Hey guys, I have a '71 XJ6 that has the stock wheels and hub caps. I cannot figure out how to get the hub caps off of the wheel! I am hesitant to pry on them since there appears to be a locking system of some kind that is holding it on there. It seems like if I turn the hub cap by hand that it would get to a place where it would "unlock" and come off, however they just spin and never seem to "unlock".

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks.

1971 XJ6

 

Standard chrome hubcaps on steel wheels?

There should be a removal tool in the tool kit. Looks like a small jemmy. Put the end between the hubcap and the wheel and twist to remove.

Put something soft on the ground for the cap to fall on so it doesn't get scratched.

Graham

 

Yeah steel wheels with chrome hub caps. The car didn't come with the tool you are describing. I guess I will just use the flat end of the tire iron and pry it off?

 

Oops, they are not steel wheels, they are chrome and the hub cap is chrome.

 

Yeah they're chromed Steel.. Also known as Turbos....

The tool that was originally in the kit was just a small flat iron with a curved tip. It just slid between the wheel and the cap, to pry from the underside as to not scratch the wheel...

The same effect can be had with a smallish flat screwdriver, or a door panel removal tool if you have one..
Once you get it off, you'll see that what was holding it are some small round knobs. It's pretty much just a tight compression fit. You shouldn't be able to harm anything by (gently0 prying it off..
If you want a photo of a rim without the cap, just shoot me an email
(david@everydayxj.com)... I'll be glad to snap one for you..

Cheers
David Boger
Everyday XJ

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...mage_12205.jpg

This is the kind of tool that I have been using. A flat blade screwdriver will not work on these hubcaps (or didn't for me, anyways) you need an angle and that thing on it helps by pressing against the wheel to give more leverage to pry it off with and is also used to hammer the hubcap back in place without leaving marks. I would highly suggest getting one of those for your car. As previously stated, unless your hubcaps are already marred (like mine are) make sure you put something soft on the ground for it to land on or you may scratch the hubcap. The hubcap comes off with a bit of velocity since it is stuck on there so well lol hopefully I can find a good deal on some wire wheels so I won't have to worry about it anymore xD

 

The "brace" for wheel nut removal has a flat screwdriver type end. Often they are plastic coated. This is ideal!