Dust Cap On Trailer Hub Keeps Falling Off

Updated 03/29/2016 | Published 03/26/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Wheel Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle

(3075)

$19.75

Dust Cap Driver Tool - Medium - for 2.440" OD Grease Caps

(53)

$42.86

Question:

I have a boat trailer that I am not able to keep the dust cap on. I have tried to install the cap with out any grease. I need to tap it in place with a hammer. once I drive down the road the cap is missing. Do I have a bad hub?

asked by: Chuck

Expert Reply:

If your hub ever made hard contact with a curb or something similar then it is possible that the center bore isn't true anymore. It is also possible that the cap was not driven in evenly. That coupled with centrifugal force will cause it to fall off.

To drive in a dust cap evenly you can use a dust cap driver tool. We have a couple options:

# 290-992 works with 2.440 inch grease caps
# 290-993 works with 2.72 inch grease caps

Using a driver tool will ensure that the cap is driven in evenly.

expert reply by: Michael H