Center Caps Necessary?

[R_Lefebvre]

Seems like these center caps on my alloys don't like to stay on very well. I've already lost one, and then another just fell off in my driveway today?:banghead:

Are they really needed, or can you just run without them? On some cars, they are important to keep water/dirt out of the wheel bearings, but I don't think that's an issue here?

 

[ArmyRover]

nope they are purely cosmetic

 

[lwg]

Do yourself a favor and don't replace them as they fall off. Cost you more than it's worth...

 

[antichrist]

On some cars, they are important to keep water/dirt out of the wheel bearings

:ack: Some cars use a 20 cent piece of plastic on the wheel to keep water and dirt out of the hub bearings?
And here I thought land rovers had some stupid designs....

 

[R_Lefebvre]

:ack: Some cars use a 20 cent piece of plastic on the wheel to keep water and dirt out of the hub bearings?
And here I thought land rovers had some stupid designs....

Well, ok... on most FWD cars the bearings are sealed, obviously. But the face of the seal is right there, and if you drive around without center caps on, you can collect water/crap in there and the seals aren't really designed for that. You can shorten the life of the bearing.

 

[Slappy]

Well, ok... on most FWD cars the bearings are sealed, obviously. But the face of the seal is right there, and if you drive around without center caps on, you can collect water/crap in there and the seals aren't really designed for that. You can shorten the life of the bearing.

That sounds a little paranoid.

 

[MUSKYMAN]

they do serve a purpose...over the years there have been a number of people on here with rims siezed to the hub because they ran around without the caps for extended periods of time.

that being said my wifes winter rims dont have caps and because I hit the hub with a wire wheel every swap back and forth I have never had a issue with stuck rims.

but it can and does happen.

 

[BaldEagle]

That sounds a little paranoid.

especially since theres nothing stopping water from coming in from the other side of the wheel

 

[scottjal]

RTV or use some 2 part epoxy to keep them on. I think they look better than a hole.

 

[msggunny]

I think they look better than a hole.

I dont know about you but I have liked every hole i have seen...

 

[Lake_Bueller]

I just run a bead if silicone sealer around them. It seems to keep them firmly attached.

 

[ptschram]

:ack: Some cars use a 20 cent piece of plastic on the wheel to keep water and dirt out of the hub bearings?
And here I thought land rovers had some stupid designs....

You've never read Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance?

 

[Slappy]

I dont know about you but I have liked every hole i have seen...

This thread is taking a turn for the worse! LOL!opcorn: