Ballast-ic Posted August 12, 2023 Share Posted August 12, 2023 My wheel center cap came off recently and I got a new one from Caterham, but that is loose too.It doesn't snap on and feel secure. I was thinking of putting a bit of tape on the cap flanges, but was hoping a better solution may be suggested by the experts amongst us. Cheers, Donald. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john g Posted August 12, 2023 Share Posted August 12, 2023 I use a little silicon sealant to secure mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted August 12, 2023 Share Posted August 12, 2023 I use a small piece of insulating tape on the plastic pegs. Don't overdo it though otherwise you risk snapping off the pegs.JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ballast-ic Posted August 12, 2023 Author Share Posted August 12, 2023 OK. Thanks JV, that seemed the simplest. It seems like a case of TADTS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team Shortshift Posted August 12, 2023 Leadership Team Share Posted August 12, 2023 Just use a hot air gun (carefully, of course). Aim the hot air jet against each of the four locating tabs in turn and using finger and thumb just bend or ease each tab a smidge outboard. A single smidge is all that is required; two smidges or even a tad will be too much...James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alastair B Posted August 13, 2023 Share Posted August 13, 2023 Heat shrink tubing on one leg only should take up the slack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team Shortshift Posted August 13, 2023 Leadership Team Share Posted August 13, 2023 Oh - I like the heat shrink tubing idea. Neat and simple.James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted August 13, 2023 Share Posted August 13, 2023 #7 Yes, so do I. I think I'll revisit my caps.JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graearea Posted August 13, 2023 Share Posted August 13, 2023 I printed some quite natty ones in dual colours up. you can see them missing in all my photos :DI'm not sure what happens to them I have some that I saved from the track. I think the heat softens them up so they just... fall off...so yeah. I can't help you here :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerobod - near CYYC Posted August 13, 2023 Share Posted August 13, 2023 The rear ones will soften and fly off on the track, after I got black flagged when I first took the R400 to the track and was presented with a cap in the paddock by a marshall, I just removed them. I keep the fronts on as the air cooling is much better at keeping the brake and hub temperatures down, keeps grit away from the bearing seal a bit better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ballast-ic Posted August 14, 2023 Author Share Posted August 14, 2023 That's interesting about the heat softening the tabs. Both times I have lost caps was at the end of a track day. The 20 minute sessions seem OK, but going a bit longer in open pit sessions was too much. Will take off the rears next time as suggested by @aerobod. I've gone the tape route as had some T-Rex tape (stronger than Gorilla tape!) handy.Thanks all for the suggestions and input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevehS3 Posted August 14, 2023 Share Posted August 14, 2023 I have to say, I have never been keen on the Apollo wheel centre caps. Apart from the poor fit I don't like the look of them with the high gloss black plastic and faux bolt holes. I would have preferred a more simple flush fitting cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted August 17, 2023 Area Representative Share Posted August 17, 2023 How about trad caps? https://www.raceways.co.uk/Weller_steel_wheel_type_centre_caps.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graearea Posted August 17, 2023 Share Posted August 17, 2023 I guess the heat is from the diff AND the brakes. I can't imagine the rears are causing more heat thant the fronts. v0vI've just designed some with cooling channels but they're never gonna work :DI was thinking of doing a pseudo-turbofan but honestly, they'll be a bit of a joke.the alternative is a cap that has to be inserted from the rear.... which might work. to Fusion360! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerobod - near CYYC Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 I guess the heat is from the diff AND the brakes. I can't imagine the rears are causing more heat thant the fronts The rear brakes are just inefficiently cooled compared with the fronts, transmitting the heat into the hub and wheel centre, even though they do less braking. The caliper is tucked up close to the rear basket and with 8x13 rear wheels gives little opportunity for much airflow for cooling. In contrast the front 6x13 wheels with the vented discs and AP calipers have a lot more airflow around them.The airflow difference is also exhibited by how quickly the front tyres cool compared with the rears if you are not continually pushing hard on the track (such as when under yellow flag), I always have to remember to not push too hard after the flag is cleared to avoid significant understeer until the front tyres are warm again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnifeySpoony Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 Fwiw here in the states, center caps are generally advised to be removed before trackdays. They tend to not last long. I just leave them out on my cars. More rccr than way... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted August 18, 2023 Area Representative Share Posted August 18, 2023 Graearea/John - caps which are inserted from inside the wheel are available from my earlier link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graearea Posted August 22, 2023 Share Posted August 22, 2023 Fully expect this to not work but.... extra cooling added. I think the buildup of hot air in their just softens everything.adding some cooling holes should allow th hot air to escape but not too much crap to get in.they'll need some testing at a trackday to prove it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7 wonders of the world Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 My Revolution center caps have metal tags which conduct the heat on track days nicely and melt the plastic..... lost both rears after session 1...... whilst the car was sat in the garage , the heat soakt finished them off.Take all 4 off before going on track is the best advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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