Alloy wheel centre caps

Z

Z4 Beemer

Senior member
 Glasgow
A couple of my centre caps are a bit tarnished and the metal coating around the outside has worn back to the plastic - you can just about make it out in the photo:

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Founds a set on ebay for about £12, but just wondered if they are easy to replace, without taking the wheels off? :?

Also, one wheel in particular tends to have a lot of dirt (grease/oil...?) coming through from behind the centre cap when the car is driven on a long run. I'm wondering whether this is a sign of a wheel-bearing issue? I had a wheel bearing go on my E85 so know what that sounds like, but there's no strange noises at the moment.

Any thoughts...?
 
Its common for the chrome ring to go white on these as the water gets in from behind. Only thing is to replace them. Best way to remove them is with a sat nav windscreen sucker and they will pull straight out. Don't be tempted to lever them out as the alloy will mark very easily.

Tim.
 
Thanks TitanTim! I had read some other internet posts saying to use a suction cup. I think I have one that should fit perfectly. The standard size seems to be 68mm in diameter and thats what mine are. I'll get a set ordered. :thumbsup:
 
Z4 Beemer said:
Thanks TitanTim! I had read some other internet posts saying to use a suction cup. I think I have one that should fit perfectly. The standard size seems to be 68mm in diameter and thats what mine are. I'll get a set ordered. :thumbsup:
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No probs, I had to replace a set on the 1 Series, the car was only 12 months old and caps tarnished after the first winter :( I was trying to lever them out with a cocktail stick until someone said use a suction cup......I thought why didn't I think of that :headbang:

Tim.
 
I might get some too, mine have been damaged by tyre changes etc etc....
 
I wouldnt worry too much about the dirt grit behind it... I would have though the fluid would run down not on the wheel itself.

I used a suction cup on mine... Surprised how easy they come off!
 
I've got a suction cup made for BMW wheels (or any other with a similar fitting process). Has a ring moulded to the outside - stick it on and pull out the cente cap. Not in UK at the moment but when I return could dig out the place I got it from a get a batch if anyones interested. Can be much more than a £5 with p and p.
 
AlanJ said:
I've got a suction cup made for BMW wheels (or any other with a similar fitting process). Has a ring moulded to the outside - stick it on and pull out the cente cap. Not in UK at the moment but when I return could dig out the place I got it from a get a batch if anyones interested. Can be much more than a £5 with p and p.
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I'm interested in one of these - never pass up the opportunity to let SWMBO roll her eyes at my OCD :D
 
Thanks everyone. I had a quick go at removing the old ones tonight with the suction mount from my Garmin sat nav and 2 out of 3 came off quite easily. It was pretty dirty behind them! I've just ordered a new set from ebay so will update when they are fitted. :thumbsup:
 
These are the ones I've just ordered

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170824179757?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2565wt_689
 
Bing said:
I'm interested in one of these - never pass up the opportunity to let SWMBO roll her eyes at my OCD :D
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:rofl: My personal SWMBO has long since given up. I reckon I'm one Alpina bill away from a divorce!
 
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