09 Vibe Center Cap Loose

04BlkVibe · Post by **04BlkVibe** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 7:54 am

Found one center cap from my wife's 09 Vibe on the garage floor. not sure if anyone else is having the same problem. I was able to put it back on, but even then, still appears to be loose to the touch. I have the 17" Alloy wheel.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:57 pm

Yeah I would keep an eye on all of them, could be an issue. Possibly the supplier did not make them a few MM larger then they should have to hold better. I remember in the late 80's early 90's and center caps were being widely used, MANY fell off of cars. Now that does not seem to happen much. If it persists and GM does not update the parts, I would silicone them into the holes.

Kamikaze · Post by **Kamikaze** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:27 pm

I was able to flex the "fins" or whatever you want to call those little tabs out a little... seemed to help make a little tighter fit...I would also suggest the silicone idea if they still seem loose.

yak · Post by **yak** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:27 am

Within 3 weeks of getting my 09 GT, all 4 center caps were gone. Pretty weak, IMO.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:54 pm

Quote, originally posted by yak Â»Within 3 weeks of getting my 09 GT, all 4 center caps were gone. Pretty weak, IMO.Obviously an issue here...

NibCrom · Post by **NibCrom** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:07 am

That sucks. This is something GM/Toyota should fix.

farles · Post by **farles** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:29 am

Just noticing this thread now, but this happened to me too. Luckily it dropped off at a friends place and she found it for me.I just did what Kamikaze did, flex the fins out. Tighter fit

trask · Post by **trask** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:37 am

I just lost 3 center caps on my 09GT. I took the fourth one off before it is gone. I will get another set,but not install them until they fix the problem or Pontiac replaces them for free. .

Guss2008 · Post by **Guss2008** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 12:02 pm

Hey guys,Me too, I have same problem with 2009 Vibe .... and six of my friends ......

VforVIBE · Post by **VforVIBE** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 11:40 pm

What size wheels does eveyone have? 17"?

Guss2008 · Post by **Guss2008** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:39 am

All identical to 2009 Vibe 2.4l, 17" 5-spoke Sport polished aluminum

omahavibe · Post by **omahavibe** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 12:47 am

I've lost all four on the highway, had four replaced by the dealership and my husband just found one of those in the driveway. Clearly, the plastic "vent" things are real susceptible to road vibration and don't want to stay on. The fix above is something to try, but I think Pontiac is going to need to come up with a better cap, or be prepared to replace hundreds of thousands......

nygiantzz1 · Post by **nygiantzz1** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:17 am

I lost one last night (driver side front) and found it this morning, lying in the street in front of my house. I spread all the tabs on all 4 and popped them back in. The other 3 were so loose, I could spin them with my finger. This weekend I am going to run a bead of adhesive caulk around the inside lip of the wheel and glue them all in.

imspace2 · Post by **imspace2** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 3:36 am

Lost all four of mine this is definitely an issue, my caps all fell off at different times and I reported them to pontiac each separate time so hopefully they will get something going. Just an FYI guys the caps cost $22 plus tax ;(

ParknVibe · Post by **ParknVibe** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:56 am

The following is a copy from Wheel and Tires (and now my caps are lost discussion)When I lost the one cap, I took remaining three off the car. Today, I try to see how it will fit back in the hole. (just never though of do this, it seemed to be a good fit when removing them) Anyway, I gently placed one partially into the hole only to note that the plastic clip diameter is less or equal to the wheel's center hole inside diameter.I then got my Caliper tool. and did a accurate measurement of the circles. The plastic cap at the "clip teeth" (widest ring) = 1.835 inches. The inside ring of the wheel measures 1.83 inches. What this shows is that NOTHING holds the cap in... not even the wedge teeth. The wedge teeth don't even get pressed in to snap in. I can't believe what I am seeing!!!!Clearly they were not meant for each other. The only thing holding that cap in is the metal cover (bearly). It was hard to catch it on the edge with a flat screwdriver. I did nick and mark one of them. They will all fall out in short order....silicone them in ASAP or tell the dealer service shop manager. My Vibe was made in late May. maybe on the 22nd. Maybe they changed the cap part by now...who knows.

