Apex ski spindle caps

[02ViperMody44]

Just a quick question, is there a secret to removing the stock caps out of the ski spindle columns or do you just pry them out, ruining them in the process? There is no slot/space to put a small screw driver, and the only thing left that I can see is to mark them up in the removal process. It's a '12 Apex. Santa brought me the Aluminum Ski Spindle caps. Thanks in advance for any help.
Rick

 

[99669apex]

I just pried mine out with an eyeglasses screwdriver. I then just knocked down the marks with some sandpaper and painted them and reinstalled.

 

[actionjack]

I use the tip of the knife on my Leatherman to make sure I get between the cap and the metal. It's easier than you think and when you push down the other side tends to pop up enough to grab. I've done this a few times this fall with virtually no damage to the caps.

 

[sleddog66]

I use the tip of the knife on my Leatherman to make sure I get between the cap and the metal. It's easier than you think and when you push down the other side tends to pop up enough to grab. I've done this a few times this fall with virtually no damage to the caps.

I agree. they come out with a very small screwdriver with no damage at all. This is in a warm climate....not sure how it would be in the cold?

 

[Winderallday!]

If you want to make sure you don't damage them, esp your new bling caps, it's a little bit extra work, but you will need to drop the ski/spindle and tap them up from the bottom with a wood dowel or similar. As I recall they are only held in there with a "O" ring.
Cheers.

 

[02ViperMody44]

Thanks for the replies. I'll hopefully will be able to use the knife and be done, but from what I remember there was not much room as the cap is recessed into the column pretty tight.

 

[Blue Dave]

Thinking that they needed to be removed first when installing Ulmer's oilite bushing kit I finally ended up using the tip of an exacto knife blade after first marring one up slightly trying to use a small screwdriver.

Now I realize that I could have waited until I had the spindle shaft and arm removed then tapped the cover off from the other end with a dowel like Apexallday suggested above. This makes the most sense if you are already removing the spindle for another reason.