"Antony Gelberg" wrote in message
...
Have just changed the rear brake discs and wheel bearings on my Mk2 Golf
GTi. I'm having problems installing the new hub caps. This wasn't
supposed to be the hard bit.

Haynes suggests using a drift for this, but surprisingly(!) I don't have
anything to fit that diameter. It looks like something that should be
possible with a bit of direct hammering on alternate sides, but no dice so
far. Before I ruin the new caps and / or miss my MOT appointment at 12
tomorrow, any advice?

(I am using the Bilstein caps that came with the wheel bearing replacement
kit.)

Antony....I take it that you mean the plain domed steel caps that you fill
(or partially fill) with grease? If so, I had the same problem with mine,
but found it easier if you use a file to slightly round over the outside
circumference of the cap, as in its original state it has sharply square
edges that tend to bind in the hub. Even after this I still put a couple of
dents in the new caps - they are certainly a tight fit!
One final thing - if you do use a file, give the cap a good clean out to get
rid of any filings - don't want them getting into your nice new bearings!