A clamping apparatus for use with a wheel assembly having a removable seat band (14) and a removable flange (16) for facilitating removal and replacement of a tyre. The clamping apparatus includes a bead seat bearing member (18) and a flange bearing member (34). The flange bearing member (34) is configured to bear against the flange (16). In an operative position the bead seat bearing member (18) and the flange bearing member (34) bear against the bead seat band (14) and the flange (16) respectively. Alternatively, in an inoperative position the bearing members can be removed from the bead seat band (14) and the flange (16). The members are configured so that when the bearing members bear against the bead seat band (14) and the flange (16) the bead seat band (14) and the flange (16) may be manipulated as an assembled unit. The apparatus further includes a displacement mechanism which permits a user to displace the bearing members between the operative and inoperative positions.
