How I remove and install axle grease caps

77 ways to change a light-bulb

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Channel locks to remove

Rubber mallet to install

Yup! I believe that's the reason god invented those two tools.

I put a medium sized slot screwdriver where the lip of the cap meets the axle and tap gently; the cap separates a bit and then the screwdriver can pry off the cap. I use a gently applied rubber mallet to tap the cap back on. My caps don't dent, and they last forever. Of course, dented they last forever, too.

In the video the one he took off doesn't look at all like the new one.

Moved to Tech Issues forum from DIY.

RVcircus wrote:

K Charles wrote:
Take it off with channel locks and then reuse it. Why would you smash a good cap.

It doesn't smash it when I tap it. I only replaced mine because there were bearing buddies on there. That's also why I asked how other do it...2 replies and 2 different responses.

You were beating it with a Ballpen hammer! :S You can use channel locks or tap off with a rubber mallet!

RVcircus wrote:

Chuck_thehammer wrote:
100 ways and none are wrong... some just do more damage than others.

No one would do it the way I do... but I have been doing it this way for 50 years.

I specialized in brake repair .. and I might do 5 cars/trucks a day. so lots of grease/bearing caps..

and the tool I used is home made... I make a new one every 10 years or so.

and I do NOT do U-tube.. or most other social media.. so I did not view your clips.

I figured I'd get a different answer from everyone and we all think our ways right. I know mine isn't the best, but it's what I do and it works. Hammer & wood block...sometimes I dent them and sometimes I don't.

I don't think I would have used your method, but they're only dust caps....doesn't matter if they're dented or not.

Buy yourself a dead blow hammer or even a rubber mallet instead of that ball peen.

My covers / caps are rubber. I just pull them off

http://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=SnapOn+GCP10+Grease+Dust+Cap+Bearing+Puller+Plier+Tool&_sacat=&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&rmvSB=true

https://www.etrailer.com/search/grease+cap+removal+tool

Take your pick. Ones I'm most familiar with have the pliers with a built-in rubber mallet.