Dumb question about hubcaps

[nephlyte]

Well, i pulled off a hubcap to mess with my wheel. This is the first time i've done that on this car. Actually, this is the first time i've removed hubcaps on on any old car. Anyway.

So i put this hubcap back onto the wheel and i didn't make it but two miles before i took a turn and that hubcap went flying. Luckily i searched around for 15 minutes and found it(unharmed even). I would've hated to lose my original hubcaps.

So, what happened? Is there a special way to put on old hubcaps like this. I pounded all around the edge 'till it was tight on there. I just used my fist, should i use a rubber mallet?

 

[68340fish]

I'm not sure what style hubcaps you have, but most likely the metal tabs that hold the cap tight to the rim are bent in. Try using a pair of pliers or channel locks to slightly bend them out, so it will be a tighter fit on the rim. After installing with a rubber hammer, give it a tug with you fingers. It should stay firmly in place, & must be removed with a pry bar or screwdriver. Hope this helps. John.

 

[RedFish]

They aren't easy to install correctly with your hand. Aint good for the hand either. Use a rubber hammer. Apply a little pressure in center and hit edge at clock positions 10, 2, 6. Make sure it's tight against the wheel all the way around.

 

[nephlyte]

alright cool. I'll give that a shot and let y'all know if my hubcap goes flying again.