Wheel center caps won't come off!

[Spooled-up]

I took my truck to the tire dealer the other day for a rotation and balance. When I returned an hour later they were installint the rear tires and said that they couldn't balance the tires because they would have to damage the center caps to remove them. I told them not to remove them and just mount the tires.
When I washed the truck the next day, I noticed that they had dented the center caps. Needless to say I went back and they ordered two new ones for me.
Does anyone know of an easy way to remove these things without damaging them. I thought about making something with some very stiff foam to spread the load of a rubber mallet without caving in the center of the cap. Any ideas?

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'99 2500 4x4 long bed quad cab auto with sport package.
My Toys

 

[MikeR]

I don't understand what kinda problem the tire shop was having getting them off? I always use the lug wrench than comes with the truck... no problems.

-Mike

 

[Spooled-up]

The ones I have are the American Racing stainless caps and, according to the tire shop, are difficult to get out. I'll try stepping on one to remove it when I get the new ones today.

 

[DHRA]

David, mine do that constantly. I usually put anti seize around the centers, then slide the cap in. I recently changed over to American Eagle centers, on Eagle rims and they come out just fine. I had to annihilate my caps to get them out, thus having to buy new ones every rotation! Good Luck.

 

[SmokinJoe]

Originally posted by illflem:
My center caps weren't lasting long, the chemical used on the highway to melt ice was eating them. I replaced with stainless steel, no more problem.

Do those stainless steel ones fit good? Who made them and how much?



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2001. 5 QC 2500 White Sport 4x4 LWB ETC 5-Speed Anti-Spin 3. 54 Trailer Tow 241HD SLT+ Tan Leather(Mad Cow Disease) LT265/75R16E ARE Z Series Cap Bedrug ICI Nerfbars

 

[Cooker]

Sorry for my ignorance, but are you talking about the factory wheels? I see you have a 99. The factory wheels in 99 were steel and not the alloy ones right?

If so, how did they even get the tires/wheels off without removing the center caps.

I apologize if I am wrong.
-Ryan

 

[illflem]

Joe, I got my SS caps from a Les Schwab tire store, I don't think you have them in the east though. They had them right on the shelf for $16 each, the regular chrome ones are $7. Had no name whatsoever and fit perfect.

Ryan, my center caps are on custom aluminum wheels that came with the truck new, I've seen many of this type. They pop in from the rear of the wheel in the center and are a smaller diameter than the lug circle.

Another thing the tire guys have told me is that after you add new centers you should retorque the wheels after about 50 miles. They are a smash fit and the lug nuts will loosen until the centers seat in.

 

[illflem]

The only time I had one stick I just laid the tire down and stepped on it, popped right out. My center caps weren't lasting long, the chemical used on the highway to melt ice was eating them. I replaced with stainless steel, no more problem.