87 GN center cap installation??????

[Gnx6]

Ok, I think I must be doing something wrong. I got new center caps and I held them in place while tightening down the nuts. Well that bent the metal tabs all too heck and they are loose. So I installed another one with the wheel nuts tight. I used a rubber mallet and popped them on. The the cap starts to get loose and pops off the metal ring. So I lost a cap on I 880 today and I'm pissed. Why do the steel rings keep falling off the cap? Should I just install 2 nuts, pop the cap on then install the rest? HELP! (I know this is kinda dumb & basic)!

 

[David65]

Yeah, they're quite the pain. What I do is hold the cap on and spin the nuts on by hand until all are about the same tightness, trying to keep the cap centered. (You're not using an impact, are you?) Then I use a 3/8" ratchet going around to each and tightening them a bit each time 'till it's too much for the ratchet. Then lugwrench evenly to 80 or 90. ft lb's. Haven't damaged any this way, so far.
But yeah, it's a p!ss-poor design.

David

 

[pacecarta]

are you using the stock gn lug nut with the lip (grip ring) just above the cone

you have to have the cap in place as the lugs go on

if you use std cone lugnuts without the grip ring the cone section is larger and the cap will deform and wont have much to hold on with .

 

[Gnx6]

I am using the factory original lug nuts.

 

[miked]

Center Cap install?

Guys read page 236 of Kirbans Guide to the 86-87-TR.

 

[Gnx6]

Thanks! I'm still working on the Kirban Book! I followed steps I found somewhere. I cut three of the nubs off flush with the steel ring using a dremel. I drilled them out and used hobby size screws to secure it. The installed 2 opposing nuts, popped it in and installed the rest. Fits perfect and snug now.

 

[turbopete]

How to keep your center caps

After losing several, I took them all off and put epoxy around where the plastic studs attach to the ring. I haven't lost one since.