TSI Expanding Hub & Rim Troubleshooting & Maintenance Guide

The Tire Service International Expanding Hub & Rim Assembly is designed for safe, efficient tire bead seating and long-term reliability. This guide provides factual maintenance and troubleshooting information to ensure proper function, safety, and extended service life.

TSI Expanding Hub & Rim Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide

How the Expanding Hub Works

Compressed air is introduced through an air swivel to the expanding hub assembly. Air pressure is directed to either the hub cylinder or expanding rim, controlled by valves and regulators on the machine’s control panel.

  • Outer Housing: Steel casting with twelve slotted openings holding stems that expand the rim. It also serves as the piston chamber.
  • Stem Components: Twelve composite stems — four locking paddles and eight plain paddles — secured by springs and aligned with the expanding rim.
  • Piston: A machined cone-shaped piston that pushes stems outward to expand the rim and retracts when air pressure is released.
  • High-Pressure Side: Channels air through the guide tube and main shaft to move the piston forward.
  • Low-Pressure Side: Directs air to the rim for tire inflation and leak checking. Always release low-side pressure before releasing high-side pressure.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Rim or Hub Not Expanding Properly

  • Lubricate internal piston and shafts with Marine Grease (TSI Part #10787).
  • Check for worn rim segments or excessive play in locking slot; return to TSI for reconditioning.
  • Inspect U-cup seals and replace if worn.
  • Inspect guide tube for bends or damage and replace as needed.
  • Verify incoming air pressure meets minimum requirements.
  • Check water extractor and regulators for proper operation.
  • Inspect valves and air lines for leaks or kinks.
  • Replace worn or damaged piston components.
  • Ensure air inlet hub alignment with correct spacing and secure bracket position.

Tire Not Seating or Leaking Air

  • Maintain 125 psi minimum air pressure to the machine; do not exceed 90 psi to the hub.
  • Lubricate belt with oil soap only — never use petroleum substitutes.
  • Ensure hub components are lubricated with Marine Grease.
  • Inflate tire to 30–32 psi for bead seating, then adjust to manufacturer specifications.
  • Inspect and replace worn stems or pistons.
  • Note: Some rim designs may allow slight air leakage during mounting — this is normal.

Hub or Rim Will Not Collapse

  • Inspect and lubricate belt as needed.
  • Replace malfunctioning regulators.
  • Clean and lubricate hub internals with Marine Grease (TSI #10787).
  • Lightly sand worn piston with 360-grit emery cloth, re-grease, or replace.
  • Inspect guide tube for bends or damage.
  • Return damaged slide plates to TSI for reconditioning.

Important: Keep rims and hubs away from water. Use an automatic water extractor to prevent moisture contamination in air lines.

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Daily

  • Lubricate belt with oil soap.
  • Check that all four rim locks are in the locked position.
  • Inspect hub locking tab engagement.

Weekly

  • Detach air hoses and remove rim.
  • Remove paddles and clean slots with compressed air.
  • Lubricate paddle slots and bottoms with Marine Grease.
  • Reassemble, reinstall rim, and reconnect hoses.
  • Grease the main shaft as specified.

Every 1–6 Months

  • Remove hub outer housing and internal cone.
  • Clean housing cylinder and cone using brake cleaner and Scotch-Brite pad.
  • Apply Marine Grease to cylinder, cone, and shaft before reassembly.

Detailed Maintenance Procedures

Rim Lock Maintenance

Check that all four expandable rim locks are properly engaged. When expanding the rim, visually confirm that the hub locking tab is locked into position.

Paddle and Slot Maintenance

Remove the expanding rim and disconnect one spring. Remove paddles one at a time, clean slots with compressed air, and apply Marine Grease (TSI PN 10787). Reinstall paddles and springs, ensuring locking tabs are disengaged before expansion.

Six-Month Hub Service

  • Remove the front cover, outer housing, and inner shaft carefully.
  • Extract and clean the internal cone using brake cleaner and Scotch-Brite pad.
  • Smooth contact surfaces and inspect rubber seals for cracks. Replace if necessary.
  • Apply Marine Grease evenly to the cone and hub chamber before reassembly.
  • Reinstall paddles and ensure proper air hose alignment and slack.

Summary

The TSI Expanding Hub & Rim Assembly is engineered for dependable service when maintained according to factory recommendations. Routine cleaning, lubrication, and inspection help prevent operational issues, ensure safety, and extend equipment life.

For replacement parts or reconditioning services, contact Tire Equipment Supply.

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