Basically, the beadlock wheels work the same as the name appears! It locks the beads effectively in their place between the ring and the wheel. As the beads are securely attached in place, it will prevent tire slippage as well as will not become unseated even under low tire pressure.
Well, we think that is not all to get a grip on the whole matter, right? For that reason, keep on reading to get to know the way of beadlock wheel work in detail. Moreover, whether you should use the beadlock wheels or not, know right away.
Let’s Get to Know The Parts of The Beadlock Wheel First!
You know, it can be a little tacky to understand the way a beadlock wheel works without having any idea about its parts or components.
That is why, now before heading to our main discussion of how the beadlock wheels work, let us get to know its parts for a better understanding.
#1- Outer Beadlock Ring/ Beadlock Ring
The outer beadlock ring is the outer clamp of a beadlock wheel. It locks the outer head of the tire to the vehicle’s wheel.
You can find the outer beadlock ring in the center of the tire in a steel beadlock wheel.
Typically, it is made of high-strength material like billet aluminum.
So, by any chance, if you want to replace it, the cost is surprisingly expensive, it is almost about the amount of the wheel itself!
#2- Inner Beadlock Ring/ Wheel Face
The inner beadlock ring is part of the beadlock wheel that generally looks different than the non-beadlock wheel.
It is the machined surface and permits the bead bundle of the wheel in the center of the tire.
The inner beadlock ring is just like the other side of the clamp that locks the outer bead of the tire to the wheel.
As it clamps the two beadlock rings together, it has machined threads or holes threaded inwards.
Some of the inner beadlock rings also have inner beads machined with knurls.
#3- Bolts
All the beadlock wheels come with hardened bolts to assemble the wheel professionally.
The beadlock ring generally uses 5/16-inch bolts that are 1 to 1-1/4 inches long.
The bolts are usually 8 grade but they can also be grade 5 depending on the design of the wheel of your vehicle.
Moreover, the bolts of the beadlock wheel must not have less than five thread engagements to ensure a snug and secure tire assembly.
#4- Inner Safety Bead
Most modern vehicles have two safety beads inside the outer wheel for about one inch.
The safety bead runs in the circumference of the wheel of the vehicle and prevents the bead bundles of the tire from slipping into the wheel.
Until a certain point of low tire pressure, the inner safety bead works just fine.
Here, generally, the low tire pressure can be 15 PSI and 11 PSI, even in some cases, it can be surprisingly 5-7 PSI.
It depends!
#5- Valve Stem
It is the rubber gizmo of a beadlock wheel. Due to the valve stem, the air forces into the tire and seals the air inside the tire and wheel.
It uses a Shrader valve [one way] for this purpose.
So, How Do The Beadlock Wheels Work?
Great! Now you know all the parts of the beadlock wheel. Let us move ahead to our main discussion- the way the beadlock wheel works.
Generally, the air pressure of the tires forces its beads against the rim of the wheel and makes sure the rim and the wheel are rotating as a single unit.
But in the case of off-riding or drag car racing, higher traction is surely desired.
Moreover, sometimes the drivers or the riders also need to lower the tire pressures to create a greater contact patch.
You know, this practice can cause a safety hazard. That is why in this case the Beadlock wheels work as one or another form of adding adhesive.
In a beadlock wheel, the outer beads are placed between the rim and the wheel. Here the bolts lock the beads effectively in their place.
As the external beads are securely attached in their place, it will no longer be necessary to have high air tire pressure to prevent the wheel from slipping.
The system keeps the ring and keeps the tire attached to the wheel at all times.
That is why, there is no chance that the wheel will become unseated from its place even under very low tire pressure.
It prevents the tire from slipping by clamping the beads over the wheel.
Hope you get it all!
Yet you can also refer to the below YouTube video for further assistance.
Who Should Get Beadlock Wheels?
That is the most crucial question: who should get the beadlock wheel? Actually, the answer to the query is more than a whim.
Of course, the beadlock wheels have a number of advantages, for instance, better traction or secure attachment with the wheel.
Still, you should know whether you should use the beadlock wheels or not. Let’s check that out.
Beadlock Wheel for On-Road Driving
To be frank, if you are driving your vehicle mostly just for road riding then the beadlock wheels are not for you.
Beadlock wheels are not ideal for regular driving. It is like it will hurt more than help.
Moreover, it is also illegal to use bead locks for on-road use according to the DOT regulations.
It is because there can be a possibility of a tire blowout or damage that can lead to serious safety hazards on the roads.
It will be dangerous not only for you but also for the others on the road.
Beadlock Wheel for Off-Road Driving
Just like the other side of the coin, if you have more off-roading or are an extreme drag racer, then the beadlock wheel can be very attractive to you.
Using the beadlock wheels for off-roading is a totally different story! When you are driving off-road, of course, you will need better attraction.
It is because you have to drive in the challenges like in the sand, uneven roads, loose dirt, snow, rocks, or other rugged surfaces. You may also need to air down your tires in some cases.
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That is the time beadlock wheels come into play because of their capability. It is capable of air down tire pressure even 5-7 PSI and giving better traction in challenging off-road conditions.
On the contrary, normally, you should have somewhere between 30-40 PSI tire air pressure in the vehicle. It keeps the tire more securely attached to the wheels no matter what.
Moreover, the beadlock wheel rims are comparatively stronger which can take a beating in the intense situation of the off-roads.