BRIDGESTONE | PUMP RING OR BOOSTER


the bead outside, and make it touch the rim. The bead seals the gap and the tyre is inflated at the same time. The beauty of the concept lies in its simplicity and its universal application. However, the booster tool is technically


more sophisticated than a pump ring. The valves must be cleaned and serviced properly. Dirt, dust or sand can negatively affect its functioning. A booster should always be replaced, depending on usage, after a maximum of 10 years. It is, after all, a 45 litre high-pressure air tank! In addition to the common safety


precautions, the booster should never be used without wearing ear-plugs and safety glasses. In addition, the stand should be safe and the air tank properly held as kick-back can occur.


CONCLUSION Booster


In the last 20 years, the development of wheels and tyres has focused on high performance and increased wheel diameter with a low profile. This has largely been the result of improved racing technology. In the commercial vehicle sector, higher


payloads and lower platforms – hence higher shipping volumes per vehicle – need wider tyres with lower profiles. The so-called Super Singles can even replace twin tyres. As a result, changing and inflating these


tyres is much more challenging than with older 90 series tyres. The huge gap between bead and hump, due to their width, is difficult to close while inflating. After successfully fitting the tyre, it often does not maintain air pressure while inflating.


PUMP RINGS The most logical and safest way to inflate a tubeless tyre is to press a rubber ring between the rim edge and the sidewall to fill the gap through which the air finds its way. The air escapes between the bead


and the hump/rim but stays in the space formed by the sidewall, pump ring and rim. With increasing air pressure, the


rubber ring slides slowly upwards and can be removed as soon as the bead is in its final position. Please note, however, that although the use of the pump ring is intrinsically safe, all necessary precautions against tyre explosions must be taken. This method has one disadvantage –


a different ring is needed for each rim size. In addition, the rubber must be in good condition. Wrong handling can prematurely wear the rubber and spoil its effectiveness. Ideally, a spare rubber ring should be kept in a drawer.


BOOSTER A far more universal tool for tubeless tyre inflation is the “booster”. The idea is to fill the above-mentioned gap between bead and rim without a mechanical device, by pressing a certain volume of air into the tyre fast enough to expand the tyre, move


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The booster is the more versatile tool for quick inflation, but has the disadvantage of being more delicate. Properly used and stored in clean surroundings it is the preferable choice. In a dirty, sandy or hot environment the pump ring is the more convenient and safer solution. It is the superior tool for tyre shops working with only a few different rim sizes, but should be used properly in order to extend its lifetime. Remember: whatever the preferred


method, all necessary safety precautions against tyre explosions must be taken.


real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS JANUARY 2012


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