Fixed: Gemini wheel cover noise issue - We've had the crackling noise at low speeds for the past 3,007 miles with no change. After removing our wheel covers to diagnose that they were the actual cause of the noise at low speeds, we had a mobile SA come out to troubleshoot/repair today.
Per the SA, their service department had tried replacing the covers on other previous Model Ys with brand new covers, but the noises remained. At that point, SAs were advised to tell owners that a) it's normal or b) there was nothing they could do while the problem was under investigation.
Under advisement from one of his more experienced peers, this intrepid SA pulled the wheel covers off and started snipping/filing off the little plastic nubs that make contact with the wheel rim. The noises are now gone. I would've thought that the nubs were designed to keep the cover aligned with the wheel at speed, but time will tell. For now, we're enjoying the blissful quiet of low speed maneuvers.
Per the SA, their service department had tried replacing the covers on other previous Model Ys with brand new covers, but the noises remained. At that point, SAs were advised to tell owners that a) it's normal or b) there was nothing they could do while the problem was under investigation.
Under advisement from one of his more experienced peers, this intrepid SA pulled the wheel covers off and started snipping/filing off the little plastic nubs that make contact with the wheel rim. The noises are now gone. I would've thought that the nubs were designed to keep the cover aligned with the wheel at speed, but time will tell. For now, we're enjoying the blissful quiet of low speed maneuvers.