2022 3500 DRW Center Caps making noise

[mbarber84]

Anyone else with a 2022 (or 2019+) 3500 DRW experience an issue where the front center caps make a constant “clicking” sound while moving? I’ve been back to the dealer and they replaced them under warranty but, as you’ll see in the video, the new ones continue to make the noise. Hard to believe this is acceptable on a truck just shy of $100k. Can’t even drive it at low speed with the windows down because the sound is constant.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

That does not sound like the centercap unless there is something very wrong. Does it feel loose if you grab it and try to move it?

 

[mbarber84]

Yep, it makes a similar noise if you grab it and “wiggle” it. The dealer said they took it for a ride without them on it and the noise went away. They contacted the regional rep and the outcome was basically “that’s how they are”. That’s where it was left. Everybody basically shrugged their shoulders. They mentioned maybe applying some sort of grease to the areas where they attach to dampen the noise but I’m not really thrilled about that idea. Just sounds like more of a mess as it’ll likely sling off at highway speed, and moreover may make the caps want to come off more readily.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Is it still on there good and not able to come off easy? Is it all 4?

 

[mbarber84]

Is it still on there good and not able to come off easy? Is it all 4?

Yeah they’re absolutely on there. Tight to the point you need a bar or something to pry them off, but they make that noise when you wiggle the center caps. The rear ones don’t seem to do it, just the fronts

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Yeah they’re absolutely on there. Tight to the point you need a bar or something to pry them off, but they make that noise when you wiggle the center caps. The rear ones don’t seem to do it, just the fronts

There has to be something with the steel inserts in the cap perhaps some silicone or JB to take up the slop? Have you had them off to see whats moving? It sounds like its grabbing the nuts properly

 

[superjoe83]

My night center caps are completely plastic, do the chrome ones have any metal on them? I don't hear any noise from mine

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

My night center caps are completely plastic, do the chrome ones have any metal on them? I don't hear any noise from mine

If they are completely plastic now that is crap. A few dabs of silicone may be the temporary/permanent fix for this unfortunately with it only being crappy plastic

 

[CdnHO]

I had same issue. Thought I had pebbles in the caps. Spraying some lube on the plastic “clips “ fixed it. I used Fluid Film.

 

[alkappel]

Anyone else with a 2022 (or 2019+) 3500 DRW experience an issue where the front center caps make a constant “clicking” sound while moving? I’ve been back to the dealer and they replaced them under warranty but, as you’ll see in the video, the new ones continue to make the noise. Hard to believe this is acceptable on a truck just shy of $100k. Can’t even drive it at low speed with the windows down because the sound is constant.

I have a 2019 Laramie Dually with the same issue. I initially contacted RAM and they told me to take it to a dealer. I made an appointment and the dealer replaced them, but the next day they did the same thing. RAM doesn't have a resolution so I fixed it myself by purchasing Ford style hubcaps. In 2019 RAM changed to the same bolt pattern as Ford - 8 X 200mm. You also have to change the lug nuts as the hubcaps will not snap on to the RAM lug nuts.
Here are the hubcaps I purchased. I purchased 2 wheel drive because Ford 4WD has front locking hubs and the hubcaps have a hole in the center to accommodate. Unnecessary on RAM 4WD. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078GYFS1R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here's the lug nuts: https://www.ebay.com/itm/32-Pc-M14x1-5-Super-Duty-Ford-F-250-F-350-Factory-Style-Black-Lug-Nuts-Steel/264523338139Show less

 

[CdnHO]

No way I am hiding my nuts under a Ford hubcap. LOL

 

[mbarber84]

No way I am hiding my nuts under a Ford hubcap. LOL

I thought the same thing. I of course appreciate the info and the recommendation, but I won’t be putting ford center caps on a $100k Ram pickup thats still new. The dealer replaced mine once already and the problem continues. It would be nice if @RamCares could look into this issue and offer a possible solution or an updated part that doesn’t make that noise. Im tired of getting flagged down on every street and parking lot because people think my front u joints are on their way out…..rather embarrassing and far from the quality I would expect for the trim level and the retail price. Ram needs to do better.

