how to remove front hub dust cap?
 

In my neverending pursuit of achieving the pillar of infinite awesomeness, I'm sadly again struggling w/ removing the front hub dust cap on my '87... recessed caps w/ threaded center. Tried a search but everything just related to the early caps (easy peasy you lucky bastages)

I'd done this years and years ago w/ a puller, a bolt, and a shiit ton of washers.

Heck, I even FOUND the bolt / washer getup I'd put together from back then - must have been feeling smart that day and kept it that way when I'd finished.

Problem is, I'm sitting there w/ the bolt threaded into the center of the cap, looking at my 3prong puller, and wondering exactly how TF do I contrapt this finagled thing so that it threads the center bolt into the bolt I've threaded into the cap - and then have it pull as it's pushing!?!?? Ouch. Painful even to type.

It started making my head hurt looking at it, so I went inside and here I am http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/cut.gif

Anyone care to help placate mah ignoramus?

Thanks in advance, as always...

I was where you are last weekend. Researched some interesting improvised techniques on this site. Purchased a 10x1.5 mm threaded bolt 3" long for $2.20. I have a 52mm socket for removing the front axel nut on a Landcruiser. Passed the shaft of the bolt through the big end of the socket (the other end that will attach to a rachet flush against the dust cap) and threaded the bolt it into the dust cap. Used the socket as a slide hammer and voila! My biggest challenge was finding a hex wrench for the axel nut that would work. Then I remembered the P-car tool kit. A little time to think and a forage through the tool box = a cost effective solution.

slide hammer.

If you're not worried about saving the cap, you can drill a hole in the side, big enough to insert a 6mm allen wrench into the spindle lock bolt - loosen the bolt, then unscrew the whole hub/rotor assembly and pound out what's left of the cap from the inside.
Bill K

Go to the hardware store and get a U-bolt; I forget the size so measure the diameter of the cap groove. install the U-bolt in (over) the groove and tighten it. That will give you something to pry on. Works great for me.

thanks gents

buddy of mine chimed in with this tip:

1) screw all thread in dust cap
2) place hole in bar/plate over all thread so that it's sticking through
3) align plate or bar to sit on top of 2 or more studs across from each other
4) place washers and nut to hold bar/plate against studs
5) turn nut until cap pops off

I assume you are referring to the dust cap that is pressed on? If so I used another Pelican's suggestion of a pari of LARGE Channel Locks to get a good grip on it, then used a small hammer to tap it back and forth. Nothing seems to happen for a few minutes then you see it start to move and it comes off pretty easy after that.

I welded a nut to them and use a slide hamer to pop them off.

I used a hammer and a piece of wood at an oblique; came out without too much of a fight.

Cutting torch

this is a 930 folks, cap is recessed in the hub. not sticking out like a normal car. slide hammer with a 10mm stud on the end.