XR4 Wheel trims coming off

Trog · 14-10-2008, 02:55 PM

Hi Folks,

Wondering if anyone else if experiencing this? I am refering to the "disk" that covers the wheel nuts, about 150mm in dia with Ford logo in the middle.

Had the car 3 weeks, done about 1000km. On Saturday while doing about 80 kmh I saw the front drivers side wheel trim bounce off across the carriagway... Spoke to the dealer on Monday who said they could not make a warrantly claim without the part!!! Spoke to Ford customer service who, credit where it is due, were very good and agreed to replace the trim (which costs $76) Anyway checked remaining trims this morning before driving to work, all present and correct, got to work to find front passenger side trim missing... Waiting to see what Ford will do about this...

I have tried taking the remaining trims off, I can do it with a fingernail... they do not seem to be on nearly tight enough, I would assume you would need a hook/screw driver to get them off...

So anyone else had this problem?

Realy spoiling my enjoyment of a fantastic car...

:

R0BD0G · 14-10-2008, 07:14 PM

there only held in by a tab so it's likely that they would simply just fall off. it couldve beem from when (Im assuming this, i really dont know) the wheels were taken off at the dealer and balanced. the trims may have had the tabs slightly broken or broken off completely

MISTA FIESTA · 14-10-2008, 07:25 PM

Hey Trog,

There is a few of us on fordfiestaxr4.com that have had the same issue linky http://fordfiestaxr4.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=768

robjh80 · 14-10-2008, 09:55 PM

Lots of people have had the problem and lost them.

Someone mentioned putting silicone silastic on the inside of them before attaching to the wheel, let it set overnight and they wont come off, but of course will come away when you need to change a wheel or something.

Seemed like a good idea to me.

Jess85 · 14-10-2008, 11:19 PM

1 of mine has a lifted dent in it like someone has wedged something in the small gap (screwdriver or something) to lift the trim off..its never fallen off but it annoys the outta me. i noticed it the first time i washed it and im not game enough to touch it

Trog · 15-10-2008, 08:47 AM

Thanks Folks,

Ford are replacing both lost caps and I will get the dealer to fit them and review retention forces...

Looks like this is a common problem which Ford are working to fix but as some cars do and some cars don't they will find it hard to get to the route cause... Hmmm

In the mean time I will get into the habit of "eyeballing" the wheels before and after every trip so I can tell Customer service it did come off while driving and was not stolen (as this seems their main argument for not replacing them under warranty)... And keep claiming for new ones, Money talkes; the more claims the more they will do about it so keep phoning customer service...

BTW they cost us $76 dealer pays $45

red_xr4 · 19-10-2008, 09:35 PM

Yup, it's certainly a very common issue with XR4's. I agree with putting some silicone silastic on the inside to hold them in place more securely. In fact, I will be doing this after I get a balance and tyre rotation in a few weeks. Personally, I think it should be covered by warranty. After all, if you're driving and all of a sudden a mirror falls off, they replace it?