benznewcomer

I am getting 20 inch wheels and heard differing opinions on this, if the wheel sits flush and I can put some black wrap to create a better seal with the centre wheel cap then is it ok to take off the dustcap on the fronts of the e55?

If I do this then I won't even need a spacer (the h&r doesn't fit anyways). They say that black wrap can be put on behind the centre wheel cap to create a better barrier but can I put anything else to get an extra seal for peace of mind?

Any thoughts or opinions or any who have done this before I'd appreciate it as I get wheels tomorrow. The place putting it on seems to think it's ok and I trust their opinion but I've had mixed opinions

ItalianJoe1

I would try to run the caps, it's the only thing keeping the grease in and the contamination out of your front wheel bearings. Yes if the wheel seals perfectly it's essentially the same thing, but then every time your wheels come off, even for a flat tire or some simple thing, you introduce dirt into the grease and should ideally clean everything and re-lube, which isn't going to happen.

Is it just a height issue with the caps hitting the wheel?

benznewcomer

hey joe yeah the wheel wouldnt fit over the dust cap and we tried to put a H&R spacer on with the built in dust cap but that didnt fit either, store showed me the wheel sitting flush and stated with the center wheel cap on it will fit nicely and they can even add some black wrap to create an extra barrier before putting on the center wheel cap. I am new to this so dont know if this is enough protection. Any other ideas?

ItalianJoe1

Those caps are designed to seal the bearing grease, so I would do what I could to leave it.

If you are set on the wheels, you could easily try the sealing the way they suggest, just inspect the bearings at 5k miles or so and make sure there's no crud getting into the grease. As long as it's sealing you will be fine.

benznewcomer

any other ideas of how to get best seal besides the black wrap they suggested

ItalianJoe1

Not really, if it was my car I would find a wheel that was designed to fit over the hubs.

benznewcomer

once the dust cap is taken off can it be put back on? im thinking if they can seal wheel center cap and put some protective layering i would think it should be fine

joe when u say to check bearing ever 5000 miles does it need to be regreased at that time?

AMGPilot

if the wheels won't fit over the bearing caps then they ant for the car. it would be foolish to not run them

benznewcomer

once the bearing cap comes off can it be put back on?

benznewcomer

and final question can i get a smaller dust cap made from somewhere to make the wheels fit?

Dublinoh

Yes, dust caps do come off and go back on. They keep moisture and dirt out of the bearings. They are not optional. There is a threaded clamp which is secured by a bolt and it holds the correct pressure against the bearing. This occupies space in the dust cap. If you remove the dust cap I believe this clamp and the threaded end of the spindle would probably still be in the way of your wheels seating. Like the others said, you need wheels that are designed for your car.

benznewcomer

can a flat dust cap be put on so wheels work? i cant return em now