Just lost the wheel center and grease cap ??

[GuysMonteSS]

I just noticed that the center of my front wheel fell off and along with it the grease cap.
Can I still drive the Monte this way ??
I was thinking that I could take a complete center off of a rear wheel and stuff a rag in the end of the hub in place of the cap.
Looking for your comments and thanks for the help as always !!
Guty

 

[pontiacgp]

you can drive without the dusk cap, I think they sell them at help section in the parts store. The dust caps would fall off our G body circle track car when the rotors got real hot so we would use aluminum tape to hold them on. You may want to check to make sure the bearings are well packed with grease so they are not causing the rotor to unnecessarily run hot

 

[69hurstolds]

There's a reason it's there, however. So even though it won't prevent you from driving the car if you have to, it exposes the bearings to dirt, dust, crap and whatever which embeds in the grease, finds its way to the bearings, and ends up shortening their life. Even stuffing a rag in there and covering it up with the center cap won't keep it from messing up. Recall the spindle nut/cotter pin doesn't turn so if the rag gets caught and wrapped up in there it could be a mess.

I'd get a replacement ASAP.
GM p/n 15070471 but you can also find them via Dorman for just a few bucks. Dorman #13977

 

[GuysMonteSS]

Thanks for the suggestions,I just called my local NAPA and they have one in stock waiting for me to pick it up.
Guy

 

[GuysMonteSS]

I picked up the new grease cap and put it on.
I also found a new unused hex nut for my center,its on its way thanks to ebay.
Guy

 

[airboatgreg]

Good time to pack wheel bearings and check brakes

 

[GuysMonteSS]

Good time to pack wheel bearings and check brakes

Thanks Greg,I just did all that a couple of weeks ago.
That grease cap wasn't off for very long,a couple of miles tops.
Guy

 

[GuysMonteSS]

Not sure if I mentioned this before or not,but I love my local NAPA.
They all know me by my first name,even the new manager.
He was the one that answered the phone when I called about a grease cap,and when I went in it was all ready for me to pick up,including the paperwork.
Gotta love that !!!
Guy

 

[GuysMonteSS]

Forgot to add,I also get my buddy Mark's garage discount on everything I buy there.
Guy

 

[melloelky]

having Paige working there helps too.