 

[alkappel]

I thought the same thing. I of course appreciate the info and the recommendation, but I won’t be putting ford center caps on a $100k Ram pickup thats still new. The dealer replaced mine once already and the problem continues. It would be nice if @RamCares could look into this issue and offer a possible solution or an updated part that doesn’t make that noise. Im tired of getting flagged down on every street and parking lot because people think my front u joints are on their way out…..rather embarrassing and far from the quality I would expect for the trim level and the retail price. Ram needs to do better.

I hear ya, but the noise was extremely embarrassing, especially rolling through a campground with fifth wheel and the clickity clack from the front wheels. At least the hub caps have no Ford logo, just generic chrome. Too bad RAM couldn't care less about the problem.

 

[CFE]

Strange - i have the black covers with no noise...not sure how they're any different beyond the color.

 

[mbarber84]

Strange - i have the black covers with no noise...not sure how they're any different beyond the color.

They shouldn’t be any different.
Mine did not make the noise when the truck was brand new. It took several months and some mileage for the sound to start. However, the replacement set that my dealer installed under warranty instantly made the noise. My dealer basically threw their hands up and said “that’s just how they are”. I tried contacting Ram Care about it but they want me to go back to the dealer to have the issue evaluated again since it’s been longer than 14 days. I tried to explain to them the dealer has done everything they can do and basically doesn’t want to deal with it anymore.

 

[CFE]

They shouldn’t be any different.
Mine did not make the noise when the truck was brand new. It took several months and some mileage for the sound to start. However, the replacement set that my dealer installed under warranty instantly made the noise. My dealer basically threw their hands up and said “that’s just how they are”. I tried contacting Ram Care about it but they want me to go back to the dealer to have the issue evaluated again since it’s been longer than 14 days. I tried to explain to them the dealer has done everything they can do and basically doesn’t want to deal with it anymore.

Is there any visible damage to where the center caps snap on? If you took it to the dealer for rotation or something where they needed to access the lugs, they might have damaged the area where the caps snap on, making it "loose", no matter what you do when you snap it on.

 

[mbarber84]

Is there any visible damage to where the center caps snap on? If you took it to the dealer for rotation or something where they needed to access the lugs, they might have damaged the area where the caps snap on, making it "loose", no matter what you do when you snap it on.

I can check again the next time I have the wheels off however the warranty replacement new center caps came right out of mopar boxes, were snapped on the wheels correctly, and the truck made one lap around the service center and it was already making the noise. I watched the tech perform the change out and I know him personally Good tech and I don’t believe there was any damage.

 

[CdnHO]

At one time Ram used metal clips on the center caps. I don't recall my 2003 dually having that issue but they were metal clips. Not much the dealership can do about the problem. They are stuck with what Ram gives them. Probably supplied by the lowest bidder like everything else. However, as I mentioned a bit of lubricant inside the plastic connectors solved my problem. Wheels are going to flex as they roll, even if its only an infinitesimal amount. And the way they cap is shaped probably acts like an echo chamber.

 

[CFE]

I can check again the next time I have the wheels off however the warranty replacement new center caps came right out of mopar boxes, were snapped on the wheels correctly, and the truck made one lap around the service center and it was already making the noise. I watched the tech perform the change out and I know him personally Good tech and I don’t believe there was any damage.

The damage wouldn't be to the caps, it would be to the wheel/hub area where the caps "snap" onto.

 

[mbarber84]

At one time Ram used metal clips on the center caps. I don't recall my 2003 dually having that issue but they were metal clips. Not much the dealership can do about the problem. They are stuck with what Ram gives them. Probably supplied by the lowest bidder like everything else. However, as I mentioned a bit of lubricant inside the plastic connectors solved my problem. Wheels are going to flex as they roll, even if its only an infinitesimal amount. And the way they cap is shaped probably acts like an echo chamber.

Agreed. My dealer did everything they’re supposed to. They were as frustrated as I was. I must have missed your comment about using grease or other lubricant. What did you use and where did you apply it? I had thought about using a grease but my primary concern was that it would increase the risk of the cover falling off. As you said, the covers utilize plastic tabs that do not seem to be very stalwart. I’m surprised they hold as well as they do, given the flex. The shape of the caps definitely increases the sound.