Removing center cap from Moto-Lita steering wheel

Racer_X · #1 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 05:47 PM

Folks,
I have what seems like a dumb question. How do I pull the center cap from my Moto-Lita steering wheel? It has the machined Kirkham center cap and I'm trying, unsuccessfully, to remove it. I have pried underneath the lip at 2 opposing sides with my nylon prybars to try and lift the cap. I've tried unscrewing it. I have tried everything just short of damaging the wheel.

I didn't put this together and never have had this kind of trouble trying to get anything apart.

Help, before i damage the center cap or wheel.

Thanks,
RacerX

DSM351 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 06:16 PM

I was told to wrap fishing line around the gap until it pops out. Otherwise a plastic scraper tool as sold by harbor freight.
r

mickmate · #3 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 06:16 PM

The o-ring holding it in has got dried and stuck it in there. A twist with a pocket knife blade should do it using the flat of the blade to not dig in.

gsharapa · #4 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 06:28 PM

Yep it's the O-Ring. Mine was loose so I put a bigger one on and hope I never have to take it off....

rodneym · #5 (**permalink**) 12-14-2010, 06:54 PM

The o-ring that came on my Kirkham cap was too thin so I installed a thicker one. Now it's REALLY on there.

A plastic putty knife should do the trick.

pusherfans · #6 (**permalink**) 12-21-2010, 04:55 AM

I grabbed it and pulled and it came right off. . . .

PANAVIA · #7 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010, 03:07 AM

Very tough to do without leaving a mark- can you contact the person that might have put it on there to preclude the use of any , uh, epoxy.

Steve

jhv48 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010, 10:17 AM

If you try everything else, you might just have to resort to this:

Drill a small hole in the center of the cap, just large enough to insert one of those needles used to fill up a basketball from an air pump. Obviously, you might end up replacing the center cap if the hole bugs you.

Now, insert the needle into the hole and turn on an air pump to force air into the cap. If it isn't glued firmly in place, it should pop out.

ACademic · #9 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010, 11:26 AM

If there is enough gap under the cap to slide a wire zip tie, then try this. Join two zip ties together so that you form a large circle. Place one of the edges under the cap and use the circle (wear gloves) as an elongated pry bar by grabbing it firmly and pulling toward you. It should pop off. If that doesn't work, then build a second circle (using another two zip ties) and place them on opposite ends of the cap. Pull on them together and if doesn't come off then, well I'm out of ideas after that.

dcdoug · #10 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010, 11:46 AM

What about a suction cup in the middle of the cap? One of those types that seal with a lever like for camera mounts?

rodneym · #11 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010, 12:06 PM

Is Racer X's cap still on?
Poor guy.
(insert dead horse comment here)

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 12-30-2010, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodneym

(insert dead horse comment here)

Time to just rip the damn thing out and replace it with a new one for $60.

Racer_X · #13 (**permalink**) 06-07-2011, 08:02 PM

I ended up drilling a 1/8" hole thru the rear or the wheel mount, then used compressed air to pop the cap up until the o-ring seal popped out. Still had to use a large screwdriver to pry the cap up, but finally got it out. The groove for the o-ring is very narrow and it had a very fat o-ring on it, resulting in a very tight cap. Finally it is separated! Thanks to all for the suggestions.