valve dust cap problems....

[Tonka]

Only had this car a short while and went to check the tyre pressure today, fronts OK, but when i got to the back ones I can't even remove the dust caps! I'm beginning to think these are some sort of special caps - has anyone seen these before?



I can't get decent enough grip on the valve stem to stop it turning, when I'm using some pliers to turn the caps. They're soaking in WD40 at the moment.

Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers

Tonks

[dave.j.robbo]

Look like standard 'boy racer' dust caps to me. The previous owner will just have done them up nice and tight to stop lowlifes nicking them to go on their pushbikes.

If all else fails, a friendly local tyre dealer would be able to fit new valves and caps for you...

Keep trying, tho. They'll loosen off soon..

[BUSHWHACKER]

I don't think they're special caps, It looks like they are screwed on too tight.
If you can, try and grip the valve stem with some long nosed pliers while you turn the valve cap with the other pliers.

[Uplander]

Only had this car a short while and went to check the tyre pressure today, fronts OK, but when i got to the back ones I can't even remove the dust caps! I'm beginning to think these are some sort of special caps - has anyone seen these before?



I can't get decent enough grip on the valve stem to stop it turning, when I'm using some pliers to turn the caps. They're soaking in WD40 at the moment.

Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers

Tonks

only a suggestion "push cap IN then try turning half a turn ", not seen this type before, looks the business but why so big ? If this doesn't release it, then you'll have to pull the whole thing off on the assumption there is a split spring washer inside the cap fitting onto the threaded valve sleeve. One way or t'other access has to be gained. In desperation you will get a hacksaw blade and slice this monstrosity off.

[Tonka]

Thanks for the responses guys, I think I've just found them on the web, for sale on halfrauds website and they're not special in any way. Just on ****** tight!

Ah well, I'll keep trying I suppose.

Tonka

[TOYMOTA]

Thanks for the responses guys, I think I've just found them on the web, for sale on halfrauds website and they're not special in any way. Just on ****** tight!

Ah well, I'll keep trying I suppose.

Tonka

It's a reaction with the alloy caps on the valve threads,a bit of grease on the valve thread will stop them getting stuck.

Or just stick plastic ones back on.

[Tonka]

It's a reaction with the alloy caps on the valve threads,a bit of grease on the valve thread will stop them getting stuck

Yeah I was thinking it had happened with the heat/water. They are absolutely solid. I'm not confident I'll be able to remove them at all so it could mean a trip to the local tyre place tomorrow morning.

[Delboy]

Yeah I was thinking it had happened with the heat/water. They are absolutely solid. I'm not confident I'll be able to remove them at all so it could mean a trip to the local tyre place tomorrow morning.

More than likely stuck from corrosion. If they are aluminium caps on steel valve. Thats what happened to mine. A vice grip did the job!

[Tonka]

Well, they just wouldn't come off, even the guys at the tyre place couldn't get them off and couldn't remove the tyres from the wheels either with the pressure in them. So, I had to take the car home, drill holes in the top of the valve caps so the pressure could be released from the tyres, then take the car back. They could then let the pressure out, remove the tyres and then remove the valves, replace with new ones and then rebalance. £25 later the guy said that those valve caps were given away with max power a few months ago and they've had to remove loads!

Cost me pretty much the whole morning but at least I now know I'll have the tyre pressure right!

Cheers

Tonka