How To - Remove lug nut caps

[Adrift]

Hey folks

After much frustration over swollen lug nut caps, I searched the internet on what my best options were. I found I could replace them with new OEM capped lug nuts for around $300, replace them with steel versions for about $150, or I could just remove the tin caps and use the steel lug nuts beneath (free).

So I began researching the best way to remove the caps, and found little to nothing. Many people actually suggested not doing this on account of the lug nuts not being aesthetically pleasing. Personally I don't care about how it looks if it is going to keep me from changing the tire in an emergency.

Due to the lack of info on this subject, I am writing this short "how-to". This is for the folks who are contemplating doing this but don't know how it would look, or those who are wondering if it would just be better to pony up the cash for new lug nuts.

This is a very easy project, but also VERY time consuming. You will need a hammer, a couple flat head screwdrivers ( one needs to be relatively sharp), some leather gloves, 26mm, 27mm, 1 1/16in sockets and a breaker bar. If you have a vice, it will make this task much easier (I didn't)

I have read to beat the top of the cap out from inside the lug nut, and also to use a dremel and a cutting wheel to cut the sides. I found that both of those took too long, and the results did not justify their use. However, you should use what you are comfortable with.
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HOW TO REMOVE LAND ROVER LUG NUT CAPS:


Using either a 27mm or 1 1/16in socket (which ever works best) and breaker, remove the swollen lug nuts. They will likely look like this

Using a hammer and screwdriver make an indent in the edge of the cap like this

Now using the sharp flat head, notch the indent

You can now use a broader flat head and a couple whacks of the hammer to further split the notch you made (using the screwdriver between the cap and the lug nut)

A couple harder whacks and you should end up looking like this

From here you can use a screwdriver to pry the cap from the lug nut. The steel lug nut beneath the cap is 26mm.

of course it is easier if you have a toolboy to hand you tools

and this is how a Discovery I looks with caps removed. I don't think it looks bad at all.

 

[mnfeo2]

Nice write up. I was actually goning to do this next weekend.

 

[ruditron]

...brings back memories....one reason i own steel wheels on both of my discos

 

[evilfij]

A cold chisel and some tin snips would make it much easier.

 

[Adrift]

A cold chisel and some tin snips would make it much easier.

I actually thought about both of these at various times while I was removing these caps, but I had neither at hand...

 

[Antichrist]

I actually thought about both of these at various times while I was removing these caps, but I had neither at hand...

Obviously you need to train your tool boy better.

Nice Disco, I remember when mine looked like that. But 260k miles and 10 years of off-roading and it's showing it's age.
I'm curious what you paid for it, if you don't mind sharing.

 

[Desert Dan]

After removing your swollen nut caps double check the size of the lug nut to make sure your lug wrench and socket still fits properly.

Jeep did a similar thing and I found some solid one piece lug nuts at a tire shop. The Rover size lugs nut may not be as common and if you go through a dealer they will be big $$$.

 

[Adrift]

Obviously you need to train your tool boy better.

Nice Disco, I remember when mine looked like that. But 260k miles and 10 years of off-roading and it's showing it's age.
I'm curious what you paid for it, if you don't mind sharing.

Yeah, he needs a bit more training, but for only 11months old he does pretty good

and I paid $3k for the disco... Not the best price, but it is in great condition and low miles + 5-Speed.

After removing your swollen nut caps double check the size of the lug nut to make sure your lug wrench and socket still fits properly.

Yes, the lug nuts under the caps are 26mm as opposed to the 27mm(1-1/16in) caps.

 

[PresidentGod]

Just to help anyone else out there who is doing this, I used this youtube video on a different method of removing the lug nut caps. You'll need an impact gun (he has a battery impact but an air impact works fine) so if you were looking for a good excuse to get one here it is. And sorry, I know I'm bringing this back from the dead, but that's better than starting a new thread and proves I use the search function, right?

I take no credit for the video, just linking it because it helped me out. Got 23 lug nuts uncovered in under a half an hour.

 

[LR Max]

A cold chisel and some tin snips would make it much easier.

I did mine with a dremel tool. REALLY got it knocked out quickly.

Also get you a 26mm socket. It fit perfectly after knocking off the little caps.

 

[nfbeckman]

I use an oxygen/acetyline torch. the tin caps fall off with about 5 sec. of heat.

 

[rjl2001]

Hey folks

After much frustration over swollen lug nut caps, I searched the internet on what my best options were. I found I could replace them with new OEM capped lug nuts for around $300, replace them with steel versions for about $150, or I could just remove the tin caps and use the steel lug nuts beneath (free).

So I began researching the best way to remove the caps, and found little to nothing. Many people actually suggested not doing this on account of the lug nuts not being aesthetically pleasing. Personally I don't care about how it looks if it is going to keep me from changing the tire in an emergency.

Due to the lack of info on this subject, I am writing this short "how-to". This is for the folks who are contemplating doing this but don't know how it would look, or those who are wondering if it would just be better to pony up the cash for new lug nuts.

This is a very easy project, but also VERY time consuming. You will need a hammer, a couple flat head screwdrivers ( one needs to be relatively sharp), some leather gloves, 26mm, 27mm, 1 1/16in sockets and a breaker bar. If you have a vice, it will make this task much easier (I didn't)

I have read to beat the top of the cap out from inside the lug nut, and also to use a dremel and a cutting wheel to cut the sides. I found that both of those took too long, and the results did not justify their use. However, you should use what you are comfortable with.
------
HOW TO REMOVE LAND ROVER LUG NUT CAPS:


Using either a 27mm or 1 1/16in socket (which ever works best) and breaker, remove the swollen lug nuts. They will likely look like this

Using a hammer and screwdriver make an indent in the edge of the cap like this

Now using the sharp flat head, notch the indent

You can now use a broader flat head and a couple whacks of the hammer to further split the notch you made (using the screwdriver between the cap and the lug nut)

A couple harder whacks and you should end up looking like this

From here you can use a screwdriver to pry the cap from the lug nut. The steel lug nut beneath the cap is 26mm.

of course it is easier if you have a toolboy to hand you tools

and this is how a Discovery I looks with caps removed. I don't think it looks bad at all.

Sent from my C5215 using Tapatalk

 

[rjl2001]

I use an oxygen/acetyline torch. the tin caps fall off with about 5 sec. of heat.

Sent from my C5215 using Tapatalk

Sent from my C5215 using Tapatalk

 

[corfuchris]

My tin caps are all still on, but I made them fit into the 27mm socket, a big hammer helped :elkgrin:

I tryed once to remove a cap, too much work :smilies27

 

[fishEH]

This method is way easier. Just use a stud on one of your hubs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqW9eobZ5Fw&feature=youtube_gdata_player