ParknVibe · Post by **ParknVibe** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:11 am

I will keep my caps off until I show them to the dealer's parts dept. If I glue them on now, it will be hard to remove them if and when an improved one becomes available. However I wish they were on now.How about Velcro tape in the inside ring and the outside of the plastic ring. I have a lot of velcro tape. I think I'll try that now!! Even with just a strip of Velcro in the wheel hole ring will help lock in the teeth better. I will still be able to remove it when needed without cutting out the glue or silicone. Then again.... how long will the tape stick in a wheel that will always be exposed to the elements???

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:08 pm

Quote, originally posted by Ivibe Â» Maybe they changed the cap part by now...who knows.That was the latest info on this subject, so I am guess nothing yet...

ParknVibe · Post by **ParknVibe** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:46 pm

As an update about what I did. I have Velcro fastener tape. 3/4" wide. I used the soft felt part and I cut it to 3/8" wide. Made a length to fit the circumference of the Wheel inner circle. when place carefully around the ring, this will give smaller diameter as well as a cushion for the tabs slip thru. I did NOT add the Hooks of the Velcro to the plastic cap. Make sure the Velcro is even or flush or behind the inner edge of the hole so that the cover will fit tight into its seat. The cap snapped firmly into the hole.I just tried this on one cap for now.

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:51 am

Just lost my first one today. So are people really PAYING for new ones? This is obviously a design flaw and should not come out of the vehicle owner's pocket. I have seen people say they cost $19 or $22???? For a piece of plastic???? Wow. If my dealer doesn't replace this at no charge, I will be throwing a major fit!!!!By the way, spotted this post which says there is a TSB issued for this problem:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=34566

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 9:20 pm

Of course they did not have one in stock (would have been shocked if they did). They weren't aware of the service bulletin, the adviser said he would have the service manager look into it.... in the meantime, I took the other 3 off. The back wheels don't look all that bad with them off, but the front look a little crappy.

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:52 pm

hehe speaking of missing caps...i found a pic a while ago and just noticed the front ones are missingi wonder if the guy knows lol

kowell · Post by **kowell** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:14 am

Canadian Driver just did a review on the AWD 09 Vibe and they mention at one point that they were losing the caps as well on their test unit

ParknVibe · Post by **ParknVibe** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:40 am

I purchased and received a new wheel cap from a local dealer. As I stated in my last message, I installed a strip of Velcro around the inner ring of one of the wheels. This makes it a smaller diameter. The plastic cap's diameter measured equal or less the hole they snap into. With the Velcro, the cap snaps in tight. Now what I just learned is that the new cap (yet exactly the same part number, mold and size) has a tight fit when held into the ring as opposed to my original caps. What I think is happening, is that as the vertical taps stay in compression within the ring, the plastic gets weak to the point that it just can slip out with little external force. However, I believe there is still a gap around the outer edge of the ring and plastic. There is a slight tapered finish of the ring, but I believe the Velcro will support the cap better and add a second edge that will keep the cap from popping out. In conclusion, I just did this to all the caps and wheels. I will let you know if and when I lose another cap.

imspace2 · Post by **imspace2** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 12:51 pm

Yep call GM/Pontiac hotline and they tell you that caps are a "wear and tear" item even with the TSB I think the affected are still SOL

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:37 am

Quote, originally posted by imspace2 Â»Yep call GM/Pontiac hotline and they tell you that caps are a "wear and tear" item even with the TSB I think the affected are still SOLYea, it's normal "wear and tear" to have parts falling off your brand new car. Can't wait until the dealer gets one in for me, to see if they cover it under warranty or not. That would be the type of thing that would ensure I never buy another GM product.

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 8:49 am

High Density foam cut to small circles slightly larger than the opening, glued/epoxied to the inside of the center caps will keep those teeth pushed out, not retract, and the caps will stay in place.

