Lost a hub cap

jpspaz · 05-30-2012, 05:03 PM

On the way home from our Memorial Day weekend trip I lost both the hub cap and grease cap, or whatever you want to call them, on the left rear wheel. I did not notice until I got home. I had two spare grease caps so I put one on, but this is the second time that particular wheel has had one back out and fall off. Last time the decorative outer cap contained it but I am guessing that this time the rattle knocked the outer one loose. Anyone else have this problem/solution? Where can I find a matching replacement outer cap?

I had a similar problem with bearing buddies on my boat trailer and had to replace them with a different brand that had a ribbed surface that helped keep them from backing out.

**Sunline Fan** · 05-30-2012, 09:19 PM

This should be it, for 2006-2007s.

Make sure to choose the 6-lug option in the drop down and not the 5.

Versa-Lok Trailer Hub Covers - Product - Camping World

jpspaz · 05-31-2012, 07:18 AM

Thanks for the help. Any way I can keep the grease cap from backing out of the hub?

**Sunline Fan** · 05-31-2012, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpspaz

Thanks for the help. Any way I can keep the grease cap from backing out of the hub?

I have no idea, I've never heard of that problem before now. I don't think tape would be a good long term solution though. The good news is is it's just a dust cap.

Jim-Bev-2363 · 05-31-2012, 09:41 AM

Perhaps you could use a center punch and pit the smooth surface to give the cap some gripping power.

jpspaz · 05-31-2012, 04:32 PM

Good idea. I'll have to try that.

**JohnB** · 06-08-2012, 09:38 PM

On the grease cap, Do you mean the metal ring keeps falling out? They look like this

http://dexteraxle.com/inc/sdetail/774/1036

Before I type a bunch want to make sure I understand the problem right.

jpspaz · 06-10-2012, 06:49 AM

Yes, that's it. I replaced them once already and I seem to have a problem with this one wheel. It just backs its way out of the hub over time. Other than checking it after each trip and knocking it back in, I don't know what to do with it.

**Sunline Fan** · 06-10-2012, 10:29 PM

Oh, I thought you were talking about the rubber plug in the end falling out.

The metal cap just presses in (with force), so I'd think your brake drum casting just isn't as tight as it needs to be due to a manufacturing defect.

My only suggestion would be to see if you could get something cone shaped and steel. Put that cap over the cone and pound on it with a big socket or something to try to spread out that lip on the back a little, then re-install. You don't need it stretched much.

jpspaz · 06-11-2012, 10:42 AM

That's a good idea too. Thanks.

**JohnB** · 06-12-2012, 10:09 PM

Hi,

Sorry my Inet connection was flaky. Now have a temporary new wire laying in the back yard from the service guy. He will be back to bury it....

When you take off the grease cap as it fell off, look at the OD of the cap where it presses into the brake drum. If there is any collapse of the OD, a pucker in the metal,a dent inward etc it will not hold.

The press fit has to be 100% all the way around and no crushed spots. Also wipe any grease off the inside of the drum where it fits in so you have a dry press fit. If there is a drum tolerance problem, the dry press fit may hold better.

It is easy to crush a small piece of these. Even if it is 1/8" to 1/4" long it changes the press fit diameter as the bearing caps are so thin to start with.

The crushing generally comes from not being 100% even and true when being pressed in. If is goes in on an angle and then straightens up, that is a problem and can lead to a crushed cap.

Hope this helps

John