Unable to remove valve caps

[rlb8s]

I am having a heck of a time removing the BassCat valve caps that came on my trailer tires. One of the caps I have never been able to get off since I bought the trailer new in 2020 (left rear). And yesterday I was only able to remove 1 (right front) of the 4 (I didn't try the spare) I am hesitant to take pliers to them since I am concerned about tearing the valve stem and really having issues. Once I get them off I plan on replacing with cheap rubber ones, but to do so I need to get them off. Anyone else experience this and if so what did you do to get them off? Thanks.

[mike464]

Put the pliers to them, they'll turn, that's what I did too, have the same style on my Tundra, same issue there too. I tried some anti seize, didn't seem to make much difference

[bass-action]

Are they hex caps? If so get the right size box wrench. Try to position trailer so they are at the top of wheel ,spray a little PB Blaster on the ridge of cap and let soak for a bit.

[Rich1]

When you put them back on, put a dab of Anti seize compound on the threads.

[rlb8s]

Not hex caps. And I stop turning with the pliers after the rubber stem turns 360 degrees because I am afraid I will rip the stem. I wish they would have come with anti seize compound on the threads. Still only have one off. Not fun.

[mactlman]

hold the stem with pliers and turn the cap with another set of pliers -- gently!

[Louie]

I've seen bi metallic corrosion on aluminum tire monitor valve stems on cars.... when people upgrade their caps to chrome or other metals to look cool. I'm sure something like that has happened to yours (lake water has some salinity too) which probably does not help.

[WjColdWater]

Good information on the anti seize compound! I’ll be doing mine before this happens. As Louie mentioned dissimilar metals don’t like each other with lake water and road grime.

[Cullbynoon]

I had to use a Dremel. Ruined cap but oh well. A little heat might work. I put plastic caps on all rims after this issue.

[sparkertx3]

Funny, mine would either gall up and be hard to remove or they would loosen if I didn't put them on tight enough. Anti-seize solved both problems.

[Hurl19]

I had to use a Dremel. Ruined cap but oh well. A little heat might work. I put plastic caps on all rims after this issue.

I did exactly the same thing as it seemed the most sure way not to damage the valve stems. I liked the look of the Basscat ones, but I don't have to worry about getting the plastic ones off to air up when I need to.

[rlb8s]

I did exactly the same thing as it seemed the most sure way not to damage the valve stems. I liked the look of the Basscat ones, but I don't have to worry about getting the plastic ones off to air up when I need to.

Which worked for you - dremel or heat?

[Hurl19]

Dremel. Just had to be careful not to damage the valve stem, tho I don't think that is too difficult to replace. I cut a slit in it lengthwise enough that I could get a pair needle nosed pliers to it to widen it and pry it off, and even then it wasn't trivial. I didn't want to use heat as I was worried about damaging the rubber stem or the paint on the wheel. The new caps that I got are ones at Auto Zone - look like nice custom ones with knurled metal cover, but inside is a traditional plastic cap that makes contact with the valve stem. I also put a little anti-seize on the threads as it gets immersed in water, just for a little extra insurance.

[rlb8s]

Caps are off. I used a dremel. 1 of the three came off relatively easy. Two were a pain in the a$$. Cheep plastic caps for me from now on even though the ones BCB put on look nice. Thanks all for your posts.

[JINXBASS]

I just took mine off after purchasing a 21 Lynx. Could not get them off unless I used 2 pairs of pliers. I threw them in the trash and put regular black plastic ones back on.

[rlb8s]

I just took mine off after purchasing a 21 Lynx. Could not get them off unless I used 2 pairs of pliers. I threw them in the trash and put regular black plastic ones back on.

I'm glad you got them off w/out needing to cut them off. Good call on throwing them in the trash and replacing with plastic ones.

[Bass Cat Boats]

It seems it hold be prudent to remove your valve caps and place a light petroleum jelly on the stem at this point. We have removed a few dozen older caps lately and have yet to find one locked on the stem.

Still we don’t want to see consumers go through the frustration, should theirs lock, and petroleum jelly (Vaseline) would resolve a potential issue.

We will begin working to begin this practice in production.

BCB

[Crappie Bob]

I think most if not all tire valves are brass around the threads, and those caps look like aluminum. Brass to aluminum is a corrosive environment, not to mention adding water when backing in the lake.

[JINXBASS]

I think most if not all tire valves are brass around the threads, and those caps look like aluminum. Brass to aluminum is a corrosive environment, not to mention adding water when backing in the lake.

Absolutely!!! Looks like BCB is on it.