Any tricks to getting the dust caps off of Aerospace hubs? I know they are threaded but so far, I can't budge them and I have a bearing that needs attention.

I ended up using channel locks, if careful you don’t mess it up too bad.

Can you use a strap wrench or wrap some thin rubber around it so the channel locks grip but don’t mess it up? Also if you used a hair dryer on the part it is screwed into it will expand and maybe let go. The aluminum cap is probably corroded a little on the threads.

Worst caps ever...

I went and bought a strap wrench but with the taper of it, it just slides right off when you get it tight. That's also the problem with getting pliers on it. I'll try the heat and see if that helps but my garage is already a toasty 88 this morning! I used to have some old style friction tape but if I found it, probably dried out by now.

UPDATE: Got it off! 3 wraps of Gorilla tape and channel locks. I still nicked the cap in a couple of spots but I can live with it - I would suggest maybe 4 wraps of tape? There was no corrosion, it was just stuck on that o-ring. Definitely going to put a bit of lube on it this time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: chasracer,

Maybe a 1/8" hole so you could stick a drill bit shank in there to remove next time?

I gave up on them and went to Willwood. Channel locks is what I used. Nasty design.

Once you fix your bearing, drill and tap a hole in the cap for a zerk fitting and pump it full of grease.

Probably wouldn’t be to tough to have a set made that were hex shaped.

Maybe drill, not all the way through, 2 shallow spots into the cap, to match the pins on the tool you use to change blades on angle grinder ?

Try wrapping a tight fitting wide rubber band around the cap. This works really well on tight fitting glass jar lids, might do the trick here, plus it's inexpensive

Bob

Drill a 1/4" h0le in the side of the cap up as close as you can to the lip/flange. Then use this spanner wrench and some rubber or leather belt material....works great for me..

https://www.summitracing.com/p...4EAYYASABEgKUtPD_BwE