Are dust caps/wheel covers/hub caps really needed to protect the wheel bearing/axle assembly on a modern FWD car? Reason I ask is, I just got another set of factory steel wheels for my Corolla for mounting winter tires. However, this set is used with wheel covers, but I decided to paint them so I don't have to mess with covers. Problem is, there is no dust cap for the hub opening where the axle nut/cotter pin reside. Will that be an issue with rust/corrosion? I've found some wheel covers don't fit flush and moisture can get in there anyway.
The consensus I read on some other forums is they are not needed for modern type sealed wheel bearings. In fact the factory wheels with center cover on this car have openings in the back and let water drain right in.
Thoughts???
Thanks!
The consensus I read on some other forums is they are not needed for modern type sealed wheel bearings. In fact the factory wheels with center cover on this car have openings in the back and let water drain right in.
Thoughts???
Thanks!