cool technique

[nick_iam]

i was just taught this nifty technique for removing the dust cap for front wheel bearings. seems too simple but works like a charm.. prevents denting, chipping and all around messing up the little booger.

1. tap the sealing lip a few times w/ screwdriver and hammer. TAP, dont pound hard enough to marr. do this at 2-3 points around circumference... this loosens the seal.

2. position tip of screwdriver on flat part of cap, angling it outwards. in other words, the screwdriver, when tapped, nudges on cap in an outward direction. holding screwdriver with blade exiting left (left hand).

cap pops off, viola! no damage 

[Shakey]

How did you get them off prior to learning this new technique?

[TylerCharger69]

I've never had problems getting them off without damage anyway

[chgr500]

There is actually a tool to properly remove the dust cap.  I don't know if you guys work on any new cars or cars on their first brake job.  OEM installed dust caps are fairly difficult to get off the first time without causing any damage.  I don't think your technique would work on these.  The dust cap won't rock or move when the parts are all new.  Saves time at work (flat rate paid) so the tool has easily paid itself off over the years with no hack job on customers cars.

[squeakfinder]

I'm thinking damage happens during installation.   

[moparguy01]

I'm thinking damage happens during installation.   

take a cap and go get a peice of pipe that fits on the lip, then weld a plate on the backside, and put it over the cap and tap on the plate. viola! no damage.

[Silver R/T]

screwdriver works for me

[squeakfinder]

I'm thinking damage happens during installation.   

take a cap and go get a peice of pipe that fits on the lip, then weld a plate on the backside, and put it over the cap and tap on the plate. viola! no damage.

Wright...But I'm to lazy to do all of that so I use a rubber mallet and tap lightly, haven't had any problems (yet).

I figured the installation is where the damage would be more apt to accrue. But then again, maybe nick_iam has been using vise grips to get the caps off.

[nick_iam]

naw, no visegrips.. just id get little gouges and slight denting on that lip.. doing it all wrong w/ screwdriver. that can lead to leakage of wheel grease.
im too poor to buy a special tool for just one task 

its soo much easier for me cause ive already got the screwdriver nearby from loostening the calipers.. etc. doing it this way, just seems like a little piece of niice when cap pops off with no fuss 

install ive never had problems. i have a short piece of pipe that fits over the dome and rests niicely on the lip.

[Steve P.]

I bought my SPECIAL grease cup pliers about 28 years ago and still use them often. They are not expensive and do the job quick and without harm.

Well worth having..

I have a buddy with tons of air tools and a nice compressor. He works on cars every day and only uses the air to remove lugs. I am a firm believer when it comes to the right tool for the job. Even with a bad back I can run circles around him..  He also likes to use his 1/4 inch ratchet on everything. He'll even go to the tool box for a cheater bar to loosen something. The SAME TOOL BOX THE CORRECT TOOL IS IN!!!!  Haha...