tahoe470

replacement center caps for my 2003 LX470 don't seem to fit. With the wire insert inside the plastic tabs, the cap does not want to go on. I tried bumping them on with the palm of my hand, and about broke my bones only to see the cap not seat fully. Tried using a rubber mallet, and that method broke one of the plastic tabs. I've taken the wire inserts out, which makes them go on easily, but the cap won't stay on. At $30-$50 a pop, it's starting to get expensive. Any one know the best way to install the cap without damaging it?

blacklx14

send some photos

kwatt1

Not to ask the obvious but are you sure you have them aligned properly before putting them on. I just pop them on with the side of my hand or the heel of my hand. I would not use a mallet or any sort because of breakage concern

tahoe470

thanks kwatt1, yes, I do. I've tried to seat one side of the cap into the rim and pop the high side with the heel of my hand, and that doesn't seem to work. I also have tried to align the cap directly over the rim so that none of the tabs are engaged, and that fails as well. at first I thought it was aftermarket caps that were off size a bit, but I also got 4 factory caps that I have the same issue with.

kwatt1

I have found that you can;t get them on either way you have tried.

You have to kind of catch one side and hold it in place then pop the opposite side with your hand. You have to have it aligned correctly first. Now I cna do it every time, though sometines 1 side will seat lower than the other so I take it off and re-seat it

tahoe470

"I've tried to seat one side of the cap into the rim and pop the high side with the heel of my hand"

this is pretty much the way you describe. i'll give it another go. thanks for your help

kwatt1

don't seat it on one side. Hold it away from the rim a bit. For some reason when its seated the angle seems to prevent the opposite side from catching