Steel wheel centers falling off!

[FirstNewTruck]

I have 16" steel wheels on my 2021 XL Ranger, and in a couple months I have lost two of the cheapie looking black plastic centers. I bought two on ebay for about $50 (Ford wants almost $50 for one with tax) but they just go on (and fall off) too easy. Does anybody have a way to keep them from just disappearing with normal street driving. Or is there an aftermarket center? I can't find one so far, but these guys are ugly so almost anything would be better looking!

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[P. A. Schilke]

I have 16" steel wheels on my 2021 XL Ranger, and in a couple months I have lost two of the cheapie looking black plastic centers. I bought two on ebay for about $50 (Ford wants almost $50 for one with tax) but they just go on (and fall off) too easy. Does anybody have a way to keep them from just disappearing with normal street driving. Or is there an aftermarket center? I can't find one so far, but these guys are ugly so almost anything would be better looking!

Hi Wade,

Very Puzzling....Part of the testing on wheels and wheel covers is curb impact which jars the hell out of wheel covers. Strange you just street driving and having problems.... Something is not right here... Sounds like back to the dealer for a look see at the Wheel Covers...

Best,
Phil

 

[SteelWheelDeplorable]

In California i've had a few of mine stolen sadly, On ebay they go for $50 so I kinda see why (Low hanging fruit) Maybe they are used on other Ford Models.

 

[FirstNewTruck]

The dealer is clueless and expensive. That's not really a viable fix.

 

[FirstNewTruck]

It's possible mine were stolen I guess. I didn't really think of that they're not something you would think anyone would steal. But they come off very easy and are on ebay from 25 to 40 bucks each so I maybe that is what is happening.

 

[Samsquanch]

It's possible mine were stolen I guess. I didn't really think of that they're not something you would think anyone would steal. But they come off very easy and are on ebay from 25 to 40 bucks each so I maybe that is what is happening.

Maybe you bought your own back.

 

[Gsxrdoug]

Gorilla Glue? Ok I'll see my way out.

 

[Augie81]

It's possible mine were stolen I guess. I didn't really think of that they're not something you would think anyone would steal. But they come off very easy and are on ebay from 25 to 40 bucks each so I maybe that is what is happening.

If it can be stolen easily and sold sadly people will indeed steal it. Crack heads, meth heads, and other unspecified junkies often get by stealing everything they can to feed their habits. "Yeah this guy brought in his his 4th sawed off catalytic converter in 3 days, nothing suspicious about that."

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Folks,

A few of the pictures of some of our Durablity testing. Wheel covers and center sections must be intact over these courses...not just once but 1000 cycles minimum...

Steel Rimmed 4" deep...one cycle is down and then back over the course in the opposite direction.

Smooth Road testing...

best,
Phil

 

[Caladan]

Gorilla Glue? Ok I'll see my way out.

I was going to say "nail them on?".

I guess I'll join you.....

 

[TomC]

keep an eye on craigslist. this guy is selling a set of 4 steel rims w/ TPMS and wheel covers.

 

[THLONE]

They are held on by little tin teeth. What I did was rough up the surface where the little teeth bite into. I lost one on the first test drive on a rough road, complained to salesman do I have bumper to bumper and hub cap to hub cap warranty? He walked out on the lot and pulled one off of a ranger and gave it to me. No screwdriver needed, they pop off with two fingers. I havent lost one since.

 

[Jason B]

Hi Folks,

A few of the pictures of some of our Durablity testing. Wheel covers and center sections must be intact over these courses...not just once but 1000 cycles minimum...

Steel Rimmed 4" deep...one cycle is down and then back over the course in the opposite direction.

Smooth Road testing...

best,
Phil

I wouldn't want to be the guy that had to do those tests.
Wait, what am I saying, that looks like Louisiana roads!

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

I would think parts randomly falling off a brand new truck should be addressed as a warranty claim. If the wheel fell off because of poor fitment/installation it would be. Being a trim piece should be covered under bumper-to-bumper coverage..... or at least that's how I'd be presenting it to the dealer and or Ford customer care.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I wouldn't want to be the guy that had to do those tests.
Wait, what am I saying, that looks like Louisiana roads!

Hi Jason,

Many folks think being a test track driver is a Glamor job...it is far from being glamorous as you aptly noted...

Best,
Phil

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