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..).
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....
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
Ive used cast steel pipe connectors for various uses like control arm bushings and large sockets.
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
