🧰 Maintenance Guide for True Beadlock Wheels

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True beadlock wheels are incredible for low-PSI traction — but they require a bit more care than standard or beadlock-style wheels. This guide explains how to keep beadlocks structurally sound, airtight, and adventure-ready.

🔩 Routine Maintenance — After Every Off-Road Trip

Beadlocks take stress from impact, torsion and low tyre pressure. After running them hard:

• Check for bolt loosening

• Inspect outer ring for damage

• Look for mud, sand or grit around the bead

• Confirm tyre bead hasn’t shifted

• Verify tyre PSI after bead compression

• Spin test — check for wobble or run-out

Even one loose ring bolt can put uneven pressure on the bead — risking leaks or tyre failure.

🔧 Torque & Bolt Management

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Torque is everything.
Always tighten bolts in a cross-/star-pattern.

Typical torque range:
🔧 18–22 ft-lbs (24–30 Nm)
(Always check manufacturer specs — KMC, Method, Dirty Life may vary)

Best practices:
✔ Use a torque wrench — never “by feel”
✔ Do NOT use impact guns on final tightening
✔ Retorque after the first 50–100 km of driving
✔ Retorque after airing down and reinflating

🛢️ Cleaning & Corrosion Prevention

Road salt, mud and sand can creep under the beadlock ring.

Best cleaning practices:

• Remove ring if needed

• Clean mating surfaces

• Clear debris from bolt holes

• Use non-acidic wheel cleaners

• Avoid corrosive chemicals

Optional for longevity:
✔ Anti-seize paste on bolt threads
✔ Light silicone bead on tyre edge if recommended

🚨 Signs Your Beadlocks Need Attention

You may have a problem if:
❗ You hear clicking at low speed
❗ Bolts are backing out
❗ Tyre loses PSI overnight
❗ Visible bead separation
❗ Mud/water is weeping from bead edge
❗ Ring looks warped or bent

If you hit rocks, stumps or ledges hard — inspect visually every time.

🧪 PSI & Tyre Behaviour — Running Low Pressure Safely

Low PSI is the primary benefit of beadlocks — but only within limits.

Recommended safe operating low-PSI ranges:

• Sand: 10–14 psi

• Rock crawling: 8–12 psi

• Mud: 12–15 psi

• Snow: 8–12 psi

Below 8 PSI, tyre carcass distortion increases dramatically — only recommended for experienced operators.

⚙️ Spare Hardware & Replacement Components

It’s smart to carry:

• spare ring bolts

• extra washers

• small torque wrench

• valve cores

• bead lubricant

• small wire brush

A single damaged bolt can compromise the entire ring tension.

🏁 Final Maintenance Philosophy

Beadlocks aren’t “set and forget.” They’re high-performance components that work under high stress. Treat them like part of a race vehicle:

• Inspect regularly

• Retorque consistently

• Clean thoroughly

• Respect PSI limits

• Replace damaged bolts immediately