97 Eddie Bauer wheel problem

[Johnny Cougar]

Hey all:

I have a problem with a wheel on my 97 EB. It is the factory 15" 5 spoke chrome wheel. The stamped steel chrome wheel cover (it looks like it is press fit inside the steel wheel) is starting to come out, to the point where the hub cap won't stay on.

I thought I'd hit it with a rubber mallet to get it back in, but I don't want to bend the chrome.

Has anyone had this problem before, and what did you do to fix it?

Thanks in advance,
John Fordham

 

[Johnny Cougar]

NVM, just found the problem. That chrome wheel skin is glued into the wheel, water got behind it, and the steel wheel is rotting out. I guess its time for some new American Racing aluminum wheels

 

[coonhunter]

Talked to Ford Complaint people today not a happy experience. Owned Fords for 35 plus years.never had a rim glued together like the ones on my EB. that design is dangerous so if you have a clad wheel start shopping around. Ford should have known better than the way that rim is made. Dealer wants to hold it together with screws and wheel weights

 

[Joe Dirt]

Is this on a 2nd gen rim? Jeep Chrysler is famous for using them, and these are not the only Ford rims that are done this way. Was this the one that your body shop beat to hell and bent?

 

[deweyville65]

Chevy and Dodge do the same thing. Why not go to the wrecking yard and get aluminum wheels for your Ex? Or, is this a good way to talk the little lady into some fancy wheels?

 

[coonhunter]

After a closer look I don't hold the tire shop at fault!!! Ford just simply made a very poor design and if not corrected a lot of people are going to get injured. Who would have thought Ford would Glue a rim together what where they thinking. I would like to know if other folks have had a similar issue. I file a complaint with the car safety here is a link to the file http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/results.cfm

 

[Joe Dirt]

Do the lugnuts and center cap hold the cladding to the wheel in the event of failure?