Rubber bumpers--push 'em or pull 'em?

[dibbons]

I am afraid I'm going to destroy my new rubber bumpers for the glove box, ash receiver, license plate, etc. I can't seem to push them on, and the tiny little tails break off when I try pull them on. I tried a little gel hand soap, still not workin'. They all have very subtle differences and it's difficult now to tell which ones go where.

 

[Brad4406]

I always push them. I find that a little grease works wonders and I twist them while pushing in.

 

[zkx14]

All of the above. I put some soap on. Pushed and twisted and pulled tail gently at same time. For glove box, I first tried some old ones and tails pulled off. Got another set and they were too small and did not stay put. Picked up some last year at Carlisle that finally worked.

 

[Yote]

Soap is fine or a silicone grease ( plumbers grease) on rubber. Petroleum base is nit good for rubber products.
Yote

 

[Gib Warnick]

I am afraid I'm going to destroy my new rubber bumpers for the glove box, ash receiver, license plate, etc. I can't seem to push them on, and the tiny little tails break off when I try pull them on. I tried a little gel hand soap, still not workin'. They all have very subtle differences and it's difficult now to tell which ones go where.

maybe try putting one in the freezer- should shrink as cools? plus- may be able to push easier- but then wont be as pliable to slide in. If nothing else is working for you- try it

 

[TrailBeast]

I use a drill bit by hand and round the edges of the hole a little and they go in a lot easier.
When pulling them, I work the rubber tip around in circles as I pull.

The drill bit trick works REALLY well for those holes in the oil pan where the end seals are.