Wheel hubs

[geofff]

Hi, Just bought a Z4 in beautiful condition (10 years old, high mileage). A previous owner has glued in the wheel hub with expanding foam!
I've bought some new centres and was planning on smashing out the old, glued in, hubs in order to fit them.
Is this the best approach please?

 

[Special Kay]

Hi Geofff, welcome to the forum. As a general rule we always advise new members to post pictures of your car asap. We love pictures!!. As to your dilemma, I find it moronic that anyone with an ounce of intelligence would use expanding foam to stick a hub cap to an alloy wheel. However, my course of action would probably entail using a knife to carefully cut out most of the foam, trying my utmost to avoid damaging the wheel. Unfortunately I can't recommend any spray to get rid of the residue, but I would use soap and water first with an old toothbrush. Good luck

 

[geofff]

Thank you SK.
I've tried to get a blade under the cap but can't. I do have some acetone which should disolve the external foam but won't penetrate under the cap (I will try). The only solution I see is to smash the plastic caps and scrape out the mess. Didn't want to do this in case there was something else under the cap (just being extra cautious).
Will post picture soon

 

[Nictrix]

Take the wheel off and knock them out from the inside

 

[B21]

As Nitrix says from he other side it’s easy..I had something similar and put a large socket that was just small enough for the centre bore and used that with great success..

 

[Zed Baron]

Yep, take the wheel off or try (as your not using the caps again) put a screw partly into the centre and use that to pull it off with pliers

 

[geofff]

Thank you for the responses . Given me confidence to get on with it.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Good luck getting it sorted, and welcome to the forum.

We do like to see photos of new members' cars BTW!