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RFP · 08-11-2021, 11:21 AM

As I have become older, I find my ability to find things to worry about is simply amazing. Here's my latest, I hope to get some good info from Forum folks.

Our trips often take is to the proverbial middle-of-nowhere places, where no matter what may happen I would be pretty much on my own. I got to thinking "what if I had to change a trailer tire, and had a stripped wheel stud?" The stud and its lug nut would just spin and never loosen. Dang, that would be a problem.

Now, I already carry a spare brake drum, with lubricated bearings already installed, but if I can't get to the axle castle nut to get the wheel/defective brake drum off the spare drum assembly is of little use.

The obvious answer is just to leave the chrome hub covers off and let the axle show in all its ugliness. I'd rather not do that.

So, here's my question (finally!): is it possible to get the chrome hub cover off while the wheel is still on the trailer? I know it would certainly destroy the hub cover, but that would be OK.

Does anybody know if these (relatively flimsy) chrome hub covers be 'hammered' off or whatever?

Thanks!

**richard5933** · 08-11-2021, 12:06 PM

If your covers are like mine, a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel should make quick work of removing the hub cover if it was ever necessary. If you are worried about not having power for the Dremel, then a hacksaw will do it. Or a hammer and metal chisel if desperate.

**Action** · 08-11-2021, 12:17 PM

The chromed covers over the steel lug nuts is a way to cut costs in manufacturing. GOING OFF TOPIC FOR A SEC, if Airstream and there are other automotive manufacturers, saved a nickel on each and they purchase 250 thousand of them every model year ... well you might get the idea

Anyway back on topic - The solution would be to, yes get rid of the covers by replacing all of the lug nuts. A fully chromed lug nut is what you are looking for.

The chromed cover lug nut will last for a very long time. For that to happen, the person removing and installing then HAS to be rather careful. Fully engaging the lug nut with the chrome cover with a six sided socket is necessary. Using a 12 sided socket, or an air gun or just being sloppy with insertion and extraction of the nut causes issues. A fully chromed nut is far more forgiving of less than full engagement.

If a lug stud were to break off, traveling with 5 of the 6 is OK as long as the broken stud is replaced soon.

Action

**Action** · 08-11-2021, 12:19 PM

Maybe I misunderstood which cover you are posting about.

Action

RFP · 08-11-2021, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action

The chromed covers over the steel lug nuts is a way to cut costs in manufacturing. GOING OFF TOPIC FOR A SEC, if Airstream and there are other automotive manufacturers, saved a nickel on each and they purchase 250 thousand of them every model year ... well you might get the idea

Anyway back on topic - The solution would be to, yes get rid of the covers by replacing all of the lug nuts. A fully chromed lug nut is what you are looking for.

The chromed cover lug nut will last for a very long time. For that to happen, the person removing and installing then HAS to be rather careful. Fully engaging the lug nut with the chrome cover with a six sided socket is necessary. Using a 12 sided socket, or an air gun or just being sloppy with insertion and extraction of the nut causes issues. A fully chromed nut is far more forgiving of less than full engagement.

If a lug stud were to break off, traveling with 5 of the 6 is OK as long as the broken stud is replaced soon.

Action

While I do appreciate the thoughtful and thorough reply, my question is not about those crummy "chrome wrapped lug nuts," but about the Chrome hub cover... you know, the shiny thing that covers the not-at-all-shiny axle hub.

I got rid of the factory lug nuts ages ago. Yay!

**Action** · 08-11-2021, 02:50 PM

If this is the wheel, I am pretty sure the center is chromed over plastic. Removing it without removing the wheel is not possible without destruction.

If that was the case, a hammer would shorten the life span in a dramatic way.

Those wheels are an aluminum or an alloy. Which is a dissimilar material from the center. Dissimilar metals have an odd way of interaction. And usually not in a good way. Waxing the center piece and the area of the wheel where it attaches, reduces the chances of that interaction and a later difficult removal.

Action

FloydCoVa · 08-11-2021, 04:20 PM

Maybe call a tire store or a mechanic and ask them how to remove a striped Lugnut. I feel certain this has happened before.

