Help - Karavan Trailer -zerk (sp?) question

[BTMCB]

Hey guys and gals, I have a question. I am not a very mechanically inclined individual. Last night, after we returned from the lake, I was doing my usual post boat / trailer use clean up, etc. This includes checking the trailer tire pressure and greasing the bearings. On the starboard trailer wheel, I removed the rubber dust cap, put the grease gun to the zerk fitting (think that is what it is called) and shot some grease. When I removed the grease gun, the fitting game out with it and fell into the bearing cover. I might be able to retrieve it (did once but then lost it into the cover as I was trying to re-insert it). It was dark so I can't show you a photo but I have posted a photo of the wheel FWIW. My questions are (1) can the fitting be reinserted? (2) If not, can I just get a new one or do I need to buy a entire do hickey and (3) Can I use the trailer with the missing zerk without causing real damage? I do have a call into to Karavan but am not expecting a quick response. Trailer is a 2009 Karavan (galvanized) model US-4100 with what I believe they call "sure lube" system. Thanks in advance for any helpful insight.

 

[Dave.Mishchenko]

Re: Help - Karavan Trailer -zerk (sp?) question

You can knock the dust cap off for better access (see the first minute of this video - http://www.etrailer.com/tv-demo_trailer_hub_inspection.aspx). If you use a rubber mallet and give it a good tap as you rotate the wheel you can get it off without any damage to it. Once you have the cap removed it'll be easier to re-insert the zerk. I had pulled one off my 07 trailer and though the thread was stripped, but in fact these are just zerks that you push back in.

 

[ab1]

Re: Help - Karavan Trailer -zerk (sp?) question

Yep, just knock it loose, side to side, with a mallet and it will fall out. If you can't get it to hold anymore, I've heard of some people buying a threaded zirk and putting a nut behind it.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Help - Karavan Trailer -zerk (sp?) question

Thanks for the responses guys. I was hoping the answers would be like that. Will get the rubber mallet out when I get home! Thanks again.