OK I want to take my wheel covers off to clean behind. I started to pry on the recess with a screwdriver and it looked like it was going to bend before it gave. Can someone give me an idiot proof way to get these off without damage. Special tools?

 

If I'm not mistaken there should be a tool in your jack area to pry that off. I used a screw driver wrapped in a rag to pry mine off. They should pop right off?
Pat

 

This is the way I do this also. No issues getting them off.

 

Are you saying to wrap a cloth around a screwdriver and pry up? Do you have to pry all the way around once you get it started or do they pop off? I'm sorry but I don't want to damage them but in similar positions in the past and they didn't all work out right. I have heard stories about these being damaged during wheel changes. I found an old thread that said to use a credit card (Andrew). How would you fit a credit card in the narrow slot?

 

I had the exact same concerns as you regarding removal of the center caps, but they really will just pop off using a screw driver covered in a rag or, like I do, wrapped in painters tape. Wrap the tape a good way up the screwdriver shaft and work it in - they'll pop off easily. If you're overly cautious, like I tend to be, lay an old towel on the ground next to the wheel so if one pops off and you don't catch it, it will fall onto the towel instead of potentially shiny side down on your driveway or garage floor.

 

Thx Mike. I want to take them off both to learn how (in case of a flat) and to clean the area.

 

Just make sure you line up the slots when you put them back on, duh! They should snap back in with you hand/side of fist.
Pat

 

Someone recently in this forum suggested using one of those metal, curved at the end, paint can openers. This works great ! Fits the slot exactly and hooks it from the back so there's no scratching.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...t=paint+opener

 

never use a screw driver unless you want to mar the finish...

i use a drivers license or an old credit card... slide it in the slot b/t the rim and cap and gently pry... the cap will come loose... a scratch free method.

 

Agree if the screw driver is "naked". I wrap mine in a shop rag and pry ever so gently til it pops, actually I don't have that problem any more!

Pat

 

i use half a wooden laundry pin, take the spring off their ya go.

 

I wrap the tip of a flathead screwdriver in electrical tape. Works well for me.