Front wheel dust caps - how far to hammer in?

[PurpleGoat]

How far does the dust cap get hammered in on the front wheel drums?

Pounded down all the way with big hammer until the shoulder bulge hits the drum?

Tapped in with medium force with plastic hammer?

I tapped mine in with plastic hammer using medium force. The dust caps are original to the car, as are the drums - so I know they fit... but I don't know how far they are supposed to go in... What is the definition of "fit"?

Is any amount OK as long as they don't pull off easily?

Mine still have a decent bit of the shoulder part showing. But I'm worried if I hit them harder they will get bent inward, or worse - permanently stuck in there.

Pics are appreciated if you have any!

Thanks,
Brian

[Starbucket]

Drive them until you can't pull them out with your hand then give them one more tap.

[PurpleGoat]

I love the answer. I think I'm good. It is not going to come off by hand for sure.

Any recommendations for how to remove them? Screwdriver+hammer? Pry bar? I know they don't show as they are under my hubcaps, but I prefer to avoid doing damage for no reason.

Thank you,

Brian

[Slip356]

I use a large flat blade screwdriver under the lip between the drum & lip & twist around the cap till it comes loose.
Probably putting them on too tight in the first place

[alanhall]

To remove the cover, use a round rod or round large screwdriver shank (around 3/8 to 1/2 inch diameter) and lay it along the joint and using a hammer tap it inward to drive the cover, off moving it around the cover as it starts to loosen. Hard to describe in words but I think you will get the idea when you try it.

[Lind]

[janerick3]

The extension bar method only works for later model, flanged dust caps that are pressed over the brake drum/rotor casting, not for 356s and earlier VWs with the split-style cap that is pressed into the opening.
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Thanks,
Jan K.

[Starbucket]

I just tap with an outward draw, alternating sides, with a Ball Peen hammer until I can pull it off.