ParknVibe · Post by **ParknVibe** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:00 am

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly Â»High Density foam cut to small circles slightly larger than the opening, glued/epoxied to the inside of the center caps will keep those teeth pushed out, not retract, and the caps will stay in place. Are you saying to use rubber foam or Styrofoam? I agree with your solution that the teeth need a even force from the inner circle of the plastic cap. My original caps that I removed do not have a tight fit anymore. they now have a smaller diameter then the wheel's hole. However, the new cap from the dealers parts is exactly the same part but is a tight fit such that it is hard to push it into the hole. This leads me to concluded that clip teeth are not snapping over the back edge of the wheel's ring. So what is happening is the all the vertical teeth are being compressed within the metal ring or deformed. With the heat and pressures within the wheel, the plastic diameter becomes smaller which leads them to slip out. I also now think that the teeth has not been made long (deep) enough to reach the back of the ring. I did not measure this to check. Anyway, I used Velcro tape solution, I described elsewhere.A good solution is to have a ring shape spring metal to be placed within the inner circle of the plastic cap to provide the force to keep the plastic tap against the wheel's ring. Plastic will fail over time. However, I do not think a spring can be added to the original cap as it is designed.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:18 am

(removed) that pic is too funny!

DarkVibe · Post by **DarkVibe** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:21 am

here's a map of the locations where members have said to lost a center wheel cap...

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:40 am

Quote, originally posted by DarkVibe Â»here's a map of the locations where members have said to lost a center wheel cap...That's too funny! WooHoo, looks like New York State is in the lead!P.S., mine came in to the dealer today. They told me they would need the car for a few hours to silicone them in.... I decided I would just pick it up and do it myself. Haven't done it just yet, later tonight.When I went to the parts counter, the guy asked if I was paying, or if they were covering under warranty. I forcefully told him I hoped they were covering under warranty, and he agreed!

Yanner · Post by **Yanner** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:45 am

Like a noted in another thread, the best solution is to put your name and phone number on them! Just like in grade school.

Easton091 · Post by **Easton091** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:12 am

I work at a dealer and there is a bulletin on this happening. GM will pay for new ones. Do not let a dealer make you pay for this. The caps are hard to get. They are on backorder already. Here is the bulletin with the number for reference: #08-03-10-011: Loose orMissing Wheel Cap Repair Procedure - (Aug 22, 2008)Subject:Loose or Missing Wheel Cap Repair ProcedureModels:2009 Pontiac Vibe, Vibe AWD, Vibe GTwith Aluminum Wheels (RPOs P24, N75 or NW2)Some center wheel caps for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe may have poor retention which could cause them to be loose or fall out.Reinstall the loose center cap with a bead of RTV (P/N 12378521 or equivalent [in Canada, P/N 88901148]) applied around the inside of the wheel bore and apply adhesion promoter (P/N 12378462 [in Canada, P/N 10953554]) and RTV (P/N 12378521 [in Canada, P/N 88901148]) around the inside of the cap teeth before inserting the cap.If replacing a missing center cap or installing a new center cap, apply a bead of RTV (P/N 12378521 or equivalent [in Canada, P/N 88901148]) around the inside of the wheel bore and apply adhesion promoter (P/N 12378462 [in Canada, P/N 10953554]) and RTV (P/N 12378521 [in Canada, P/N 88901148]) around the inside of the cap teeth before inserting the cap. If you find one loose center wheel cap, apply RTV on all four center caps.Important: DO NOT reinstall loose center caps or install new ones without RTV sealer.

ParknVibe · Post by **ParknVibe** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:53 am

Concerning the service bulletin about the caps. Anything about how to remove them without damage at the time for wheel or tire service? Will GM replace them (for free) if damaged by a third party repair shop...tire dealer.... three or four years from now?FYI, I proposed as well to reinstall my with a strip of self-stick Velcro tape. I will be able to remove them and if required, remove the tape. The thick tape give it an additional edge to grab on to.Thanks for the bulletin...it is what I am looking for.

