Question about removing wheel centre caps...

E

enzed4

Veteran
 New Zealand
Does anyone know if there's a way to remove the centre wheel caps without removing the wheels, and without damaging the caps?
It's dead easy to push them out from the other side once the wheels are off, but how about a way of removing them in situ?
I'm thinking a suction cup and pull them straight out? e.g. a windscreen mount for a gps or phone would probably be about the right size (68mm or smaller). Might give that a go tomorrow unless anyone has a 'proven' method?
Sticking a screwdriver or similar in and prising them out would probably just damage the wheel and/or the cap.
I've tried using a plastic trim removal tool, but nothing will slot in between the cap and the wheel and have enough strength to lever the cap out.
 
Hi mate I use a small electrical screwdriver then put a piece of thin plastic under the screwdriver so you can lever the
centre cap out without damaging the wheel it works for me never marked the wheel yet
 
I would strongly recommend avoiding the cheap centre caps - they fit so badly you can remove them with a fingernail!
 
I have a suction cup from an old indoor halogen bulb, bit similar to a kiddies bow and arrow. Works a treat.
 
tjlazer said:
Drill out the old ones, job jobbed
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Yessss... definitely jobbed, but I did mention in the original post I didn't want to damage the existing caps. I may need to put them back on at a later date... :wink:
 
Next time you put the wheels back on, put a mouse inside each hub. Then when you want to remove the caps, all you need is a small piece of cheese.
 
MrPT said:
Next time you put the wheels back on, put a mouse inside each hub. Then when you want to remove the caps, all you need is a small piece of cheese.
Click to expand...
:) I like your thinking, MrPT, but I think encouraging the local cat population to loiter around my Z4 is the last thing I want to do (the roof, the poor, poor roof...) :lol:
 
The suction cup was the answer (at least for me). I used an old cellphone holder window mount which was almost 68mm like the wheel caps, and it just popped them out easy peasy :thumbsup:
 
tjlazer said:
Replacements are like a fiver drill them out. It makes you more of a man.
Click to expand...
Nah, that's a bit posh. Just smash them out with a hammer. That's real manliness.... :lol:
 
tjlazer said:
enzed4 said:
tjlazer said:
Replacements are like a fiver drill them out. It makes you more of a man.
Click to expand...
Nah, that's a bit posh. Just smash them out with a hammer. That's real manliness.... :lol:
Click to expand...
I'm planning this job later, might try it!
Click to expand...

I accept no liability for a 'missed swing' that hits the alloy wheel and munters it... :P :evil:
 
Anyone know where I could pick up replacements of these centre caps - they don't look like the standard 68mm for sale everywhere, and I can't find any similar! Apologises for the poor photo

http://s781.photobucket.com/user/jsaunders1994/media/image4_zpsj923e90u.jpg.html
 
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