What do you guys use to install dust caps after you repack front wheel bearings? Yesterday when I went to install new caps I realized I didn't have a piece of pipe the right diameter to slide over this to pound it on. I hate using a big flat screwdriver on the ridge, that always seems to damage them. After looking around for a couple of minutes I came up with an old hose clamp from a 2000's GM pick up radiator hose. Perfect fit and with a 2x4 across it the cap went on nice with a nice big hammer on the 2x4. The cap is in a lot better shape than the old ones that were all dented up from guys banging on the cap with a hammer.
The clamp looks great. I have an 18 crescent wrench I adjust to fit against the shoulder of the cap, then gently tap it on, rotating the wrench as I go. Ive also used water pump pliers when Im not in my shop (big crescent stays home..).
poncho62 said
Feb 4, 2023
Or a piece of pipe that just fits over the cap.
4SPEED427 said
Feb 4, 2023
At one point I had a little pipe piece that fit perfectly too. That works great but it has gone missing. It's hiding in the same spot as my favourite 9/16" wrench, my nice 1 foot 3/8" drive extension and my 7/16" stubby combination wrench I suppose....
ARCADIAN said
Feb 4, 2023
Large socket?
4SPEED427 said
Feb 4, 2023
I thought of that but don't have one big enough.
cdnpont said
Feb 4, 2023
That'll work! Good thing is it'll fit more than one size.
DonSSDD said
Feb 4, 2023
Ive used cast steel pipe connectors for various uses like control arm bushings and large sockets.
What do you guys use to install dust caps after you repack front wheel bearings? Yesterday when I went to install new caps I realized I didn't have a piece of pipe the right diameter to slide over this to pound it on. I hate using a big flat screwdriver on the ridge, that always seems to damage them. After looking around for a couple of minutes I came up with an old hose clamp from a 2000's GM pick up radiator hose. Perfect fit and with a 2x4 across it the cap went on nice with a nice big hammer on the 2x4. The cap is in a lot better shape than the old ones that were all dented up from guys banging on the cap with a hammer.
That'll work! Good thing is it'll fit more than one size.