Chrysler, Dodge Hubcaps Information

Chrysler and Dodge factory hubcaps have gone through many changes in the last few years. The days of the stainless steel hubcap are a thing of the past. Today's Chrysler hubcaps (like all other makes) are now all made of plastic and have employed a variety of more sophisticated retention systems. Some of these systems are good, some are bad, but each requires specific installation techniques and some require very special care while installing to ensure long term retention. For new Chrysler and Dodge hubcaps, there are three different attachment systems.

Basic snap on wire retention

Mostly this system was used on vehicles from the year 2000 and back. however the Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring still use this snap on clip system. On this type ( Fig. A) there are a series of plastic clips and a wire that runs between the clip around the back diameter of the hubcap.

Dodge hubcap back broken hubcap clips

Fig. A Fig B

These wheel covers are easy to install. Once the wheel covers is correctly aligned with the valve stem opening, one just simply taps the hubcap into place. There is a groove in the wheel rim in which the plastic clips seat, the wire keeps a constant pressure on the clips holding the wheel cover in place.

Loss of these hubcaps occurs when the plastic tabs are broken causing the wheel cover to become loose, so care must be taken when installing. Once these tabs are broken (Fig B), the hubcap will no longer remain secure and will need replacement. 95-00 Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town and Country hubcaps are notorious for this problem. A good replacement for these problematic covers are hubcaps that utilize metal clips.

We recommend using a rubber mallet or the back of a fist to "tap" them into place when installing. Do not use excessive force, the hubcaps should snap into place with moderate pressure.

hubcaps that bolt on behind lugs

Most of the 2000 and after Chrysler and Dodge hubcaps use this type of hubcap attachment system. In my opinion, this is by far the best system and unless the installation is completely botched, it is virtually impossible to lose these hubcaps. Simply, the wheel covers were held on by the lug nuts. Installation takes a bit more work, but the extra effort is worth the knowledge that you should never under normal circumstances loose them.

Most believe that you have to jack up the car and remove all of the lugs nuts in order to install this type of hubcap, but that is simply not true. As you can see( Fig C), two of the holes in this Voyager hubcap are large than the others. You only need to remove the lugs from the three smaller holes. The lugs in the two larger holes can remain on the car, as the holes are large enough that the hubcap will slide over them.

Chrysler hubcap center

Fig. C

Once the hubcap is in place and the lugs are reinstalled, the decorative little plastic caps will them thread down onto the lug nut, as these lug nuts have outside threads (illustration D below). The installation is now complete

hubcaps that screw on to the lug nuts

The third retention system uses plastic caps (fig. D) that attach to the hubcap and thread on to the lug nuts. Dodge Neon and a couple Sebring models used this system. The lug nuts on these vehicles (fig. E) have outside threads that accommodate the plastic caps

lug caps threaded lug

Fig. D plastic caps Fig. E threaded lug

Installation of these wheel covers is easy. Line up the wheel cover to the lug nuts being careful to ensure the valve stem is lined up with the slot that has been precut into the wheel covers. If you turn the hubcap over, there is usually a notch indicating where the valve stem should go (fig. E).

valve stem slot

Fig. F valve stem slot

Using a 3/4" socket or lugs wrench, thread the caps onto the lugs. Do not over tighten them or use any kind of air tool as this will strip out the threads, possibly causing a future loss. These lug caps only need to be snug tight.

There are numerous websites on the net that state "center cap not included" or do not show an emblem on the photo of the hubcaps. All of our factory original hubcaps and wheel covers come complete with the logo, center caps (if applicable) and any attachment caps that are needed. Any replica style will be clearly marked in the picture and on the order page. We don't like deception and would love for you to return to us for all your hubcap and wheel needs.

For more information such as determining your correct Chrysler hubcaps size and other question, please visit our FAQ and article page. For further discussion or questions, give us a call at 800-301-5814. As always, we are happy to help.