Front axle hubcaps

Ok, so this may be a REALLY stupid question, but how do you take off/ put on the dust caps/hubcaps on the front axle? When I took mine off I had to use a small pry bar and Channel lock pliers, I put a hole in one and bent the washer on another. Also when trying to get one back on it seemed way to small to fit over the washer, and I actually destroyed one. I'm sorry I have to ask this stupid question, thanks for any advice.

Notice that the hubcap wont fit over the washer.


Busted hubcap.

Probably no good way to get them off without ruining them if they are old and hardened up. Guess their rubber aren't they? Warm it up with a hair dryer or something maybe before you try working it off is all I can think of.

Ok I'll try the hair dryer thing, thanks.

ha, those stupid things are the first thing i took off of my murray when i got it! ripped them off, never looked back.

+1 on heat. That will make them soft and pliable again, for about a minute.

try putting on one side and using a pick tool to pull the other side on.