Freightliner Rear Axle Hubcap Removal

Scott,
Is that red plier that looks like it grabs nut caps for the front?

Chris's answer is CORRECT! Those are NOT WHEEL SIMULATORS! Those are Accuride 8.25" x 22.5" Alloy wheels. The center cone is held on by that end hexagonal cap. That center hexagonal cab UNSCREWS. Not only that but, it unscrews to the left (normal) for the passengers side and it unscrews the RIGHT on the drivers side. You can use large pliers on it but, you run the risk and are just about guaranteed to do damage to it when using that method. So, a cheap (about $8 or $9 dollar Freightliner cap removal tool is what's needed and kept in the coach for immediate use if and when a tire change is needed on the road.
Scott

P.S. In the picture below, you'll see the large, plastic tool, mounted on the face of the tray that holds all the liquids/sprays etc. That tool is invaluable for that specific purpose.

cbeierl, I think you have the info I need, Thanks

tomkat4725 wrote:
I'm New to Freightliner Chassis. How do you remove the chrome plated rear axle cover?

Have the exact same setup on mine. At the minimum you need a large pair of adjustable pliers. I made a template out of wood and had a metal shop make a duplicate out of aluminum.

Normally you have to take half of the lug nuts offf. You should be able to see which ones have the cover under the nut.

Take a look at this thread over on iRV2.com: Freightliner Rear Axle Hub Caps

Note that the driver's side hub nut is liable to be left hand thread.

That looks to me like a "wheel simulator." Generally they're held on with two of the things that look like lug nuts (the others being fakes attached to the cover). These two real nuts are generally marked with a little dimple or something on the top, but I find it just as easy to tell which is which by gently rapping them with the ratchet handle and listening to the plink sound; there's a distinctive difference in tone between the fakes and the real ones.

I could be entirely wrong about the setup, too.

Edit: I am entirely wrong about this setup.