Wheel covers on '03 AV-Finger tight or????

[djfcars]

Hi all-
What's the story on those wheel cover nuts? I rotated my tires for the first time (4000 miles) but I do not know how tight to tighten the plastic nuts. It looks like you cannot tighten them to tight as they will slip like the gas cap. I have the 17" wheels if that is any help......

How tight is cool for these little buggers??
Thanks in advance-
P.S. The owners manual is not clear at all.
Dino Falabrino

 

[ShapeShifter]

I have an '02, but I assume it is the same. I just use a socket and extension, and turn it by hand with no wrench handle. As you tighten them, you can feel them start to click through some detents. If you turn them too far, you will hear them click and slip a thread, just like you said. After that happens a couple of times you will get a feel for it. I tighten them by hand until I feel a couple detent clicks, but stop just a little bit before they slip.

I have never had them come loose on me.

-- SS

 

[djfcars]

Thanks for the quick reply Shapeshifter. I know the 2 "slips" you were talking about. I just didn't want to strip those soft plastic threads. I could see GM charging a ton for those covers!!!!

Thanks again,
Dino Falabrino