How to Choose a Grease Cap for a Trailer that Does Not Have Grease Caps

Updated 09/27/2012 | Published 09/26/2012

Question:

I have a trailer that I inherited that doesnt have grease caps on it. They look to be 2 in nominal dia but the spindle sticks out and doesnt look like the standard dust cap would work. Any suggestion on how to be sure and is there an alternate to use? Is there one with Zerk fittings? Thanks

asked by: Mike L

Expert Reply:

To ensure that your spindle is not sticking out of your hub farther than it should, I would recommend verifying that all of your bearings and seals are seated correctly and the hub is tightened down correctly. When tightening the hub to the spindle, the spindle nut should be tightened until it is snug and then backed off slightly until the tang washer or cotter pin will fit through the spindle nut.

I have attached a photo showing where the bearings and seal should sit on a spindle for you to check out. The photo also contains where to measure on your hub to ensure you choose the correct size grease cap. It is important that you use a precise measuring tool such as a dial caliper to take this measurement because there are many different grease caps with diameters close to 2 inches.

For a cap with a grease fitting, I would recommend looking at the Bearing Buddy bearing protectors. Bearing Buddies will not work with EZ lube spindles. You can tell if you have an EZ lube spindle if there is a grease fitting on the end of the spindle. If you have an EZ lube spindle, then you would want to look into an EZ lube grease cap similar to # RG04-040 that you referenced.

I have attached a link to all of our Bearing Buddy bearing protectors for you to check out. At the top of the page you will find that you can search for the correct Bearing Buddy based on the diameter that your hub requires. If you want to provide me with the exact diameter of your hub for a grease cap and approximately how far your spindle sticks out of your hub, then I can make a more specific recommendation for you.

expert reply by: John H