I have had a strange noise coming from the front end for a long time, and after taking the front brakes apart three times for inspection, I noticed that the hubcaps had shifted a bit, one had turned so far that the valvestem wasn't even showing. Then I realized that the noise could actually be coming from the hubcaps, and a test drive without them verified that this was the case (why didn't I try that before I tore the brakes apart first time... I get so tired of living and learning sometimes :mad: ).

These are original one-piece full-dish -69 Malibu hubcaps (i.e.: the "springs" that hold them to the wheel are not on spot welded rims like on some other types), and the wheels are also original. Everything is factory stock and in good shape, but they are still making a ticking noise, sometimes kinda scraping a bit too, and it's just driving me crazy!

Is there anyway to fix this, or should I use this as an excuse to get those Torq-Thrust wheels I have always wanted?

If you do get custom wheels make sure to hold onto the original caps!

try putting tape on the springs... it will help to take up the gap and provide a cushion.

Originally posted by Olle:

Is there anyway to fix this, or should I use this as an excuse to get those Torq-Thrust wheels I have always wanted? Get the wheels you've always wanted, I did.
Or that is my wife got them for me cause I'm too cheap. :D

Thad, I'm too cheap too (or maybe I should say "I've got other priorities right now"), but my wife may chip in if I whine enough about it... that's the way I usually get my projects financed ;) . Dog dishes would be pretty cool to, if I can find a good set.

The springs are plenty tight enough, it takes a lot of force to tap them back in place (I use my hands, as I'm too cheap to buy a rubber mallet too :D ). For now, I think I'll try the tape, or maybe a bead of silicone behind the hubcaps. And yes, whatever I decide to do, I will hold onto the caps, even if they'll end up as garage wall decoration.