Troubleshooting Axle Oil Caps That Crack During Winter Storage Periods in Wisconsin

Updated 06/07/2017 | Published 06/05/2017

Question:

The axle oil caps that I have purchased from you work well, except in cold weather they crack under the o ring and leak. I put them on just tight enough so they dont leak, but every winter I end up having to replace all 4 caps on my trailer. Any suggestions?

asked by: Bill B

Expert Reply:

The hub oil caps like # RG04-300 that you've purchased from us (thank you!) are made of tough polycarbonate material but since they will not expand and contract at the same rate as iron hubs they may crack under pressure, quite literally as you've experienced, in extreme cold.

We have not heard of this issue before, but since you live in the state of Wisconsin, where I have found myself in January on occasion and where winter cold means REALLY cold, I think your remedy is to slightly loosen the caps at winter storage time. Backing them off slightly, even if it means a few drops of oil leaking out during the winter, is the way to fix this problem. The oil will be so thick due to the cold that leakage should not really be a huge issue.

expert reply by: Adam R