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So my dad took delivery of his 2017 cclb 4x4 f350 psd in early October. Ordered it with lariat package and 18 wheels. He has now lost 3 center/hubcaps from the rear wheels. 2 of them 2 weeks ago on a trip that he replaced with new from ford when he got home. Left this morning on another trip and sent me a message about noon that he had just noticed in mirror one is gone again. Anybody else having this problem? Sounds like a design problem to me. Between the two of us we have owned 2-99's, 2-04's, a 12, a 14, and i just bought a new 16 right before he got his 17. In all the miles we have put on them we have never lost one before this and now he has lost 3 in 2 wks? Just seems like something isn't right. Anybody else know of any troubles with this happening?
They aren't the easiest to get on, but when they are on they also aren't the easiest to get off. To the point that Ford released an SSM to dealers about this very issue, including proper instructions for install. On these you are supposed to seat them with a rubber mallet. Pushing them in by hand isn't enough.
SSM 46133 - 2017 F-250 - F-350 Single Rear Wheel Center Caps May Fall Off Due to Improper Installation
Some center caps on 2017 F-250 - 350 Single rear wheel vehicles may not be correctly installed and could fall off. Proper Installation Procedure: 1. Align ornament to the lug nuts. 2. Hold ornament so that all of the retention clips are sitting on the flange of the lug nuts. 3. Using a rubber mallet tap the ornament in a star pattern without damaging the ornament. There should be an even gap, all around, between the ornament and the wheel. 4. Be sure that all retention clips are fully seated and fully engaged over all lug nuts. The recessed portion of the ornament should sit flush with all the lug nut flanges.
They have kind of a two stage on. You can press them on and they feel like they are seated but you need to tap them home and they'll stay forever. I just use the side of my shoe and give them a whack.
I used a 2x6 block of wood and a rubber mallet. Place the wood flat on the cap then wack with the mallet. You will know when its seated because the lug nuts will stick out and the caps will not be loose when wiggled.. I also lost one and the dealership replaced it. The caps are installed by the dealership after it arrives from KTP.
They aren't the easiest to get on, but when they are on they also aren't the easiest to get off. To the point that Ford released an SSM to dealers about this very issue, including proper instructions for install. On these you are supposed to seat them with a rubber mallet. Pushing them in by hand isn't enough.
Does it address having to remove the center cap before you can remove the lug nuts?
Lost 3 of mine on first long drive. To install the new one the dealers gave me, I found sitting next to the wheel and using the bottom of my sneaker to give it an extra stomp was able to seat it without scratching it. They've stayed in since!