How to Remove Wheel Bearing Dust Caps

Dust caps are an essential part of your car wheels because they keep out water, dirt and grime that can shorten the life of your wheel bearings. They also serve as a way to retain the wheel bearing grease in your wheel hub. But they need to be removed if you want to be able to clean your wheel bearings.

Instructions

1

Locate the dust caps on the wheel bearings of each wheel. They are small caps shaped like a derby hat with a bubble on the top and a small rim around it.

2

Use a pair of pliers to lock on to the dust cap and attempt to twist it off.

3

Try a pair of channel locks if the pliers are not enough to pry off the cap. Wiggle them back and forth to loosen the cap.

4

Grab a flathead screwdriver to pop the dust cap off the wheel bearing if the dust cap is not threaded.