Axel bearing grease

[Neil L]

Are the grease fitting dust caps a good thing to add, and do they really prolong the bearing life of the trailer? Seems like a good idea but may just be too much tinkering with something that needs no improvement.
Thanks, Neil

 

[Skyco]

IMO they are worthless. Some of the spring loaded ones can help stop water intrusion on hot hubs dunked in cold water, on a boat trailer for example. As for greasing purposes- useless.

 

[ScottAR]

Depends on who you ask. I don't use any but many do. DO NOT use them on braked axles. If you put too much, the grease will push the seal out and possibly ruin the brake pads/shoes.

 

[skipmarcy]

If you are talking about just the dust cap with a fitting in it, it's useless - doesn't get grease in the bearings where it is needed. If you are talking about the dust cap with the rubber cover over the grease fitting that is installed in the end of the axle itself, yes it will regrease the bearings but you risk over-greasing and pushing grease past the hub seal and into the brake drum. Plus you don't get to clean the bearings and visually inspect them like you should and have them re-torqued properly.