How to take wheel simulators off?

[salwolfe]

I am going to put a TPMS set of valve stem caps on my motorhome and toad, and it appears that I should take the simulators off and install valve stem stabilizers prior to putting the TPMS caps on. I tried once before to take a front simulator off and the tool provided by Forest River simply bent and would not budge the so-called removable lug nuts. Is there a secret to taking these simulators off on a Georgetown with 19.5" tires? I don't even know of a tire store around that could handle this and I would like to do it myself if possible to save time and $$.

[JoePK]

Hello, I think only two of the covers are removable then the cover will come off. The ones that remove have a little indent in the fake lug nut close to the rim. You were probably trying to loosen one of the non-removable ones when the tool bent. Hope this helps

[WayneT]

Originally Posted by JoePK

Hello, I think only two of the covers are removable then the cover will come off. The ones that remove have a little indent in the fake lug nut close to the rim. You were probably trying to loosen one of the non-removable ones when the tool bent. Hope this helps

On the 19.5 inch wheels three of the lug nuts have indents that indicate they hold on the wheel simulator. The provided tool isn't very useful. Get a long handled socket wrench like a breaker bar or a torque wrench and as I recall a 1 1/8 socket. For the back wheels you will need an extension (about 12 inch).

If you need one harbor freight frequently has their torque wrench Ed on sale for 11 or 12 bucks

[salwolfe]

Thanks. Will try a breaker bar. I'm pretty certain I had my tool on the dimpled "lug" nuts but will double check. Just assumed that FR or someone torqued them up extremely tight.

[cfo111]

If you have the tool only 2 come loose try going around one at a time till you fine the one which comes loose then opposite one across from that one I have them on my c class Fleetwood they had 2 also like my Georgetown with 22.5 rims. Some of the dimples are had to see so that may work.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by cfo111

If you have the tool only 2 come loose try going around one at a time till you fine the one which comes loose then opposite one across from that one I have them on my c class Fleetwood they had 2 also like my Georgetown with 22.5 rims. Some of the dimples are had to see so that may work.

Like WayneT said.....

As on my 19.5” simulator covers, THERE ARE 3 dimpled REAL nuts to remove
the cover. If they’re on that tight.....it was overkill.
The others are FAKE and do NOTHING to keep the chrome cover in place.

[salwolfe]

I do have 3 on my 19 1/2s and will go over later today to crank on the nuts. Hopefully...

[jbrosecity]

I bought this tool which is what my tire dealership uses... makes it relatively easy

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GWFOSBY/

[salwolfe]

Well, I used a breaker bar along with a 1 1/8” socket and got nuts on 3 wheels to break free. Piece of cake after that. My 160 lb. couldn’t budge this on one wheel tho, right rear where I have a FR provided braided extension that needs a firmer brace. Commercial tire store might be next. Thanks for the ideas.

[Mr. October]

In case you didn’t see this I just added stabilizers to my extensions.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ct-188499.html

If you get these it’s a tight fit. A bit of dish soap on the leading edge helps. Put the middles in first and then the ends.

[mogman]

Tap each nut. The ones that ring are fake, the 3 that "thunk" are the ones to unscrew.

[salwolfe]

Originally Posted by mogman

Tap each nut. The ones that ring are fake, the 3 that "thunk" are the ones to unscrew.

Originally Posted by Mr. October

In case you didn’t see this I just added stabilizers to my extensions.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ct-188499.html

If you get these it’s a tight fit. A bit of dish soap on the leading edge helps. Put the middles in first and then the ends.

I did see this, Mr., and one reason I wanted to get the simulators off is to measure the rim openings so I can purchase the right size stabilizers. Hopefully they will give enough strength to the stems so TPMS sensors will work on them. If not, solid stems will be in my plan, too. Thank you.

[salwolfe]

Originally Posted by mogman

Tap each nut. The ones that ring are fake, the 3 that "thunk" are the ones to unscrew.

Thanks, Man. I see the dimpled ones and just can't get them to budge. The ones on the other wheels had to be coaxed into moving but this one is a bear.

[WayneT]

salwolfe,

You might want to consider adding one of these to your tool collection.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...nch-61173.html

It is surprisingly powerful. I don't use mine alot, but I haven't yet tried it on a nut or bolt that it didn't break loose.

They always have 20% off coupons in their ads or off their website.

[WayneT]

Originally Posted by salwolfe

I did see this, Mr., and one reason I wanted to get the simulators off is to measure the rim openings so I can purchase the right size stabilizers. Hopefully they will give enough strength to the stems so TPMS sensors will work on them. If not, solid stems will be in my plan, too. Thank you.

If for some reason those stabilizers don't work out. I have been using these since I put on my TST flowthrough sensors about 10,000 miles ago. Have had no problems with them.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ire-89231.html

When I get new tires in a couple of years I will have them changed to solid stems.

[Mr. October]

Originally Posted by salwolfe

I did see this, Mr., and one reason I wanted to get the simulators off is to measure the rim openings so I can purchase the right size stabilizers. Hopefully they will give enough strength to the stems so TPMS sensors will work on them. If not, solid stems will be in my plan, too. Thank you.

The openings should be the same size as mine. I also have 19.5" wheels. The ones I linked in my thread should work. I searched around for a while and ShinyRV was the only place I found I could buy just the stabilizers. I thought they were a bit pricey for what they are but the plus is they basically shipped them overnight.

[salwolfe]

Originally Posted by WayneT

If for some reason those stabilizers don't work out. I have been using these since I put on my TST flowthrough sensors about 10,000 miles ago. Have had no problems with them.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ire-89231.html

When I get new tires in a couple of years I will have them changed to solid stems.

I really like the looks of those stabilizer brackets.

[salwolfe]

Just to finish the conversation, I got the remaining 3 nuts loose with an electric impact driver and am awaiting my stabilizers and brackets for the braided valve stem extensions. All nuts are now tightened to the point they can be removed without a gorilla attached to the wrench. Thanks for the help.