3500# axle cap and water incursion

[Drcoffee]

is it possible to keep water out of the axle cavity or is it just going to happen with a boat trailer? I sleeved the inner axle seal area and that seems to be working but my outer ez lube caps seem to let in water. I just checked the rubber plug and it looks like the rubber is degrading either from uv or grease from my hands. So I ordered a new stainless steel grease cap with a silicone plug and the silicone plug does not tightly seal against the axle cap. Once in place, its a loose fit.

Silicone axle cap

 

[Drcoffee]

$20 for the pair. The steel cap fits perfectly, but the silicone plug is a loose fit in the hole.

1.98 Stainless Steel Dust Cap With Yellow Silicone Plug for Posi Lube, Accu-Lube, EZ Lube Axles.​

 

[Drcoffee]

Explain please

will the 2” bearing buddy protector seal the ez lube caps from water? How tight is the fit

 

[briangcc]

That plug's only job is to keep debris off the grease nipple. Has no impact on the water intrusion into the bearings.

You're going to get some water intrusion over a number of dunkings no matter what you use. I do and I have bearing buddies on my current and previous trailers. I have them repacked as part of my state required inspection.

**Yes I know how to repack them but I have (3) kids and my time is important too.

 

[Drcoffee]

The rubber plugs seem to be a tight fit, but dont seem to be oil resistant. I did order some 2” bearing buddy generic protectors from ebay. Just for fun, Im going to buy a can of liquid plastic dip and make some covers for an exact fit. Its the same stuff you dip tool handles into and is oil resistant.

 

[dingbat]

The rubber plugs seem to be a tight fit, but dont seem to be oil resistant.

I have used the rubber plugs for year w/o any problems other than UV dry rotting them after 2-3 years of use.

I buy local and brand name (Dexter)to make sure I'm not getting a Amazon knock-offs

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[Drcoffee]

I bought these axle covers and they fit well but not airtight. So I put two zip ties to make sure its tight. I plan to check it after each dunk in the lake.

 

[Drcoffee]

I Went boating last weekend and this cap and zip ties solved the problem. Not a drop of water got in this time.