Bead lock rings

[Traveler]

Is my guess correct that you have special rims on which you use bead lock rings?

[Mr_B]

No, they guys modified the normal steel rims, a ring(inner) is welded onto the steel rim, and the outer ring is bolted on and clamps the tyre bead inbetween... the trick is machining/welding the rings to make 100% sure the rim remains balanced...

[Traveler]

No, they guys modified the normal steel rims, a ring(inner) is welded onto the steel rim, and the outer ring is bolted on and clamps the bead inbetween...

Oh, thanks very much. Never knew that, but have been wondering for a long time.

[Mr_B]

Heinrich... take a look here... in pictures: http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/beadlocks/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'd love a set of bead lockers, but 6K a set is outta reach for now... that cost is all about the precision engineering needed to get them 100% right!

[Mud Dog]

Actually the tyre bead is not clamped inbetween. The inside lip of a rim is slightly higher than the outside lip for easier fitment (from the outside end). If a tyre is going to de-bead , it will be on the 'shallower' outside lip .... the bead-lock serves the purpose of increasing this lip size, preventing tyre de-beading.

[Traveler]

I am not surprised at the cost, you need pretty neat welding and other work done to not stuff the rim balancing.

[Mud Dog]

The competition guys don't worry too much about the balancing, but if you're gonna use it on the road they should be fitted with precision and balanced on the lathe by an engineering works.

[Bushwacker]

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8183&hilit=bead