Odd question about Tire Mounting Lube

[OldNoob]

Hi all.
So im mounting some tires on steel rims.. and i know some have suggested straight up dish soap.. but im concerned about the PH eventually rusting the rim.
I have access to some lithium grease and silicon oil.. but then my concern is damage to the rubber bead.

Also i have on the shelf, some old (PH balanced ) Shampoo/Conditioner that someone left at my house. (it's the slickest stuff i ever seen ) and i have used it in the past for tire mounting and it works pretty good ,, but again i'm conceded with the eventual chemical reaction.

I mean i guess i could go out and buy some specialized lube but you know it its always better using something you have handy
Thoughts?

 

[Douglas Lee]

Anything slick!
*

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hello Douglas Lee,

Tires are made from petroleum product, so grease will not harm the rubber. As with any product, use it sparingly.

Unless you are a tire company, I would not spend the money on actual tire lube. (All it is, is grease and soap mixed anyway, it's an emulsion) The hair conditioner you mentioned is also slick enough to do the job well. Don't use it in excess. If you are worried about the rims rusting on the inside, sand or wire brush them and use some stuff called POR 15. It is a tuff epoxy coating that will outlast the machine.

 

[GrumpyCat]

Use cheap green dishwashing detergent and water. Your steel rims are going to rust eventually no matter what. Don't use a lot of detergent, I'm thinking a spot the size of a half dollar in the bottom of a soup bowl. Then fill bowl 3/4 with water.

Dishwashing detergent gets sticky when it drys.

I use RuGlyde. Costs money but a gallon is probably a lifetime supply, mounted 60+ motorcycle tires so far.

Many dirtbikers swear by WD-40 for mounting tires.