a different offset than stock without double-checking clearances can lead to rubbing on suspension parts or fenders. Make sure you know the offset of the new rims and that they’re compatible with your 4 wheeler’s geometry.
- Mixing Up Bolt Patterns: It sounds obvious, but many people get excited about a great deal on rims only to find they don’t match their ATV’s bolt pattern. Double-check the pattern and also pay attention to hub bore size if the new rims have a significantly different center hole dimension.
- Failing to Re-Torque After Driving: Especially if the rims are brand new, metal can settle once you start riding. It’s good practice to check your lug nut torque again after your first ride. This quick step can prevent a disastrous situation later.
- Disregarding Tire Compatibility: Even if the rim fits physically, you need to ensure that your chosen tire size is suitable for the new rim width. Tires that are too wide or too narrow for the rim can result in compromised handling and can increase the risk of popping the bead.
Summary
Putting new rims on your 4 wheeler can be a fantastic way to improve its looks, performance, and overall durability. While the process may seem daunting if you’re new to working on vehicles, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it entirely doable for the average enthusiast. With the right tools, some basic safety measures, and a little patience, you can transform your 4 wheeler in an afternoon.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Decide Why You’re Upgrading: Are you after better performance, a tougher look, or just replacing damaged rims?
- Gather Your Tools: A jack, lug wrench, torque wrench, and possibly jack stands are must-haves.
- Understand Rim Sizes: Matching diameter, width, bolt pattern, and offset are crucial to a successful upgrade.
- Install Step-by-Step: Loosen lug nuts on the ground, lift your 4 wheeler, remove the old wheel, clean the hub, mount the new rim, then torque everything to spec.
- Post-Install Checks: Make sure there are no clearance issues or leaks, and verify that the lug nuts remain tight after a test ride.
- Maintenance Matters: Keep your rims clean, check your tire pressure regularly, and address any damage or leaks right away.
- Stay Safe: Use common sense, follow your owner’s manual, and if anything feels over your head, consult a professional.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, you’re ready to give your 4 wheeler that fresh set of rims. Enjoy the new look and improved ride, and don’t forget to take a photo or two once you’re finished. After all, half the fun of new rims is showing them off. Good luck with your install, and ride safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a professional to install rims on my 4 wheeler?
Generally, no. Most people with a bit of mechanical sense and the right tools can install their own rims. However, if you’re not comfortable, or if you run into complications like bent hubs or damaged studs, it might be worth consulting a professional.
What if my new rims have a different offset than the originals?
As mentioned earlier, changing offset can affect handling and clearance. If it’s a minor difference, you may not notice much beyond a slightly wider or narrower stance. But if there’s a big offset difference, double-check your clearances and alignment.
How do I know my lug nuts are the correct size for the new rims?
Most of the time, the thread pitch and nut size is determined by your 4 wheeler’s studs, not the rims themselves. However, certain rims might require special “tuner” style lug nuts if the lug holes are narrower. Check the rim manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can I use car rims on my ATV if the bolt pattern matches?
In most cases, using car wheels and rims on an ATV is not recommended, even if the bolt pattern happens to fit. The offset, weight rating, and overall design might not be appropriate for off-road use. It’s best to use rims specifically designed for ATVs or side-by-sides.
Should I balance my ATV wheels?
Balancing is more critical for on-road vehicles that travel at higher speeds. For ATVs primarily used off-road, it’s often not necessary. However, if you spend any significant time on pavement, balancing can improve ride comfort and reduce vibrations.
