ex-honda

Hey guys/gals. I was wondering why alot of these rims (Enkei,GramLite,Advan etc) doesn't come or not even having a center cap/cover. Is this the new "thing" with these kind of light weight rims? In my opinion, it's not good having the center open like that because you can get alot of crap in the wheel bearings which is not good.

silverEVO8

iTrader: (12)

At least in some cases (my Rota Torque, for instance), the center caps just don't fit well or at all. I don't know if a lot of crap can get in the wheel bearings from the lack of center caps though.... I might be wrong, but I think those are sealed bearings and thusly they are protected from that type of thing...

ex-honda

Most likely they are sealed bearings but when you start getting crap in their and water, it will eventually get inside and damage something.

feldguy

iTrader: (4)

Its a bad trend. First hand experience has allowed me to see, aluminum and steel mixed with water do NOT maintain tolerances. Even with center caps, corrosion is murder to lugs, hubs and etc. Now, add your hub centric rings which are a 100% necessity (centers the wheel on the hub), and you have a corrosion problem out the wah-zoo.

ex-honda

I've heard that one reason some of those rims don't have center caps was that they were design to be light and for track use since after a race they tear the car down anyway. But since people like the design they buy them not realizing there might be some problems down the road. Also how can this be a bad trend. Do you know for a fact why some rims don't have a center cap/cover? Somebody here must have their reasoning.

ttiscio

iTrader: (1)

No center caps, no problems so far.

kevo

iTrader: (7)

cause they will melt off at the track.

Z1 Performance

iTrader: (185)

I've run wheels without caps on several of my own cars over thelast 5-6 years without incident from moisture, salt, sand, etc.

silverEVO8

iTrader: (12)

The center caps will not prevent water or moisture from entering the hub area. Those things arte basically for cosmetic purposes. They will keep out the bigger chunks of stuff but will not keep out very fine sand or dust. Those are the most likely to get past the bearing seals anyway. I don't think it makes much difference at all from a "safety" standpoint.
Oh yeah, the majority of cars come with steel wheels and wheel covers and those don do anything to seal the hub area. Also, trucks which see the harshest service, often used in construction areas and off road, run without any sort of center cap....

feldguy

iTrader: (4)

SilverEvo8, I strongly disagree. The amount of debri kept out on good aftermarket wheels with O-Ringed center caps preserve the hub/wheel portion. As for steel wheels, ever try getting one off thats been on for the duration of a cars 5 hard years? If so, we're in the same business and have seen it many times. If not, you'd realize, it's better to have SOMETHING than nothing. I can show you some horrible effects of neglect on wheels. Center caps are not the cure all, but they sure as hell dont hurt.

value

iTrader: (1)

Center caps are not used hardly at all in Japan now, not the style I guess.

evotoo

iTrader: (2)

most center caps looks ghey anyways

ex-honda

Actually having a good looking rim and having that stock center wheel bearing nut showing looks ghey.