issue with bearring cap

[grandpaofthree]

I own a 2009 Rockwood 8313ss. My rig is dual axle and the hubs came equipped from the factory with bearring caps that include a grease fitting for easy lubrication. I have owned the unit for 4 years and I have greased the bearrings once or twice each year. This past weekend I pulled the trailer about 70 miles each way on a camping trip to my bother-in-law's hunting cabin. When I returned home and went to park at storage facility, I noticed that the rear driver side wheel was covered in black grease, the hub cover and bearring cap were missing! Long story made short, it had to have happened in the last five miles of my trip.

I have a few questions I hope someone can help answer:

1. What would cause the bearring cap and hub cover to both come off the wheel?
2. There is no obvious damage done except for grease everywhere. What kind of damage should I look for?

I am no trailer novice, but I have not had to repair a thing in the four years of ownership. Any help is appreciated

[TURBS]

Spindle nut on hub might be loose.
Cap may have just vibrated off.
Grease pressure may have loosened it .

Inspect and replace.

[grandpaofthree]

Thanks. The spindle nut is in place and cotter pin still attached. However, knowing could have simply vibrated off makes me feel better. Just still concerned that both the bearring cap and hub cover are missing. Makes me think more is happening.

[KyDan]

IF you mean by hub cover, a cheapo white plastic sort of small drinking glass looking
thing, mine fell off on their own. They had a tiny lip that was smashed flat by the
pressure of the wheel against the brake drum. They are about as cheap as it gets.

The metal grease cap probably wasn't seated all the way at the factory or dealer.
You should be able to get a similar replacement at most any auto part store.
Just measure the approximate diameter of your hub and go get a new one.

I replaced all mine with stainless steel bearing buddy caps. I know they aren't necessary for our type hubs but they do look good
and won't rust ever.

Check this page for any grease cap you could ever want.
Grease Caps | etrailer.com

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by grandpaofthree

Thanks. The spindle nut is in place and cotter pin still attached. However, knowing could have simply vibrated off makes me feel better. Just still concerned that both the bearring cap and hub cover are missing. Makes me think more is happening.

If you are referring to the hub cover as meaning hubcap, the brg cap could have came loose and got caught on the spindle nut and knocked the hub cap off. Would just replace both and make sure you get the brg cap on straight and secure. I use a large pc of pipe that fits over the brg cap and seats on the flange of the cap and seat it with the pipe/pc of wood/hammer.

Try not to hit the edge or end of the brg cover or use a screwdriver on the little flange.

[terrystevens]

I had the same thing happen on my New Graywolf. The cause was excessive heat caused by a dragging brake shoe.(manufacturing defect).No symptoms until the dust cap and hub cap blew off and like you, had grease all over the wheel.
Put a complete new brake assy including new drum on it under warranty.