Repost Coleman Grease Cap

[jenmenke]

I posted this in the "fix it" forum but haven't had any luck yet, so am trying it here. Sorry for redundancy...

I am trying to find information about the grease cap on my 1990 Coleman Columbia pop up. I had the bearings repacked last year and about 2 days into our trip one of the original caps fell off. We tried to buy a replacement but they were all slightly too big and quickly fell off. It must be an odd-ball size. (Bearing buddies also don't fit, so unless there are other options I'm not aware of, that's not a solution either.)

From best I can tell (measured the outside to outside edge of the other original cap) the size is 1.9375." All the trailer parts offer are 1.781" or 1.980". I believe these are too big.

Do these trailers have custom sized bearings? Any advice?
thanks
Jennie Menke

(I was told to look for info on the axle, but the tag I found was unreadable. So I don't know what type or size the axle is, tho I was told it is probably a Dexter. I went online to their site, but still can't figure out for sure.)

[abbear]

You might start by calling Dexter and explaining your situation to them.  If they did manufacture the axle they could probably let you know what the size is.  I would try the same thing with the local fleetwood dealer and see if they have specs on it.  The last thing I would try (or maybe the first)  would be to look in the phone book under brakes or wheel alignment, frame, and axle servicing (actual heading).

I actually found a place near me that carried all the dexter parts.  They were a brake and wheel place and I found them by starting with my fleetwood dealer who sent me to another rv dealer who sent me to an rv parts house who sent me to this place.  Persistence can pay off.

Good luck to you.

[jtprevatte]

I posted this in the "fix it" forum but haven't had any luck yet, so am trying it here. Sorry for redundancy...
 
I am trying to find information about the grease cap on my 1990 Coleman Columbia pop up. I had the bearings repacked last year and about 2 days into our trip one of the original caps fell off. We tried to buy a replacement but they were all slightly too big and quickly fell off. It must be an odd-ball size. (Bearing buddies also don't fit, so unless there are other options I'm not aware of, that's not a solution either.)
 
From best I can tell (measured the outside to outside edge of the other original cap) the size is 1.9375." All the trailer parts offer are 1.781" or 1.980". I believe these are too big.
 
Do these trailers have custom sized bearings? Any advice?
thanks
Jennie Menke
 
(I was told to look for info on the axle, but the tag I found was unreadable. So I don't know what type or size the axle is, tho I was told it is probably a Dexter. I went online to their site, but still can't figure out for sure.)

It is actually supossed to be larger than the opening to keep the tension on it and keep it from falling out.  You have to drive it in with a hammer....

[jenmenke]

>>

It is actually supossed to be larger than the opening to keep the tension on it and keep it from falling out.  You have to drive it in with a hammer....

<<

What is supposed to be larger? the cap? The caps I have to choose from online and at Napa Auto Parts-type stores are 1.980 and 1.781.

1.781 is too small -- even with a hammer -- at least I THINK so... The cap I have that actually DOES fit is 1.938.  The 1.980 falls off. I must not be understanding you?

[mlslocks]

The cap goes inside the hole in the hub. It sounds like you are using a large cap to go over the hub.

[jenmenke]

The cap goes inside the hole in the hub. It sounds like you are using a large cap to go over the hub.

Are you SERIOUS? So you are saying that if we got the smaller one it might fit? So then the outside of the stub I would be looking at would actually be part of the axle/bearing/whatever?

No way.

Thanks. I'll try it.
Jennie

[Tim5055]

Are you SERIOUS? So you are saying that if we got the smaller one it might fit? So then the outside of the stub I would be looking at would actually be part of the axle/bearing/whatever?

No way.

Thanks. I'll try it.
Jennie

Yup, use a hammer to gently tap it into place "inside" the hole.  The friction holds it in place.

[Shawsee]

Jen,

If you said you measured your other dust cap and it was 1.9375 I don't see why the dust cap that is listed as 1.980 wouldn't fit. If you subtract 1.937 from 1.980 that equals a difference of .0425 then if you divide the .0425 by 2(for the circumference) that equals .02125. So that would mean that if you buy the 1.980 dust cap there would be a .021 thousands press fit into the hub shoulder. That does seem rather for a tight fit but I'm sure it would probably go with some persuassion with a hammer.

Now when you said you measured the dust cap, did you measure the whole diameter of the cap or did you measure the "shoulder" where it presses into the hub's shoulder? That makes a huge difference if you did. Measure just the shoulder where it is about a half inch long on the original dust cap. Now I am all confused! LOL

The best way to determine what size dust cap you need is to actually measure the inside diameter of the hub with some vernier calipers. Then you will know exactly what size you need.

[flyfisherman]

No doubt it is a Dexter Axle. Since you have the measurements, I should think an email to Dexter would get you some results and you can access them on their website.

In times past, when I lost a dust cap and could only find one that was about the same size as the hub, I put the bugger in a vise and with a hack saw, cut two slots on opposite sides, then gently tapped it together which gave the cover a sort ow "wedge" effect and got it started and then with a rubber mallot, drove it home!


Fly

I posted this in the "fix it" forum but haven't had any luck yet, so am trying it here. Sorry for redundancy...

I am trying to find information about the grease cap on my 1990 Coleman Columbia pop up. I had the bearings repacked last year and about 2 days into our trip one of the original caps fell off. We tried to buy a replacement but they were all slightly too big and quickly fell off. It must be an odd-ball size. (Bearing buddies also don't fit, so unless there are other options I'm not aware of, that's not a solution either.)

From best I can tell (measured the outside to outside edge of the other original cap) the size is 1.9375." All the trailer parts offer are 1.781" or 1.980". I believe these are too big.

Do these trailers have custom sized bearings? Any advice?
thanks
Jennie Menke

(I was told to look for info on the axle, but the tag I found was unreadable. So I don't know what type or size the axle is, tho I was told it is probably a Dexter. I went online to their site, but still can't figure out for sure.)

[tknick]

about the only analogy I can think of is a tupperware container upside down.  the lid of the tupperware container would be the hub attached to your trailer.  the container would represent the dust cap.  the dust cap goes inside the rim of the hub and like a tupperware container, friction keeps it in place.  and yes, you must drive the cap in with a hammer (although use something to protect the cap from being deformed like a block of wood). HERE is the link to dexter's grease caps. Im guessing the K71-314-00 would be the correct size based on what you measured.

HTH

travis

[jenmenke]

Thanks everyone! I was being stupid. Yes, I can see that the cap goes inside. I understand what you are talking about now. The original one did fit inside like that. I just wasn't processing it. Thanks for your patience.

I like all your ideas and will get going on them. I did email Dexter and never heard back from them. I will try again. But I bet one of your solutions will work.

I'll get back here in a day or so and let you know how it went.
Jennie

[Buckeye Camper]

I had the bearings replaced on my 93 Coleman Seqouia last year and like your experience, the caps fell off more than once. The dealer told me that he just changed suppliers and the caps may not have been the right size. He told me that Fleetwood lists the cap size as 1.986 - This is just slightly larger than the 1.98 caps that you can buy in most autoparts stores. I found several sites on the web that carry 1.986 caps. I have had no problems since I bought new caps. Maybe they will work for you.

[jenmenke]

thanks. We just got back from our trip. We put on just over 3000 miles and the caps I got from Dexter worked great. I did end up hearing back from someone on my email to Dexter. He told me that if Dexter had made the axel, then I should order Part Number 021-003-00. I did and it fit great.

Thanks to all who helped!
Jennie Menke