[allenzachary]

Bought a 1999 base model recently and it has cheap aftermarket wheel covers that look like OEM, but without the Chevy logo. I am trying to begin a brake job, but am having a real struggle removing the wheel covers.

Apparently there are simulated lug nuts on the wheel cover that spin and attach to threads on the actual lug nuts that hold the wheel onto the hub. The "lug nuts" on the wheel cover itself are a stamped metal cap that covers a plastic nut shaped object underneath. Several of the metal caps are missing and the plastic nut underneath does not match the lug wrench.

I tried to remove the plastic nuts by hand to no avail, then with pliers, again with no results. They are on incredibly tightly (or perhaps they aren't meant to move?) The wheel cover itself won't budge no matter how I try to get it off.

I don't want to break the wheel covers, but I need to get them off so I can remove the wheel to do the brake job.

I feel kind of like a moron having to get help removing wheel covers, but after a 40 minute struggle and annoying questions from my wife, "Why can't you get the hubcaps off? Are you sure you can do the brakes? Shouldn't we have a professional do this?" I am seeking help.

I have done brakes a bunch of times- Hondas, Nissans, Toyotas, Fords. I'm not a newbie. I just never ran into a wheel cover that gave me such problems.

Any assistance is much appreciated.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Some pictures would help.

And make sure you include one of the backside of the wheel cover. That way we can see what's holding it on and give you our best suggestions. (Snicker, snicker!)

 

[ChrisAdams]

Are you sure they are aftermarket? Many stock chevy rims from that era had the 'fake' plastic lugnuts.
On the ones I have worked on, the nuts were often over tightened. I tend to use a long 3/8 ratchet with a 19mm-3/4 inch socket to break them loose, rather than hit them with the big air gun. they remove just like lugnuts, leaving the actual lugnuts still on the car.

 

[allenzachary]

Driven- I don't like to use my x-ray machine after dark as the glow tends to frighten my neighbors. (I need to use the x-ray so I can get you those pictures from behind).

Chris- They may not be after market. Frankly I'm not sure. I presumed they were because they look generic, without any logos.

I also have a 2000 Taurus (reliability + poor resale value= darn good car that was cheap to buy and own) with similar wheel covers that have plastic cosmetic "lug nuts" that screw onto the actual lug nuts. They come off easily. On the Malibu, the metal caps are missing and what is left is the plastic cap underneath. While the metal caps are 19mm, the plastic caps are smaller and don't seem to match to any standard size. In addition, they are cranked down very tight.

I will check the other sockets sizes again on the plastic inserts. I have a breaker bar and will try using that.

 

[allenzachary]

The plastic inserts come off with a 17mm socket. All is well.

Thanks for the help and not treating me like a moron.

az

 

[DrivenDaily]

We've all been there in one way or another. Anyone who treats you like a moron is only treating you the way that they know best, and they're the one to pity the most.