Lexus GX470 Wheel Center Caps
The Lexus GX470 is a sleek, mid-size SUV that can haul the kids or the gear in style. One piece of this style is the wheels center cap. Replacements are readily available to get your vehicle back in shape or add a bit of class.
Why should you replace wheel center caps?From a purely cosmetic perspective, a missing center cap detracts from the appearance of your Lexus. If you’re diving a luxury SUV, you probably don’t want the "well-traveled" look that comes when pieces start falling off the vehicle.
From a more practical standpoint, the center caps arent just for show on your Lexus. They cover the hub nut and help shield it and the wheel bearings from water and dirt each time you drive. The grime that’s tossed up onto the hub from the road can cause corrosion and premature wear, so keeping it clean is an advantage.
How do you find the right Lexus GX470 center cap?Lexus produced the GX470 from 2003 through 2009, and they used the same OEM center cap style and size for all the models. The only variation is in the finish of the center cap. Single center caps are available if you need to replace one that was lost or damaged, or you can find an entire set to refresh all four rims on the vehicle.
The caps are plastic, and they are available in either the silver or hyper silver finish. They have six short spokes around the edge and feature the Lexus emblem in the center. The emblem is raised and matches the finish of the rest of the cap. The caps are 5.5 inches across. They don’t cover the lug nuts, which are positioned between the spokes.
If you want to be absolutely sure that the cap you’re buying is for the Lexus GX470, you can compare the part numbers. The part number is found on the back of the cap. As long as you still have one of the original caps, you can take it off, find the number, and keep it handy while you shop. If you prefer, all you need to know is make, model, year and trim to shop for aftermarket center caps that will work with your stock wheels.
How do you replace Lexus GX470 center caps?If you need to remove a cap because it’s damaged, or you want to find the part number, you must first remove the rim. The center caps on the Lexus GX470 are designed to be punched out from the back. If you try to pry them out from the front, you’re likely to scratch either the cap or the rim.
The center caps can be installed without taking off the rims. They have plastic retaining clips on the back that fit through the hole on the rim. You simply push them in from the front until the clips snap into place. They usually fit very tightly, so you may have to give them a few sharp raps to get them firmly seated.
The center caps can be installed without taking off the rims. They have plastic retaining clips on the back that fit through the hole on the rim. You simply push them in from the front until the clips snap into place. They usually fit very tightly, so you may have to give them a few sharp raps to get them firmly seated.