manualAvant

I tried taking them off with a socket wrench, but all they do is spin the stem around and around. Since the stem is round and rubbery, it's not easy to hold still either. Any suggestions (besides WD-40, already tried it) for getting them off?

Gjaime

If so, maybe the plastic cap threads are stripped. New plastic caps are too cheap to try and save yours.

-jaime

manualAvant

hence, my problem.. :-/

Gjaime

I would pry/cut the caps off. On the bright side, no one can steal your valve stem caps


-jaime

Ray Calvo

Try cutting off just the tip of the cap (part that contacts the top of the stem). If that doesn't work, GENTLY cut up the length of one side of the cap. Check your work often; the last think you want to do is cut the stem threads. When you have a groove in the cap, try prying it open with a screwdriver.

manualAvant

Black plastic caps for me! This is ridiculous... good thing I didn't pay for these suckers.

After some finagling, at least one came off. Looks like dust from the rotors (same grey looking powder that's in the holes) got into them.

manualAvant

Got a dremel. Best way was to cut off the tops, then split the caps down the side and pry open.

Word to all those getting aluminum caps: the things can oxidize! There was aluminum crap all stuck in my threads when I pulled them off. Best make sure your stems or the caps are coated in some sort of sealant...