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Author	Topic:   Trailer Axle Bearing Caps Keep Falling Off
HankT	posted 06-14-2007 08:05 PM ET (US)         Hello. I've had a continuing problem, and could use some good advice. I've lost several bearing caps lately. The trailer repair place said that they flange out the edges when there's a problem. I thought that I came up with a reasonable solution when I took a thick nail punch and put some dimples around the inside edge of the cap. Unfortunately, one axel keeps dropping caps. I was thinking of using gorilla glue, but I don't know if it will stand up to the heat that may be generated. The only other idea I've come up with is to remove the wheel, and drill a small hole through the end of the axel shaft, and into the bearing cap, and screw in a self-tapping screw. Anyone have any ideas I might try???
jimh	posted 06-14-2007 09:37 PM ET (US)             If you are using a small metal cap, try forming the cap into a larger diameter. Clean the inside of the axle so there is no grease or oil where the cap will seat. This will make the metal-to-metal fit have more friction. How is the tire alignment and balance on your trailer wheels? If the wheel is wobbly it may be vibrating and working the cap loose.
Henry	posted 06-15-2007 12:54 AM ET (US)             I had that problem once. I lost the cap on the highway. The spinning hub spit out the grease burnt out the bearings and damaged the axle which I had to replace. Try bearing buddies, they have a tighter fit. Otherwise new hubs. Some things do not have an easy fix. If you lose the cap at the wrong time you have to replace the axle.
Ablewis	posted 06-16-2007 10:20 AM ET (US)             I had this same problem on a trailer with bearing buddies. It's an ugly solution, but cut off the bottom end of a beer can and secure over the top of the cap with a hose clamp. Worked for years.
PeteB88	posted 06-16-2007 01:36 PM ET (US)             How hot are those hubs getting? I had a trailer once that after driving a short distance could not touch the cast iron because it got so hot. I replaced bearings and races (old, shot) lubed with Mobile ONE synthetic grease, made double sure I tightened the bearings correctly (not too tight but no slop) and everything was fine. I can actually grab on to the hub, it is warm but never hot
pglein	posted 06-19-2007 02:52 PM ET (US)             Bearings should never get so hot they would burn your hand or melt glue. They will sometimes be a little warm after a long high-speed drive, but that's it. If you're having trouble with your bearings, just replace the whole assembly.
montauk steve	posted 06-22-2007 06:30 PM ET (US)             Mine do the same thing until i put duct tape/clear packaging tape around them to hold them on. I remove the tape every 3 trips or so and re apply grease to the zerk fitting and then cap and then tape again. They are still there.
wwbach	posted 06-28-2007 12:17 AM ET (US)             Also, jack up the trailer and give the wheel a shake to make sure there isn't too much play in the axle. If there is, the wheel will wobble and throw off the bearing cap. -- Bud

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