Need help w/ center caps.

[HonkeyBall]

Ok, I feel dumb.

I purchased center caps on ebay and was told that they would
fit, and I believe they will fit but I have a problem.

The caps are supposed to clip into the center hole of the wheels
but there's not enough room for the clips to slide in. There's a
piece that's in the way where a dust cap would go (sorry I don't
know what it's called, I'm mechanically illiterate) .

Can this piece be removed? If it can, is it easy?

below is a picture to show what I'm talking about in case I'm
not describing things well enough.

Thanks,
Mike

[thecarguy]

Are you talking about the rusted ring ? that aint coming out. Its part of the spindle.

[HonkeyBall]

Yup, the rusted ring.

I gave the part number to the parts guy at my local dealership
(42603 - 0c010) and he said they would fit my wheels.

There doesn't seem to be enough space around the spindle
to accept the clips.

Damn, and I thought this was gonna be easy.

[RobXS]

Greetings fellow Koons patron,

Are they aftermarket caps? That could be the problem. Can you bend the tabs back slightly?

[HonkeyBall]

They're supposed to be an actual Toyota part, and
I believe that they are.

I don't think bending the clips will help. They look like they're
positioned correctly, there's just not enough space between the
wheel and the spindle for them to squeeze into.

P.S. Tyson's Koons is the best service I've gotten so far.
When checking out dealerships I usually go in through the
showroom first just to look around. I avoid the places where
the sales people pounce on you and the service people ignore you.
It's like "now that we have your money you don't matter anymore".
3 other places I've been to have been like that.
Up front on the sales floor you're the man of the hour, in the
back at the service counter you're invisible.

I don't get that feeling at Tyson's Koons Toyota, and I drive 45
minutes to an hour out of my way because of that.

Geez, I shoulda' just started a new topic.

[lelandstanford]

If this cap is identical to the one on SR5 styled steel wheels. The correct way to install the cap is to have all 6 clips grab on 6 lugs. 2 "fingers" of each clip should be on the inner facing side (towards center of hub) of lugs. Don't smash the cap in but a gentle push or clips will bend.

[HonkeyBall]

Ya know, that seems like it'll work.

I guess I was looking at the clips the wrong way.
I'll give it a try in the light of day.

I can't wait to finally get rid of my fugly wheel covers.

Thank you!!
And a big thank you to everbody else that took the time to
respond!

Mike

[HonkeyBall]

Ok, I got 'em on.

RobXS , you were right about bending the clips.
I had to bend them out a bit so that they would catch on
the lug nuts.

I was under the ASSumption that the clips somehow fit
in the wheel.

Thanks again!
Mike

[RobXS]

I was amazed by Koons service as well. I used to work with two of the mechanics. I can't believe how much they love their jobs. They treat their employees very well and that translates into quality service.