Ok, here's a silly problem I'm having. I just mounted a set of Enkei RP-01s (used). All four wheels appear to have some type of plastic (teflon?) centering rings, which are pretty much glued to the wheel. The wheels mounted ok, but I am having a problem.

The right front wheel is squeaking -- VERY LOUDLY. I immediately pulled back into my driveway and removed the wheel to inspect the suspension. It's fine (just installed new spring seats today!). I carefully remount the wheel and start driving again -- VERY LOUD squeaking from the wheel. I am presuming it's from the plastic/teflon centering ring and hub contact.

Any suggestions? I am going to order a set of aluminum centering rings from discounttiredirect (thanks Artowar!) but I need to fix this in the meantime. I didn't want to put just any kind of lubrication on the ring without getting some input.

 

rynberg,

Not sure how that centering ring could be squeaking. Theoretically, the centering ring should NOT be making frictional rubbing contact with the wheel hub should it?

 

Manny, I can't think or see what else it could be. The suspension checks out and I've mounted the wheel correctly. I guess I'm going to experiment with a few types of lube and see what happens.

 

What size are the front wheels? I doubt that the centering ring is doing anything, it would be in motion in relation to the brake rotor or hub its mounted to. Sounds like something is lightly contacting the actual rim someplace.

 

Maybe it's the new spring seats-- are they rubber? My coilovers came with some urethane seats (on the top side). They would squeak against the spring (or maybe against the aluminum top plate). The next time I had them out, I put a little teflon grease there. That took care of it for me.

 

Nevermind, guys, I didn't do enough troubleshooting before I posted -- frustrated I guess.

The squeaking was caused by the shock rod not being centered where it passes through the top of the shock tower. The washers/spacers were rubbing on the top of the shock tower (thanks Rick and Dave!).

The plastic centering rings actually seem to be OK, but I'm still ordering the aluminum ones from discounttiredirect (thanks Artowar).

Thanks for the help, guys.

 

Post some pics of your new running gear!

-Max

 

Haha, yeah, I'll do that. I was actually waiting until I get an alignment and get a little seat time with the new wheels/tires to post a review. All I can say is that the RP-01s look very tasteful and certainly modernize the car a bit -- in a good way.