FYI, This is a copy paste from my Durango Owners Club forum post on this subject. This is informational and for all members.


CENTER CAPS. I recently went to Costco for the 114K rotation and noticed the center cap was missing, YES! the center cap that in 2007 costs $25 for one.

I was asking about the possibility of putting a small amount of RTV to basically seal them in place. I was advised against this because they are removed for spin balancing.

Heres my suspicion, and although not confirmed, it maybe something to watch for and pay attention at your next tire rotation.

It is possible that during the last rotation that they removed the center caps for balancing and left it off. I might have missed it so I can't really make too much of a big deal but going forward I urge everyone to check that the center caps are installed after rotation/balance. I use COSTCO as the example because that is the only place I have even mentioned tires since 2003. It could just as easy be Wal-Mart, Goodyear, Firestone, Sears etc....

This is a two part thread, one is the advisory about checking to make sure they get re-installed after tire rotation/balance.

The second part is a question.

Is the RTV sealant concept sound good? I know the teeth on the little locking ring wear out over time but do you think a small amount of sealant will make it stay on but easy to break the seal for the spin/balance and reinstall?

Steve

 

RTV would be probably one of the better sealants to use.. it wont glue its self in so it can still be easily removed.. just dont use a bright color and dont be too sloppy.. If you take your center caps to a service center dont expect them to put RTV back on there..

 

Yepp as Sum mentioned... dont be quick to judge the installers though unless you know for a fact. A*holes are readily running around stealing the caps, once at a supermarket and after i swapped rims when i was at a swap meet trying to sell them.. I say screw the rtv and just use some nurotoxin.

 

Let me clarify, I wasnt making accusations of the installers stealing. I was referring to their forgetfulness when they get in a hurry. It happens and I understand that, I think we are good now. The next time I get my rotation or get new tires I will remove the center caps and replace them after I get the vehicle back. Thanks for all the help guys!!

 

You can heat the tabs with a lighter and bend a few tabs outward (just a lil) to make it REALLY snap in.

 

I lost my Gen 1 center cap and replaced the whole set with the Gen 2s. Here's a pic with the part number.

The guy at the counter said a single on cost around $25 and a set of four cost $45. Guess which one I went for? ANyway, the new caps have longer and beefier teeth to get a good grip on the wheels. I used a touch of clear silicone to help them stay in place. They look awesome! Oh yeah, they also have a spring ring inside the tabs like the hubcaps.

 

Agree on the set of 4 replacement caps. I think the original center caps have an expiration date, and the ones on my '03 decided to start falling off this winter. The replacement ones are a much better design - looks like they took a page out of Audi's center cap design book. Don't bother paying good money for some just like the ones that are falling out.

 

+1 Blue Dee

No need for glue on the new ones. And I like the hint of chrome they add verses the old stockers.

IndyDurango

 

+2 on Blue Dee

 

Glad they improved the design. Thanks for the part# Dans.

I thought the 2nd gen chromers would look mis-matched but sounds like that's not the case. Would sure appreciate if someone would post a couple pics of them on 1st gen rims.