Can’t get tyre dust caps off?!

andyd123 · Post by **andyd123** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 9:35 am

So I thought it was about time I checked the air levels in my new-ish tyres (Goodyear 205/55R16s) and I can only unscrew one of the dust caps by hand, the rest are completely stuck fast. I’ve tried spraying lubricant on them and clamping the stem with pliers then using another set of pliers to turn the cap but all I’m doing is damaging the cap. Any ideas?! I’m too embarrassed to take it to a garage just yet.

arco_iris · Post by **arco_iris** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 10:35 am

They're metal caps, right? Corrosion occurs between the steel of the cap and the brass of the valve. You are trying to turn anti-clockwise, yes?

a) Try pouring boiling water from the kettle over it, if that doesn't work....

b) Being careful to avoid the rubber stem, hold a cigarette lighter under the cap, let cool then try by hand.....

c) Or, repeat then remove with pliers while still hot.

Doesn't matter if you muller the cap - not that important anyway. Any tyre shop or garage will give you a couple; look on the ground near a forecourt airline for dropped ones.

Parked cars could be a good source but do not try to remove while moving!

andyd123 · Post by **andyd123** » Tue Sep 07, 2021 6:54 am

Thanks a lot for your reply, they are indeed metal caps and I’m turning them anti clockwise :) I will try both of these suggestions!

kellys_eye · Post by **kellys_eye** » Tue Sep 07, 2021 8:42 am

Go to your local tire centre. They can whip the tire off the bead (rim) and fit a new valve stem in about a minute! It's not like you're buying new tires (expensive) - this may cost you £25 to change all 4, including the cost of new valve stems.

andyd123 · Post by **andyd123** » Wed Sep 08, 2021 11:32 am

Thanks, yep I now have 4 new valves from Kwik Fit. They couldn’t get the caps off either which made me feel better!

kellys_eye · Post by **kellys_eye** » Wed Sep 08, 2021 1:24 pm

andyd123 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 08, 2021 11:32 am Thanks, yep I now have 4 new valves from Kwik Fit. They couldn’t get the caps off either which made me feel better!

Curiosity makes me ask 'how much did they charge'?

andyd123 · Post by **andyd123** » Wed Sep 08, 2021 3:27 pm

£45 (£26 of which was the balancing)..

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed Sep 08, 2021 4:23 pm

I had those metal valves and caps on a Mondeo ST I had a few years ago. They were a bloody nuisance as they leaked air and the caps got nicked. I had them all replaced with the rubber type at a tyre change, it was a relief not to have to keep topping the air up all the time.

DWD