TR2/3/3A What tool to remove Dust Cap?

[toysrrus]

Hi Folks,

I have a "Disc Wheel" `61TR3. I`m going to re-pack the "Front Brg`s" soon. How do you get the "Dust Cap" off "WITHOUT" beating it to death? (Cap has a small dia. hole in the center).

Thanx Much,

Russ

 

[bobhustead]

Grab it with big channel locks and wiggle vigorously or tap opposing sides with hammer. Bob

 

[Rhodyspit75]

If it has the hole in the center then it is the same as a Spitfire. The hole should be threaded I can't remember if its 10/32 or 10/24. Simply thread a bolt in there and tighten and tap the sides until it pops off. If you can't get a bolt to thread you can resort to a #10 sheet metal screw.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Those threads are pretty lame (just sheet metal) but once it is off you can weld a nut to the backside to make them work better. After that they will come off easily when a bolt is threaded in. I have a 2" eye bolt for that purpose -- if the caps fit right you can remove them with no additional tools.

 

[dklawson]

The last time I did that on a Spitfire I took an approach similar to what Geo mentioned above. I didn't own a welder at the time so I soldered a 10-32 nut to the inside of the cap.

 

[YYCDave]

I was able to accomplish the same thing using JB Weld. It's been a couple of years now and it's still solid.

 

[toysrrus]

Thanx to All for the info.

Thats basically what I thought; A nut on the inside & bolt to pull it off.

Bob; I believe I did mention removing it without "Beating it to Death"!!

Thanx Again folks,

Russ

 

[charleyf]

Instead of a bolt try using a sheet metal screw. If the hole has been enlarged then you will need a larger diameter screw. It is best to use a screw with a very course thread ( few threads per inch). I did switch to welding a nut on the outside but found that the first try was with a smaller bolt like a 10/32 and I stripped the threads on it. So I went up to a larger nut/bolt.
Charley

 

[TR3driver]

Bob; I believe I did mention removing it without "Beating it to Death"!!

If you tap on the pliers (or Vice Grips), it is possible to get the cap off in reusable condition. Not pretty, but usable.

I use Dave's method now; although it took me several tries to get the nut & cap clean enough for the JB Weld to adhere well.

 

[PatGalvin]

Just so I'm clear, are we using the bolt (or screw) to pull on the dust cap, or are we screwing the bolt into the dust cap and against the stub axle, essentially pushing the dust cap off the stub axle? Thanks

Pat

 

[martx-5]

Screwing the bolt in to push off the dust cap. Use a hammer to knock it back on.

 

[Rhodyspit75]

Screw it in until it contacts the axle . Then tighten it. If the cap doesn't come off right away you may have to tap the sides.

 

[PatGalvin]

Thanks Art

When my car finally runs, this will be an upgrade I surely make the first time I grease those bearings.

Pat