Front wheel dust caps...tool? Procedure?

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Jul 6, 2005 | 02:18 AM

packrat56

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Front wheel dust caps...tool? Procedure?

So, I replaced them today.. Been many years since I have had those off any vehicle, anyone tell me what the tool and/or procedure is to install them without beating them to a pulp? Any common item match up to the correct size as a driver? (I finally found a scrap of allumnium pipe that sort-of fit, but it was far less than ideal..)

Jul 6, 2005 | 05:54 AM

Christopher2

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Minnesota

I always used a 2 x 4 with a rag on the end folded over for padding.

Jul 6, 2005 | 07:05 AM

jniolon

old and in the way

Joined: Jul 1997

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From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama

John,

isn't that the way you're supposed to do it ??? just line them up sorta and whack the crap out of them ???

I think most of us just get them centered up and use a rubber hammer to tap them in working around the circumference of the cap... besides if you didn't damage them , they couldn't sell those shiny chrome center caps for your rims

I'll bet that Eastwood of PBMI or someone sells a special carbon fiber installation tool in standard and metric sizes that does the job for 59.95 +S&H and for another 29.95 the 'special removal tool' that remarkably resembles a pair of channel locks (with cushioned grips)...

later
John

Jul 6, 2005 | 08:15 AM

Earl

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Joined: Mar 2000

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From: Waynesville, OH

John, just ignore Niolon. He just likes to install everything several times so a beat up hub cap is a beautiful thing in his eyes.

I went through that exercise when I restored my front end. The aluminum pipe idea is the way to go to avoid messing them up. I used a short end of PVC (dirt cheap) and, I believe, some sort of adaptor fitting that had just the right diameter. Cost me about $1.39 for both the pipe and fitting at Lowes.

Jul 6, 2005 | 09:21 AM

bobbytnm

Roast em' if you got 'em

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Rio Rancho, NM

George, it's not the cost of the PVC ($1.39) its the pain and suffering from having to stop what you are doing, getting all cleaned up (wife gets mad when you smear grease across her steering wheel) and drive down to Lowe's, find your fittings and then fight the crowd at the check out stand (because just like the Department of Motor Vehicles, Lowe's has 20 checkstands and 2 cashiers) then fight the traffic back home (stopping to pick up whatever it was that the ol' lady has asked you to pick up "while you are out") and then get back into your project.
Now THAT is why the hub caps are always beat to heck!!

Seriously, I generally just tap them in with a rubber mallet or I use the chunk of 2x4. Sometimes its necessary to take a punch and go around the lip if you are worried about crushing the center of the cap.

Good luck
Bobby

Jul 6, 2005 | 02:42 PM

AXracer

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Durham NC

There is a special remover tool (never saw a replacing tool), but we always used a big screwdriver and hammer or a tire iron (remember those?!?) for removal and a hard rubber mallet for replacement. But then again it was usually someone else's vehicle and covered by a hub cap when we were done.