Thread: Internal bead locks

Good question Ian.
I've often wondered about these myself. I haven't seen anything to say they're illegal, but then I haven't seen any for sale either, (not that I've looked very hard).
Not sure how they go with Alloy's, but it wouldn't worry me having steel rims if I had to.

I watched one of the 4x4 Action DVD's a couple of years ago, and Roothy was using them on his car. Did very well, and he did mud and sand with them, and had to air right down, I think to about 4psi(?).

I had them. The illegality is when you drill a second hole in your rim for the valve stem - modifying a rim without engineering approval is frowned upon.

They functioned well. But fitting them is a PITA and is revisited every time you put new tyres on the rims. Mine made it difficult to balance the tyres as well.

I initially bought them as they were cheaper than a winch. Now I have a winch so I bought new rims and dont bother with the beadlocks. If I cant overcome an obstacle at 10 or 12 psi, I'll drag out the winch cable.

I have some second hand ones you can buy, for 16x8, 5 off. even can come with some beaten up reverse outer offset rims

I have been using the Second Air brand for 4 years now. They complete the traction package, more flex in the suspension to keep tyres on the ground, diff locks to keep them turning. Bead locks offer insurance for low pressures and the tyre to stay on the rim and not slip inside the rim. If travelling rough, steep, sandy or boggy terrain. they are great. I have run them as low as 5psi in swampy bonnet deep waterholes and come out the other side.
Fitting always gives the wallet a hit about $75 each locally, this included the hole being drilled.
A mate just fit up a set and had 2 tubes tear around the valve during fitting. Roger Smith who is the contact @ Second Air immediately offered to replace them as sighting a manufacturing fault from the tube supplier and stated that this is very unusual. Very good back up service.
I have now done around 100000km on with the product and have had to replace 2 tubes in this time due to moving in the tyre and abrading the side wall of the tube. They still worked, though when the tyre was off for a flat it made sense to put a new tube in.

Another product that would give similar results without the extra cost when fitting new tyres each time are a two piece rim from Devon 4x4 in the UK. Don't know much about them or if they are able to be registered. The concept seems good with an internal ring that compresses each tyre bead to the wall on assembly. The added advantage of bushability is appealing with being able to change damaged tyres with no more than a spanner.

Ok so far so good. Thanks for the responses.

$75 per wheel to fit. I can only imagine that'll be $100 in Perth.

Personally from what I've read it'd make sense to modify the wheels yourself (doesn't seem hard to drill a hole) and probably buy some tyre fitting device (i.e. tyre pliers) to DIY it. Or am I being a bit naive about the process?

Would balance beads work? If so then they would negate the balancing issue.

Brendanm, which tubes have failed? Tyre tube or beadlock tube?

I think these would be used for a play (33") wheel tyre setup rather than for everyday use.

cameo, yes I have a winch too but there's nothing like driving something. What kind of price are these? I don't seem to be able to find prices easy.

Ian.

There is only one tube. They run like a tubeless tyre off a valve. The 2nd valve, the one connected to the tube is constrained from expanding out to fill the tyre by a canvas style hoop. The tube can however expand laterally- pushing the bead firmly onto the rim. It is then possible to run a tyre at 5psi and achieve a force of 40psi pushing the tyre onto the rim. Pictures explain it better than me. Have a look at Second Air website.
Fitting at home may be biting off too much. They are not easy and our local very experienced tyre fitter takes a while with all the good equipment. Kind of drop them off, pick them up end of the week.

I've seen the Staun version (both the tubes and the wheels) on the shop floor at OL Myaree. Can't say whether or not they still have them but it may be worth a call to one if their stores depending on where you are in Perth.