Removing Wheel Covers for Whatever Reason

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by cycledrum, Dec 3, 2011.

  1. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    I only see one thread on removing a wheel cover in Gen III section, so here it goes...

    I removed a plastic wheel cover for practice and easier access to check wheel nuts at 76 ftlb (listed as something to check in owner's manual). Also plan on keeping wheel covers at home before it goes in for tire rotation maintenance.

    Do as manual says - use the wheel nut wrench with the pry tool, use a rag to protect wheel. You will need pull the cover nearby with other hand as you pry and it will pop off.

    Before I thought it was ok to remove without the pry tool, just yank, but don't try that. I think it will result in breaking a wheel cover.

    It's possible to get the 21mm socket through the cover holes, but it's a real tight fit. Little grease will help.
     
    #1 cycledrum, Dec 3, 2011
  2. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    I was just going to check on this too, because I'm going to do the 5000mi. tire rotation rather than wasting the day at the dealer.
     
    #2 El Dobro, Dec 3, 2011
  3. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    At first I pulled a little with two hands. Forget that. Checked owner's manual, got wheel nut wrench and rag, used both hands, popped it off.

    I'll be taking them off just before it goes in for the 5k mile services.
     
    #3 cycledrum, Dec 3, 2011
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    13/16" socket should fit too, does on ours. Except: the tolerance got a little too close on the locking nut adapter. I ended up filing it down slightly. That might gain you a slight increase in clearance with the wheel cover.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Dec 3, 2011
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  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    It's better to remove it without tools. Tools will scratch the edges slightly.

    If you grab the end of the cover nearest the rim (not the spoke), and pull hard and straight with two hands, they will come off. I've done this to mine many many times without any problems at all.
     
    #5 The Critic, Dec 5, 2011
  6. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    I tried that today and the covers came right off.
     
    #6 El Dobro, Dec 11, 2011
  7. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    I agree. I found out that the first time that I used the tire tool to remove the wheel covers that it scratched the alloy wheel. I also found out that each time that I removed the wheel covers I would get a scratch from the metal retaining band.

    I eventually removed my wheel covers because I like the looks of the alloy wheels much better. Plus the fact that I was getting scratches on the alloy wheels each time. I never noticed a change in mpg either.
     
    #7 jdcollins5, Dec 13, 2011
  8. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    I've only taken my covers off once and won't ever have to take them off again because I sold them.:D
     
    #8 xs650, Dec 13, 2011
  9. j.vick@comcast.net

    [email protected] New Member

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    Hey that was perfect way to remove them it just pops off.
    And now I will never put them back on because the alloy wheel looks better that the wheel cover. Just need to get canter caps now.

    Thanks
     
    #9 [email protected], Jan 15, 2012
  10. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    Same here. The day I bought the car I removed them once and they have been up in the attic ever sense.
     
    #10 Judgeless, Jan 15, 2012
  11. car compulsive

    car compulsive Active Member

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    I found that the wheels are hard to clean due to their design, so I replaced the covers for winter tire use. I'll be buying different wheels for summer use.
     
    #11 car compulsive, Jan 15, 2012
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