20 inch chrome clad wheels creaking and popping

[CdnMike]

Just wondering if anyone else has come across this same issue.

 

I know back in 07/08 there was a recall for this same problem on the edge's but I cannot seem to find anything

for any newer edge's

 

It just started last weekend and only seems to be the wheel i have on the drivers side front currently

 

There is a creaking/popping noise coming from the plastic cover while i turn at low speeds and its driving me crazy

 

My edge is only about 19 months old (its a 2013 limited AWD)

 

I read on a jeep forum that there is a fix for this with some type of silicone but i dont want to venture into doing that myself at this point

 

I had it at the dealership late last week for another issue and the mechanics response was "we have had a lot of problems with

these noises on the Escape's due to rocks and other debris getting in between the plastic wheel cover and the steel wheel...unless

it affects your braking or steering you will just have to live with it"

 

Well that isnt a response i am going to live with, i didnt spend 40k plus on this thing to have a creaking and popping noise happening

everytime i make a low speed turn.

 

I took a better look today and put some pressure on the lip of the plastic and you can feel and hear it moving almost like its starting to

seperate from the steel wheel

 

I dont run these wheels in the winter, only between about april and october so its not like they face any real harsh weather

 

Anyone have any suggestions on this or has this happened to anyone?

 

Any help would be great at this point. I have to phone the dealership again tomorrow as they have a replacement part in stock now for a

seperate issue so it will need to go back to the dealership in the next week or so

 

Thanks all

[CinnamonEdge]

Your wheels are not steel. They are aluminum alloy with a chome plated plastic cover. The wheel shouldn't make any noise at all when maneuvering. If it rattles, it is loose and should be replaced. It should never creak or pop because the wheel should have no flex. The only way you'll get pops and creaks from the plastic cover is if the wheel is flexing. If it were a steel wheel with chome clad cover that could possibly happen because steel wheels do have some minor flex. The noise you hear is probably a ball joint, tie rod, wheel bearing, suspension or break caliper shifting. Go to your dealer and tell them to inspect the suspension and wheel components.

Edited June 5, 2014 by CinnamonEdge