Wheel Tool

MiniSuperCooper · #1 10-07-2006, 09:51 AM

I was going to wax my wheels this weekend, but I can't find the tool to remove the hub caps with...(are they called hub caps? not sure what else to call them) I checked the bag in the boot. Am I missing something? Or am I suppose to use something else?

rhawth99 · #2 10-07-2006, 10:49 AM

If you have an MCS, the tool is in a rectangular styrofoam like container in the boot next to the battery. The battery is under the carpeting in the boot.

TooTall · #3 10-07-2006, 12:15 PM

Yeah, I had to spend some time looking for it too, I think the MA's should show you how to change a tire when you pick the car up.

Mine was a black U-shaped piece of round steel rod.

MiniSuperCooper · #4 10-08-2006, 03:11 PM

Found it! Thank you...it's very well hidden. That styrofoam thing looks like it's there for packing purposes, but surprise, surprise, it holds stuff.

BlueBonnet · #5 10-08-2006, 04:11 PM

Sounds like this belongs in the "things you didn't know about your mini" thread. Last time I took the hubcaps off I was too lazy to dig in around the battery and found they came off easily with a pointy tool that was just lying around in my tool box.

ImagoX · #6 10-08-2006, 11:06 PM

My lug wrench has a plastic tip like a big, flat blade screwdriver... It worked to get the caps off my X-lites. Is there something else in with the battery? I don't remmeber seeing anything in there, but maybe the cabrio's different....

Crashton · #7 10-09-2006, 01:26 PM

Your Vert should have the same tool in the same place. It's a little bent piece of metal that hooks into the hole on the V spoke cover. WAIT a minute, your car came with S Lites didn't it? It's possible you don't have that tool.

agranger · #8 10-09-2006, 01:33 PM

I got the tool w/ my web-spokes where the lug-bolts are exposes all the time.

That styrofoam container looks like it is in there to wedge the battery into place. That's also where they hide the tow-hook.

ImagoX · #9 10-09-2006, 01:58 PM

Yeah, my OEM rims were S-lites, with no covers. I bought the the other rims from eBay for my All-Season tires. Now that I know what to look for I'll check. Thanks!

MiniSuperCooper · #10 10-09-2006, 06:43 PM

Here's a pic of the tool.

http://c3club.org/builder/img/brakepads/DSCN2785.jpg

I found it on this thread which talks about how to change your brakes. Good stuff.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ght=ebc+brakes

jwardell · #11 10-10-2006, 10:59 AM

Sounds like the tool and location has changed over time.

In my 04, it is basically a metal wire bent 90-degrees for the last quarter inch, and the other end is looped around like a keychain for your finger (as pictured above).

It stores in the outermost part of the black and red mini toolkit pouch, which is mounted inside the leftside boot compartment with a velcro strap.

No styrofoam in my battery compartment.

Of course, you can use anything to hook in there and yank the covers off.