Is there a specific tool to remove the center wheel cover? ('05 SRT6) A shop bent all 4 of mine yesterday removing them to check brakes. If there is a made-for-the-purpose tool, where are they available?

 

Not that I know of, and I too have 4 bent covers.
What I found is that it is not the removal that bends them, but putting them back on without aligning the tab to the wheel.
They probably wouldn't seat all the way, and a tire installer/brake person's response to that is a big rubber hammer.
( check and see if all the bends are at the alignment tab, if so then that's the answer )

the below picture is not of the wheels with the bent covers, I have a set of SE wheels that are that way.

 

Love the photo!
I'm guessing you are right about trying to hammer them back on. I also have 2 of them with actual bent areas and scratches from whatever they tried to pry them off with. And I was feeling so good about the servicing till I saw that! We'll have to see if someone knows of a tool!
Thanks!

 

Wheel covers should be pried of with a non-metallic wedge. Driver's License really works well - just work your way around until the cover pops off. Wooden popsicle stick works good too! (No wise cracks!)

Can't tell you how often I see wheel covers misaligned on Crossfires. The typical tire shop has inexperienced hands doing tire service. They've been shown one way to do the work and are told not to deviate. One of the Discount Tire shops here in Greenville had the service personnel time studied and they move around at lightening quick speed to get the most amount of work completed. Many times, they've scratched up wheels because they get careless with the impact wrench. They've replaced 3 wheels on my 2006 VW New Beetle convertible due to sloppy service! I won't take my Crossfire there for any tire service.

Later,

 

Thanks for the excellent, low-tech solution! I'm going to pass it along to the shop owner where my car was worked on yesterday. He sounds like he's going to do right.

I might not have noticed it if I hadn't washed the car when I got home to stable it for the winter. Glad I did so I could tell the shop immediately, without question.

Many thanks!

 

BTW, I found it impossible to correct the bend without cracking the clear coat even more

 

Make sure you remind them that the small nocth on the wheel cover has to be aligned with one of the ribs on the wheel. Cover goes on easy that way & prevents the bending referenced in this thread.

 

Take them off before you go to the tire shop......

 

A set of trim removal tools (Harbor Freight) nylon, has a tool that will pry them off without damage. I have found these to be a good investment. They are under $15s.

 

Thanks, Jim. Sounds like that will be a helpful resource for more than just me!

And taking them off before going to the shop is a plan!

Thanks!