Easton091 · Post by **Easton091** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:02 am

You have to take the wheel off the car and pop it out. They wont pay for it down the road. After a bulletin comes out, they make the changes for the newer cars being built. I have had one fall off. I told my boss I lost 2 more so I have a few for backup

ParknVibe · Post by **ParknVibe** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:56 pm

Quote, originally posted by Easton091 Â»You have to take the wheel off the car and pop it out. Yes, I agree about what to do to remove them. Then you have to clean everything to replace them...that is to remove all the hard RTV. Sorry for my comments, I train myself to think about everything one must do to do something.... I am a designer (but will not say what trade).

imspace2 · Post by **imspace2** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:05 am

Well I'm going in to the dealer tomorrow to get my caps replaced and glued in. The dealer that I went to here in Aurora, Co still would not budge until I showed them the TSB number but I should be good to go after tomorrow. Thanks for your help guys now the only gripes I have are the low bid tire pressure monitor I guess it works fine but why even out one on if it doesn't even report PSI/BAR to you? And the OnStar call quality and engine interference oh how I wish the Vibe was a real GM car with DIC.

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:49 am

A real GM car with what?

imspace2 · Post by **imspace2** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:22 pm

The Driver information Center" tells you what miles per gallon you are getting, maybe your tire pressure, oil estimation, range, average speed door/trunk status and so on...

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 3:13 am

Got it. Thanks! But, at least GM co. offered a fix for the pesky center caps problem on this quasi real GM car. They could have ingnored it.

CdnVibe · Post by **CdnVibe** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:55 am

I have lost 3 caps so far. I friend of mine has lost all 4. I spoke with GM Canada today and they have initially told me that they are not recalled and are not covered under warranty. They are speaking with the dealer and will get back to me. Our GM sales person replaced the first one at her expense ($40). At that point we didn't know this was a known issue.Having been a long time Toyota owner I find it very ironic that the piece that is falling off is adorned with the Pontiac logo.Maybe I should check the hood emblem as well Other than this issue I have been very happy with the car.

bdozer65 · Post by **bdozer65** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:21 am

Just signed up & thought I'd chime in I just had my 09 in for it's first rotation at 6K, no center cap loss yet thank God. I just can't get over how much those tires are to replace.

Old Smokey · Post by **Old Smokey** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:36 am

If the center cap is loose or you are replacing them, put some clear RTV on the clips first and then re-install them. They won't come off again. I plan on doing that on my 18inch GT centers now that I see others are having the problam. I had the same problem on my Dodge Dakota and lost 2 of them. Go on E-Bay and see how much traffic is there for center caps. I think some people are making a lot of $$ selling center caps.

jester · Post by **jester** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 2:16 pm

I called the Pontiac dealer that I bought it from, my girlfriend bought one at the same time and hers and mine center caps all fell off. The dealer said it's a warranty item now and we took it back, they replaced all of them, siliconed them slightly and away we went. Grand Auto, Thornton, CO................Denver area

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:30 pm

i lost one center cap less than 2 weeks of owning this vehicle. i took the other three out just in case. i went to the dealer i bought it from yesterday and they said they heard nothing about people loosing center caps with these cars and i was the first one. well i told them i lost 2 and they said they'll order them for me this time but next time i'll have to pay. they siliconed the two i had and will be getting the other two today lol

kowell · Post by **kowell** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:01 pm

I'll be changing wheels in about 2-3 weeks so I'll be sure to pop them out of the alloys as to not lose them during the winter.... I'll add some pitch or adhesive to them before I reinstall the alloys in the spring.I had my missing ones replaced under warranty in June and I still have the spare I found in the street the next week.

GlenW · Post by **GlenW** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 6:34 am

I have an 09 GT and just noticed today that I have two of my caps missing. Last week I seen one on my garage floor and just popped it back in. I should have read all this before I lost the other two. I will be calling the dealer on Monday.

shemp · Post by **shemp** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 6:55 am

Lost one of mine the other day... One or two others are loose too... I'll probably lose them soon.

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 4:21 am

you can take them out and put some silicone on them...should help keep them on till GM comes out with a permanent fix for this.

VforVIBE · Post by **VforVIBE** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:41 am

During a recent cold snap, I lost my first one after 4 months of ownership.

lowincash · Post by **lowincash** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 4:59 am

good to see you around again i'm having a blast with my new GT =D