Technical Stupidly Simple Question - Replacing the hubcaps.

[Joelz0rz]

Hi all,

I need to change my hubcap on the rear left wheel.
Currently the fool who put it on last placed it so I can't get to the air tyre valve to top up the air in my tyres.

Done some searching on this forum and I need to remove 3 bolts, opposite the air tyre to get the hubcap on.. Fiat's do like to be difficult don't they .

Just got my tools out, went to remove the bolts and it's not budging. It's not moving for love nor money.

Does anyone have any tips to undo the bolts?

Would jacking up the car help at all, Is there some grease I could use? or am I just to weak?

Cheers for the help.

 

[a1ant]

Hi mate,

Your best off NOT jacking the car up untill you have cracked off the wheel nuts.

If you don't have a breaker bar, and only the bolt "wrench" that comes with the car, then there are two options.

1. Place it on the nut at a 9 o clock angle. Stamp on the end of the bar whilst leaning against the car.

2. Extend the wrench to get more leverage. If you have a scaffold pole or similar strength pipe etc, slide it over the end of the oem wrench and it will give you extra leverage.

Once you have cracked off the 3 nuts, you can then jack up the car and remove them so that you can remove the wheel trim.

Once the nuts are off, put some copper grease on then to prevent them seizing again

Hole that helps,
Alan

 

[oldhammer]

ask at your local tyre place normaly most places
will get the windy gun out for you if there not busy
get them to loosen them off
and then tighten them up yourself with wheel brace,

 

[Joelz0rz]

Many thanks a1ant.
Worked perfectly

 

[atom0007]

Good job you found out now rather than after a blown tyre!


Another tip is to hammer on the tyre wrench to loosen the nut. I use a big rubber mallet for that. Like a poor mans impact wrench...