Wheel removal

[thosoneill]

Folks - I had to remove both wheels in order to fit new tyres - I noticed that the four bolts also secured the plastic wheel trims - I found that the bolts were undone fairly easily as if they weren't sufficiently tightened - I don't have the torque values - when I get to refit the wheels if I over tighten the bolts do I risk damaging the wheel trims ?

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

It doesn't sound right to have to tighten wheel nuts down on plastic from a safety point of view as plastic yields. All previous hub caps/trims I've had on cars and vans over the years have NEVER been held under the nuts and have always used friction. Seems a strange method.

 

[thosoneill]

The abbey brochure for the period clearly states "colour coordinated bolt on wheel trims" as an exterior feature

 

[Gabsgrandad]

I'm with WC. - You don't say what van it is, but if you can't torque up the wheel nuts correctly, - which will then crunch your plastic trims. But even worse you could well 'lose' your wheels. amazes me that you haven't had that problem already. If you don't believe us why don't you check with a local caravan mechanic/workshop.

 

[thosoneill]

Folks - it's not a case of not believing - I was slightly alarmed at the fact I did not deem that the wheel bolts were sufficiently tightened upon removal of the wheels - the trims were fitted on production by the caravan manufacturer - abbey caravans - the model being an iona vogue - I understand that numerous car manufacturers fit bolt on wheel trims as a standard fit - anyway I'll tighten up the bolts more firmly when I get around to refitting the caravan wheels

 

[YorkieF]

I do remember having a set of wheel trims a long time ago that had moulded in plastic fingers surrounding the wheel nuts. They moved out as you tightened the nut and gripped the back of the nut once tight.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

I do remember having a set of wheel trims a long time ago that had moulded in plastic fingers surrounding the wheel nuts. They moved out as you tightened the nut and gripped the back of the nut once tight.

If they had plastic fingers it sounds like they were to be fitted AFTER the wheel nuts had been tightened and therefore grip on the side of the nuts.

 

[chrisn7]

When parts might be crushed in this way, there is often a metal ring bonded to the plastic through which the bolt passes to overcome this issue - any sign of such a ring?

 

[thosoneill]

Apparently I torque the bolts to 88 nm

 

[MichaelE]

Hyundai used to secure their wheel trims this was, although you have to remove the bolts to release the wheel trim the plastic wasn't underneath the shoulder of the wheel bolt so didn't crush them when tightened.