Center cap for steel wheels 2007

Hi Out There
I have a 2007 Tacoma 4 wheeler with the stock steel wheels. Anyone experience problem installing the newer replacement plastic center caps for the stock steel wheels. The older/original style had 6 clips and the newer replacement has only 4 clips and are straighter type clips and hard to install.
I'm wondering if the wheel lug nuts have to be loose when installing the center cap.
Thank you in advance.
Stevo

 

I lost one after having my tires rotated and balanced but was lucky enough to find it after retracing my route. I also just lost one when I replaced a stripped-wheel stud but wasn't so lucky finding that one. I asked the same question you just asked and a TW member showed a picture of how he used silicone caulking to keep the plastic center wheel hub attached, I haven't tried that yet but seems like it should work, kind of disappointed with the poor design of how the plastic hubs attach to the steel wheels.

 

Huh? The lug nuts have to be off to install them. You put the wheel on, then the center cap and then the lug nuts. Then tighten it all down to 82 lb.ft.

 

Do you think it would hurt anything if the center plastic hub wasn't installed on the steel wheels? I planned on replaced my pads rotors soon so haven't installed that plastic center hub, but wondered if it keeps moisture debris out of that center area of the hub?

 

No. I've been running without them for a while now.
I guess they could allow more water/ debris into contact with the wheel hubs but those are covered with caps.

 

OK, Thanks for the reply.

 

When I took mine off a bunch of dirty water was stuck in there. They don't have any kind of seal, so I'm certain it's just for looks. And imo, look better without.