Busted Hubs

I have a 2022 Taco Sport. It’s still under lease and I take it to the dealer for any service needs. Several times, I have found that after a service, where they have had to remove the tires, the plastic clips get busted up and the hubs come loose and rattle going down the road. It is THE WORST DESIGNED PLASTIC $75 PIECE OF S__T!! Why toyota has not created something tougher (made of metal) is beyond me!! So who else has been experiencing this…. Or am I taking my truck to a lame service department?? Is there something tougher out on the market, to replace these plastic pieces of garbage..?!! Thanks.

 

Welcome to TW! If they’re breaking them aren’t they replacing them?

 

You mean the center caps? Hard to understand what part you are referring to. If they keep breaking them, then maybe you should remove them before a service. Just an idea.

 

The center caps have been stuck in the wheels on my 2017 TRD OR since I bought it new. I just zip the lug nuts off for tire rotations and don't worry about it.

 

Do your own rotations or pull them off and reinstall when the dealer is done.

 

Why are you still going to the dealer?

 

When I bring it to their attention, yes.

 

I’m not so sure I’d be able to remove them without breaking them. The little plastic tabs on them are ridiculously fragile. If the techs keep breaking them, what makes me think I won’t myself. Again, shitty design flaw for a rugged truck and I’m asking if anyone has had the same issue and/or knows of any better aftermarket alternatives.

 

i have no idea why theyre taking off the caps.. none of the tacomas have the cap interfere with the lugnut unlike 4runners...

 

I will ask that question this week, when I take it in for them to replace them (at their cost)

 

Certified techs, it’s a lease, but I’m going to buy it by end of lease this year and then I will take somewhere else.

 

If they are taking the time to remove them, then they are genuinely trying to do you a favor. I get they are making noise after being removed.

I'd bet 50% of people on this forum have aftermarket wheels. So we don't have that problem.

 

Welcome aboard!

I've never had a center cap break in all of my 40+ years of driving. Changing/rotating tires isn't rocket science. Sound like they are just in a rush and being careless.

I see two options:
1. Remove the center caps before going to that service center. It's not difficult, you just need a flathead screwdriver.
2. Find another tire service center.

 

Remove wheel tap the caps out from the inside.