Wheel Cap Replacement

[MrB0462]

I received new 18" wheel caps and need some assistance in how to remove the original caps.

Yes there is a slot and I have tried using a flat bladed screw driver. While I can get the cap to flex, I am concerned about snapping the installed cap, it does not come loose. Any suggestions on removal techniques?

Yes I read the owner's manual which provides not very much information.

TIA

Dave

 

[Paulroger]

I received new 18" wheel caps and need some assistance in how to remove the original caps.

Yes there is a slot and I have tried using a flat bladed screw driver. While I can get the cap to flex, I am concerned about snapping the installed cap, it does not come loose. Any suggestions on removal techniques?

Yes I read the owner's manual which provides not very much information.

TIA

Dave

If you look towards the rear of the tool caddy resting on top of the spare tire, you will find the tool made just for the job. While you can carefully use a screwdriver, the provided plastic tipped lever tool does it easier with no scratches.

 

[postalav8]

When you take off your caps, be sure to look at which notch on the cap lines up with the rim. You will see what I mean. When I pulled mine last time to rotate the tires, I thought I had the right notch line up on one of mine. Needless to say I almost ruined the cap. If you put it on and it does not line up perfectly with the spokes you choose the wrong notch.

Never knew there was a tool for the job by the spare tire. I just wrapped a screw driver with painters tape. Learn something new each day.

Cheers.

 

[MrB0462]

Guys thanks for the reply.

The tool you mentioned was tried with no success and I understand lining up after removing the cap. The manual does not refer to it as being the cap removal tool BTW.

The issue is removing the cap. They will not pop off even with exerting significant pressure.

Thanks again

Dave

 

[vega]

I do not have the tool Paulroger mentions, just the wheel wrench which has a taper on the opposite end.

You are correct that the caps will not pop off. What I do is get the cap out as far as I can with the wrench, put my fingers behind the cap, and it will come off with a little outward force. If the slot in the wheel were deeper, or the cap had space beneath the pry point the caps would be a lot easier to remove, and damage to the wheel finish avoided.

 

[nearwater]

Either I wasn't careful enough or you're being too cautious.
Mine popped right out using a flathead screw driver with a taped end.
No broken taps or damages.
Just yank that sucker out!

Dan

 

[Paulroger]

Guys thanks for the reply.

The tool you mentioned was tried with no success and I understand lining up after removing the cap. The manual does not refer to it as being the cap removal tool BTW.

The issue is removing the cap. They will not pop off even with exerting significant pressure.

Thanks again

Dave

Just to clarify:
You're right that the manual does not call it a cap removal tool. In fact it is the other end of the jack handle which is inserted into the lug nut wrench. This end also performs as the perfect width and with the right leverage to remove the caps. I added some plastic tape to this end to avoid any damage to the wheel.
The manual does advise to remove the caps gently with a screwdriver but I find the jack handle tool works much easier.
I don't know why some are having problems removing the caps unless there is something different with the 17 and 18 wheels. I have the larger wheels on the 4.6. The caps do flex somewhat when removing and you just have to be gentle and lever them off rather than pry with a screwdriver.
By the way, does anybody know what the tool shown in the attached picture is at the bottom of the picture?

 

[dg_moore]

By the way, does anybody know what the tool shown in the attached picture is at the bottom of the picture?

Towing hook? Is there a place to screw it in under the car?

 

[Paulroger]

Towing hook? Is there a place to screw it in under the car?

That's it! The towing hook attaches through the rear bumper hole cover on the left side.

 

[nearwater]

Towing hook? Is there a place to screw it in under the car?

Yup, it's the towing hook.
Both front and rear bumpers have a small rectangular cover that covers the screwing position.
Once removed, you can screw in the hook.

Dan

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[scottdk]

Yup, it's the towing hook.
Both front and rear bumpers have a small rectangular cover that covers the screwing position.
Once removed, you can screw in the hook.

Dan

I found the front hook real quick when I first bought it January 2009. Had the car for 2 weeks and was winding through my neighborhood in maybe an inch of snow, and when I turned the wheel to keep following the bend in the road the car did turn at all and I jumped a curb and went right in the middle of a persons front yard and got stuck in his yard at 5am. The Duncraps are terrible in snow.

Had a buddy come there with his Dodge Diesel and he yanked me out with no problem. The tow hook is seriously strong and heavy duty. Never thought I would have used it, but glad it came with the car.