Moon disk hubcaps loud clicking sound

[Axsle]

So I finally gave in and bought a set of moon disk hubcaps. Putting them on was a little tough, the metal teeth fit the wheel real tight, but I figured at least they would be secure.

While driving with them I noticed they they were making clicking noises, even loud enough to hear them with the windows up at 25mph.

I read on another site that I can use 3m rough grip tape, the kind for ladders and walkways, and put it around the inside of the wheel where the hubcap teeth grip it. The tape cost a lot, over 2$ per foot. So I bought the knock off brand - 7$ for 15ft.

The tape seems to have stopped the clicking but it rips out when I take the hubcap off to check tire pressure. Do you think the more expensive stuff will hold on better? Or any other ideas?

[Cobb]

If they are loose you should be able to feel it by hand. A ticking or knocking with hub caps in my experience is a loose lug nut rattling around inside the hub cap.

[aerohead]

The steel wheels flex and deform as they roll,'taking' the MOONs with them.Cast or forged wheels wouldn't do that,but you might not want to drill into an alloy wheel,as it could initiate a stress fracture.
I gave up on the bang-on style MOONs.The screw-on type deform as well and will eventually hog out the attachment holes.
The only 'decent' attachment involves the MOON,3-dzus,weldment system,which provides a welding template and weldments which are electrically welded to the wheel.
It's way beyond what most folks would be willing to deal with.
I've gone to a 1970s GM stainless steel bang-on wheelcover which Oldsmobile and Buick used.They're slightly convex,have brake cooling vents,mount rock-solid to the wheel,and run silently.

[darcane]

Originally Posted by aerohead

The steel wheels flex and deform as they role,'taking' the MOONs with them.

+1

Mine do the same, I just ignore the clicking.

[Axsle]

If the clicking is caused by rotation, then wont they cut the valve stems?

[freebeard]

Don't you have to take them off to get to the valve stems?

[NeilBlanchard]

They flex the spring grips, and the noise only gets worse. Eventually, they'll fall off, I am sorry to say.

[Axsle]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Don't you have to take them off to get to the valve stems?

Yes but there is a gap in the teeth on the inside of the hubcap to make room for the valve stem. So if it rotates then the teeth will either bend it over or cut it.

I'm thinking of trying a layer of duct tape over the teeth next time I check the tires. I know it won't last long but I check the tire pressure every month or two anyway. At least that would be cheaper and easier than that rough grip stuff

[Axsle]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

They flex the spring grips, and the noise only gets worse. Eventually, they'll fall off, I am sorry to say.

Well that's annoying. I originally bought them so I wouldn't have to deal with broken zipties on my last wheel covers. This is more annoying.

I like the idea of the hubcaps aerohead uses but they sound hard to find

[freebeard]

The old school way was to drill a hole on the inside of the rims and put the valve stems facing inward. Then just roll your car over the grease pit and check the tires from there.

How about a belt-and suspenders approach? Spring clips and the iconic three sheet metal screws.