Gentlemen,

I have a set of Vert BBS wheels. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the Center Caps to stay on the wheel. Is this something that I can do without the tool that I see posted? It appears that I really need to crank on the center piece on the center cap but I won't want to break it. Any help would be great.

Thanks,

Scott

 

do you have the BBS locking wrench?

 

No I don't have the BBS locking wrench.

 

You need the tool or some really strong hands. I have put them on a couple times by hand.

 

I am assuming since the center caps are expensive for some plastic that the tool is as well. It is supposed to be really hard putting them on and taking them off correct? If this I don't think that I will be able to break them putting them on. Am I correct on my assumption? Since I couldn't find anyone who would sell me used 10 year old caps for under 40 bones a piece, I ordered them direct from BBS. It looks like the only difference is that the ones I have say BBS instead of MAZDA...and the match isn't perfect on the silver.....assuming that the wheels silver is a little faded.

Scott

 

If your putting them on right you couldn't break them with your hands. I would suggest finding a more efficent way of getting them on and off in the future, because mine for one don't come off as easily as the go on. Good luck!

 

I've seen that wrench there from time to time. Also, go to a mag wheel shop. That wrench works on alot other cars in addition to a Rex.

But, since they are so expensive, I wouldn't try putting them on until you get the wrench. Might get the unpleasant surprise that one or more simply fell off while driving. Been there, done that. Learn from my ooppss.

Good luck.

 

It is typically a $10 part at most shops that sell BBS wheels, they also show up on Ebay from time to time. Just run a search for BBS on ebay motors.

What you don't want to do is use a pipe wrench or anything else like that, as you will scratch the heck out of them (like the guy that used to own my 'vert).

 

Yeah I sold all 3 of mine (lost one while they weren't on the car) on eBay really easily. If you don't have the wrench, you can use channel locks with a few thick rags to protect the caps and that might help. Don't grip them too hard though, as they are plastic and will break or scratch.

 

Thanks for the help. I will try to score one this weekend.

Scott

 

How much were the BBS caps and where(website/phone) did you get them?

 

Go to Sears and get an $8 strap wrench. Works great.

Rob

 

Remember: You are not torqueing the caps on. You are just rotating the center piece into the locked position.
If there is excessive wear in the caps and they won't stay locked try putting a bead of clear silicone between the cap and the wheel at the circumference of the cap. You can cut it with a knife or razor blade to remove.
I have a extra tool that I bought on eBay for $50.
I would sell it, but you don't realy need it.

 

Vert in Vegas,

The caps are new from Tire rack. I am assuming since it is extremely hard for me to put these on by hand, that once on, they will stay on. I think that I am going to to go Menards and try to find that tool that has a band on it that will wrap around just about anything.

 

You could probably use one of those oil filter wrenches. Someone mentioned the strap wrench which also seems like a good idea. But I don't seem to have any trouble getting mine off and on by hand. They just click in and I'm set. There is no way they will fall off. Maybe I got a lucky set.

Little twist "click" you're set!