Tires/Wheels - Rattle Noise from Wheel Or Hub Cap
TECHNICALBulletin No.: 07-03-10-012D
Date: April 12, 2011
Subject: Rattle Noise from Wheel or Hub Cap While Driving, Loose Wheel Nut Caps or Wheel Nut Caps May Not Tighten on Wheel Nuts (Inspect/Replace Wheel Nut Caps As Necessary)
Models:
2007-2012 Chevrolet Express, Silverado, Suburban 1500, 2500 and 3500 Series
2007-2012 GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon XL 1500, 2500 and 3500 Series
with 8 Lug Wheel Nut Center Caps (RPOs NX7, NZ7, PY0, PY2, PY9, P03, P25, QB5, QC1, QR5, Q9A)
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the model year information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-03-10-012C (Section 03 - Suspension).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a rattle noise from the wheel or hub cap while driving. Other customers may comment on loose wheel nut caps or caps that may not tighten on the wheel nuts.
Cause
Depending on the generation of the wheel caps, the issue may be overtorqued wheel nut caps or may be caused by the lack of internal threads inside the wheel nut caps. The wheel nut cap (1) is correctly threaded. The wheel nut cap (2) shows the insufficient threads.
Correction
Important
The wheel nut caps are serviced separately from the center wheel hub cap for most hub caps. Refer to the GM electronic parts catalog (EPC) for details.
Inspect each wheel nut cap and replace as necessary using the steps below.
1. Remove the wheel hub cap from the vehicle.
2. Place the front of the wheel hub cap down on a protected clean work bench being careful not to scratch or damage the hub cap surface.
3. Inspect all the wheel nut caps, marking any bad wheel nut caps.
Tip
The bad wheel nut cap can be removed by placing a drift or punch inside the center of the nut cap and using a hammer to tap the wheel nut cap out of the hub cap.
4. From inside the hub cap, apply direct pressure to one side of the wheel nut cap rim (1). The wheel nut cap will tip down and pop out of the wheel hub cap hole when enough pressure is applied. Repeat this procedure for any additional wheel nut caps that need to be replaced.
5. Flip the hub cap over on the work bench. The emblem side should be up.
Tip
A 22 mm (7/8 in) socket placed over the wheel nut cap may be used along with a hammer to tap the new wheel nut cap back into the hub cap hole.
6. Install the new wheel nut cap into the existing hub cap hole by applying direct pressure to the front center of the wheel nut cap.
7. Install the wheel hub cap onto the vehicle and tighten the wheel nut caps.
8. Repeat this entire procedure for each additional hub cap.
Parts Information
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
Disclaimer