How to Remove a Trailer EZ Lube Grease Cap or Dust Cap

Updated 03/01/2026 | Published 10/02/2017

Products Featured in This Question

2" Lubed Dust Cap & Rubber Plug - 1.99" x 1.40" x 1.18" - Qty 1

(661)

$11.99

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

(52)

$42.24

4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper

(26)

$12.34

Question:

Wh is the best way to remove an ez lube dust cap?

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

EZ Lube Dust Caps, like # DC200L-DCRP, have a rubber plug that can be removed to access the zerk fitting. The rubber plug can be removed by gently prying it up with a flathead screwdriver.

If your dust cap is in good condition and you want to avoid getting dents in the cover, you can use the Dust Cap Driver Tool to remove the cap. Simply slide it over the dust cap and then use the leverage created by the handle to gently pry on the cap in different directions until it begins to wiggle. Once it starts to loosen, the tapered cap should slide right out. We carry a handy tool to make installing a dust cap easier in 2 sizes:

# 290-992 Medium - fits 2.440" grease caps
# 290-993 Large - fits 2.72" grease caps

If your cap is rusted or coated in road grime, it can be more challenging to remove. When they are stuck, it is not uncommon for the grease cap to be destroyed in the process of removing. Our mechanics will use a rubber mallet to tap the end of a flathead screwdriver that is wedged under the cap to pry it off. I have included links to some videos of our installers working on hubs so you can see how they remove the caps.

To replace your older grease caps, you should use a digital caliper like # PTW80157, to measure the inside diameter of the trailer hub. Clean the hub of all rust and grime first to ensure you get an accurate measurement. I've provided a link to all of our EZ Lube grease caps for your convenience.

expert reply by: Amy W

Nelson K.

6/12/2020

How do you tell if the rubber plug is fully seated on the easy lub dexter axle? I removed it and added new grease and replaced the plug and now it leaks, Why?

Chris R.

6/16/2020

The plug is fully seated when it's flush with the surrounding cap. Does it seem like it could be pushed in more? I'm not sure why it would be leaking - it could just be that you added a bit more grease than was necessary to the hub and the excess is creeping out.

Jim G.

3/1/2026

Some EZ Lube dust caps are dome shaped. Is there any way to remove them without damage? I know the tool you reference here will not work on them.

Jerred H.

3/1/2026

@JimG No, there really isn't. That's why the ez Lube dust caps like item # DC200L-DCRP have the removable rubber piece. The domed ones like item # DX49HR have them as well.