Freightliner Rear Axle Hub Caps

bob109 · 10-17-2010, 07:33 PM

Have a 2001.5 Discovery on a FL XC Chassis with Alcoa rims. During the process of polishing the wheels I discovered that the rear hub covers are held in place by the Freightliner Logo which has a threaded bolt cast into the reverse side. In a attempt not to mar the chrome finish on the emblem I made a removal tool from a 3" dia. PVC pipe cap. I cut the pipe cap using my drill press and a router bit. The finished product works great.
While removing the hub centers I discovered that both are right hand threads and lock in place with four nubs which engage the chrome hub covers which have four indentations in the cover face. I'm adding some pics for clarification.

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Center Emblem

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Bottom of Emblem showing nubs.

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Axle Cover with indentations

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Side view of Emblem bolt.

BobGed · 10-17-2010, 08:39 PM

For those that can't or don't want to make their own tool here is one source with a couple of pics. BTW mine are reverse threaded on the DS.
Don's RV Wrench - 614-882-6387 - scdc432@sbsglobal.net

movin-on · 10-17-2010, 09:33 PM

Don't know if they changed in 02, but the drivers side on mine is a left hand thread...

powerboatr · 10-18-2010, 01:51 PM

and all this time i have been using my hands

seriously i use a ford wrench with alum jaws. never thought about pvc

thanks

ditto · 10-18-2010, 05:04 PM

When we were at camp FL earlier this month they sold us a tool marked driver/passenger side...$10-12 I think

cunninghamjr · 10-18-2010, 05:13 PM

what about the front

1ciderdog · 10-18-2010, 05:47 PM

The front on mine are like baby moon hubcaps from the good old days. A screwdriver or other flat blade wiill easily remove the cover.

Clonetrooper · 10-18-2010, 05:59 PM

Make sure front caps are on tight, bend retaining tabs on cap out or in as needed. Lost both of mine on bumpy part of Jersey turnpike on Boston to San Antonio trip recently, even thought they were on tight. Replacements for $ 10 at Freightliner.