Lost Wheel Insert

[olliesgrandad]

Really surprised yesterday to notice one of the plastic 'wheel spoke inserts' is missing from one of the wheels on my 2017 Premier.

I assume they must be a push fit and that it ha sprung out when hitting a pothole.

More than a little disappointed as no doubt it will be expensive to replace.  

Edited May 24, 2021 by olliesgrandad
spelling

[steve2006]

I’m guessing here but may help if correct....no price quoted though!

 

[Barry14UK]

That's bad luck.  Another possibility is that somebody stole it to replace a lost/damaged one or for a collection.  My father had the bonnet badge prised out of his BMW.  It needs some effort to do this as I replaced mine due to wear.  I also replaced the wheel centers for the same reason.  I bought all these replacements that were easily available on ebay.  The quality was very good and they are still in place years later. I doubt these are so readily available for Lexus though so probably means a replacement from Lexus. 

[olliesgrandad]

Thanks for the info folks. I've ordered a replacement from Lexus Parts Direct and even with a healthy 16% discount with shipping it comes to £24.01.

So if they got lost from all 4 wheels it would be a staggering £380.

More worrying is the fact that they just clip in.

I believe it probaly flew off while driving.

Could seriously injure  a pedestrian or someone following

[Illogan]

3 hours ago, olliesgrandad said:

Thanks for the info folks. I've ordered a replacement from Lexus Parts Direct and even with a healthy 16% discount with shipping it comes to £24.01.

So if they got lost from all 4 wheels it would be a staggering £380.

More worrying is the fact that they just clip in.

I believe it probaly flew off while driving.

Could seriously injure  a pedestrian or someone following

My maths may not be the sharpest around here - - - - but how many wheels does your RX have?   😬

 

[rayaans]

25 minutes ago, Illogan said:

My maths may not be the sharpest around here - - - - but how many wheels does your RX have?   😬

 

There are 5 inserts on one wheel

[Illogan]

3 hours ago, rayaans said:

There are 5 inserts on one wheel

Aaaaaah!           Thank you!

 

(hmmm - - - Am numptie!)

[Barry14UK]

I also assumed it was the central Insignia logo insert but should it not be 4 for each wheel if you have locking wheel nuts?

[olliesgrandad]

Just now, Barry14UK

I also assumed it was the central Insignia logo insert but should it not be 4 for each wheel if you have locking wheel nuts?

No there are 5 per wheel. They are large plastic inserts which clip into the alloy wheels.
I checked the wheel concerned and think it might be one Lexus replaced under warranty. If so it might be an issue with Lexus using the old inserts.
I have made Lexus Customer Services aware as this is a safety related issue.

[ColinBarber]

6 hours ago, Barry14UK said:

I also assumed it was the central Insignia logo insert but should it not be 4 for each wheel if you have locking wheel nuts?

They are fitted within the spokes, not the wheel nuts:

[Illogan]

Another day - and another new box ticked in my history of education.

 

Every day is a leaning* day

(or a learning day - depending whether one is a tutor or person from Pisa)

[Barry14UK]

53 minutes ago, Illogan said:

Another day - and another new box ticked in my history of education.

 

Every day is a leaning* day

(or a learning day - depending whether one is a tutor or person from Pisa)

+1

Are these for asthetic reasons or to asist brake cooling?  Just glad mine is a 3 series!

[ColinBarber]

7 hours ago, Barry14UK said:

Are these for asthetic reasons or to asist brake cooling?  Just glad mine is a 3 series!

Aesthetics only. Weight saving compared to having those areas filled in with aluminium. Unfortunately due to the design/mounting holes you need them - doesn't look good if they are removed.

[stringbender]

On 5/25/2021 at 10:37 AM, Barry14UK said:

I also assumed it was the central Insignia logo insert but should it not be 4 for each wheel if you have locking wheel nuts?

I did as well Les. You had your tyres changes a while back. Could it have come loose then ? or been disturbed ?  I've always found the wheels on the premier and now the Takumi don't look as good as the next level down whatever that's called.

[flookyk]

On 5/25/2021 at 5:12 PM, ColinBarber said:

They are fitted within the spokes, not the wheel nuts:

Just had a look at mine, seems like mine won't have that problem.

[olliesgrandad]

Just now, stringbender

On 5/25/2021 at 10:37 AM, Barry14UK said:

I also assumed it was the central Insignia logo insert but should it not be 4 for each wheel if you have locking wheel nuts?

I did as well Les. You had your tyres changes a while back. Could it have come loose then ? or been disturbed ?  I've always found the wheels on the premier and now the Takumi don't look as good as the next level down whatever that's called.

I had one wheel replaced last year under new car warranty. Having looked at the car I think that it is a component refitted to the new wheel. I have received the new insert and will fit it tomorrow.