I remember as a kid my neighbor, who was a car nut and about 5 -10 yrs older than me either had a striped lug nut or a Lugnut with a key he didn’t have, took a hammer and kept hitting it till it broke off. And I’m not suggesting you or I would do that. I just remembered seeing him do it years ago.

**richard5933** · 08-11-2021, 04:54 PM

Lug nuts are cheap. Why not swap out all your lug nuts w/covers for solid lug nuts. You won't have to worry about a non-removable lug nut this way. Not sure if these are the ones you need for your wheels, but they worked for me. Posting the link as an example of what's out there.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bill M. · 08-11-2021, 05:06 PM

I did take me a while to figure out what you are asking. I think a battery powered disc grinder is the best answer. I find the little disc grinders good for a lot of projects on an Airstream. My Airstream is very old and it does not wear the chrome hub covers anymore. I think your scenario is unlikely to occur but I guess it could. Me, I take my wheels off almost every year for a brake inspection and re torque them myself so I do not anticipate having a spun stud.

RFP · 08-11-2021, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard5933

Lug nuts are cheap. Why not swap out all your lug nuts w/covers for solid lug nuts. You won't have to worry about a non-removable lug nut this way. Not sure if these are the ones you need for your wheels, but they worked for me. Posting the link as an example of what's out there.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

See my post #5 above...

**richard5933** · 08-11-2021, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFP

See my post #5 above...

Yeah - I missed that you already replaced the lug nuts. With that being the case, not sure how often you will encounter a stripped lug nut that just spins, unless someone goes nuts with an impact gun.

If it does happen, lots of suggestions for removing the center cover above.

RFP · 08-11-2021, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard5933

Yeah - I missed that you already replaced the lug nuts. With that being the case, not sure how often you will encounter a stripped lug nut that just spins, unless someone goes nuts with an impact gun.

If it does happen, lots of suggestions for removing the center cover above.

Richard, My worry-wart concern is about a wheel stud 'spinning,' its grip on the beake drum having given up. Yep, I know, small chance, but it does happen. Thanks for sticking with me as I fret over this ;-)

ROBERT CROSS · 08-11-2021, 07:34 PM

^

Well...I've never seen it happen but I've only been a buckle nuster since 1969.

GET A LUG WENCH & GO CAMPING

Bob
🇺🇸

**richard5933** · 08-11-2021, 07:52 PM

If that's the worry, then I second the vote for a battery-powered right-angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. It will remove the hub cover in a heartbeat.

RFP · 08-12-2021, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard5933

If that's the worry, then I second the vote for a battery-powered right-angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. It will remove the hub cover in a heartbeat.

Richard,

I just read through your "Gertie" build thread... great project and your work/craftsmanship is outstanding. Looking forward to reading future poste!

Robert

**richard5933** · 08-12-2021, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFP

Richard,

I just read through your "Gertie" build thread... great project and your work/craftsmanship is outstanding. Looking forward to reading future poste!

Robert

Thanks. It's been fun so far, and with the punch list getting shorter I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Then I can get on to the normal trip prep stuff like stocking the pantry.

tjdonahoe · 08-12-2021, 09:37 AM

Worrying too much…don’t need to carry a lot of junk do your maintenance at home and go ..chances are by the time you discover a wheel bearing went out the axle is ruined..got room for an axle?

BillfromWI · 08-12-2021, 10:04 AM

You don't sound like the kind of guy who would ever strip a wheel stud or lug nut. But...

Here is something completely different: I replaced my 15" wheels with 16" Ultra brand wheels from Tire Rack. Ultra uses a chromed ABS hub cover. It is held on with two Allen head cap screws. If you forgot your 3/16 Allen wrench you could whack the cover with you lug wrench.

Mollysdad · 08-12-2021, 10:13 AM

Can the hub cover be removed?
Sure, brute force.
But a stripped stud (No, not Chippendales) is pretty far down my list of concerns. I've never seen one.
I'd say keep a nut breaker, but the lug nuts on Sendel rims are recessed.
Use solid lug nuts and keep the threads clean from rust.

RManchester · 08-12-2021, 10:29 AM

I'm sure we all find ourselves playing the "what if" game more often as we retire/mature. You're toting a prepacked brake drum. (holy cow batman) I just carry grease, bearings and seal. For what it's worth, I can tell you take care of your equipment so relax and have another drink!