Forum Discussion

mr_andyj's avatar
mr_andyj
Explorer
Dec 07, 2020

Remove Ford Dually hubcap

2004 Ford Chassis dually.

How does the hub caps come off?
They seem stuck at the hub.
These are the chromed caps on 99% of rvs out there. They have the fake lug nuts. I used a prybar and am able to lift the cap at the wheel rim quite a distance, I can see the whole cap moving, but not at the center.
I have removed plenty of hubcaps, but this is stuck.
On the front I bent the cap at the fake lugnut I had it pry'd so far off the wheel, still no movement at the center.
I cannot see anything that would lock the cap to the wheel.
What is the trick?

Please, no comments about the obvious ways to remove a hubcap. I know that. i am looking for the reason this is so stuck that it will not move without being damaged...
Class C
  • phil-t's avatar
    phil-t
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2020
    Two of those "fake" lugnut caps have little dimples in them, they unscrew from the lugs then the cap will come off.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Dec 07, 2020
    Those are generally called "wheel simulators". As phil-t says, two of the nuts (located kitty-corner to each other) are not entirely fake nuts but serve to hold the simulator on. You can find them by looking for the dimples on the flats or, what's generally easier, by tapping them with a ratchet handle or something and listening to the sound: six will go "clack" and two will go "tink," and the two "tinks" are the nuts to remove.
  • mr_andyj's avatar
    mr_andyj
    Explorer
    Dec 07, 2020
    I did see the dimples. So, I unscrew those? I did put a wrench on them and try to turn, they turned a little bit and stopped. I did not know it was screwed on so stopped. How hard do I need to turn it?
    What is is screwed to, the actual lug nut, or maybe there is a little bit of lug thread showing it screws to?
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Dec 07, 2020
    They screw onto the end of the stud that extends beyond the actual lugnut which holds the real wheel on.
  • BruceMc's avatar
    BruceMc
    Explorer III
    Dec 08, 2020
    Depends on the simulator... mine have 4 small and 4 large holes, similar to this:



    To install them, remove 4 lug nuts (Paying attention to the location of the schrader valve), slip the cover on with the large holes aligned with the 4 remaining lug nuts.

    There's dozens of styles, however. In searching for an image of the type I have, I see there's lots of new methods to attach simulators. Search for Wheel Simulator on your favorite online store. Ama... has hundreds.
  • klutchdust's avatar
    klutchdust
    Explorer II
    Dec 10, 2020
    The "hub caps" on my Cambria were put on from the inside, wheel off. The plastic nut covers can be removed by gently rocking back and forth.

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