Replacing bow/winch rollers

[whiskeyRichard]

I am wanting to replace the rubber rollers at the winch on my trailer.

I cannot figure out how to remove the 'fastener' that is holding it on.

I have tried turning it with vice grips and I have tried using a slide hammer to pound it out....neither worked.

They have likely been on there for about 38 years.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I have attached a couple pics.

Thanks,
wR

 

[MTboatguy]

Those look like push on friction caps that are probably rusted to the shaft, get some PB blaster and spray the heck of them and try to get behind the lip and let that soak in, then take a propane torch and heat them up real good and peel them off. You will have to replace them with new ones.

 

[Alumarine]

Or use a cutting disk on a grinder and cut a slice in one side.
You might be able to get those at Home Depot or a fastener place.

 

[Horigan]

Why do you want to replace them? They look fine in the photos.