Wheel Center Cap Extensions

[GATORB8]

Kind of off topic, but hoping someone has run across this.

I'm running Raceline Clutch 17x8.5 5x5 +18mm on both the Jeep and the camper trailer I'm building. We've had them on the Jeep for a year and a half, and I bought more for the trailer.

Here's the issue, the Raceline center caps are too shallow to clear the grease cap on the Timbren Axle Less Suspension by about 3/8". Raceline has some deep caps and extensions, but none of them work with the caps on the 5x5s.

My Googlefu is failing me, any ideas on sourcing a cap extension to clear? I only have 1/4" extra lug thread, so I can't run thick enough shallow spacers, and I'm already pretty wide, so I'd prefer not to use large ones.

Sponsored

 

[BDinTX]

Does this help?
934B-CLUTCH – Raceline Wheels

Edit: Oh I guess you're saying the XL one doesn't fit the 5 lug wheel.

 

[GATORB8]

Does this help?
934B-CLUTCH – Raceline Wheels

Edit: Oh I guess you're saying the XL one doesn't fit the 5 lug wheel.

Yeah, they only have them for the 8 lug and the UTVs.

 

[Fouts]

If it were me I would cut the centers out of the cap so I still had access to grease zerk.

 

[Philly_]

Try running to your local tire shop and see if they have any center caps from other wheels in stock that would work.

I lost a center cap from one of the wheels on my JK that had long been discontinued. Was able to go to discount tire and find some replacements that matched the wheels well and worked great!

 

[GATORB8]

If it were me I would cut the centers out of the cap so I still had access to grease zerk.

Like hole saw through around the grease cap? I checked and if I pull the grease cap and just run open bearing, I still can’t center cap over the zerk.

 

[The Fixer]

I was thinking the same as @Fouts . I'd measure the axle section that is protruding out, and get a holesaw bit that fits over it. Find the middle of the centercap, drill it out with the holesaw, and pop on the cap. If you painted the end of the axle, it would blend in nicely.

Alternatively, you could measure the opening on the lower half of the center cap, and get someone to 3D print a 1/2" spacer to clip in between that part and the top section with the logo.

 

[Headbarcode]

Is there enough room to go with a shallower grease cap without hitting the axle shaft and nut? I'm thinking of the type that doesn't have the extra meat to support a zerk fitting. It'll require popping the caps to add grease but it's not at all adding a lot of extra work to servicing, and shy of an inner grease seal failure, the bearings typically need to be tightened up from wear before they run out of grease. Tightening the axle nut to preload the bearings requires popping the caps anyway.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Have you tried contacting Raceline? May e they have deep center caps for other applications that use that same center bore.

 

[Discount Tire]

I have reached out to Raceline directly, and at this time they do not have a longer design to accommodate the bearing cover. They even cross referenced another wheel to see if the cap was interchangeable, but no luck.

I think the 3d printed option for a small spacer would be the way to go. The open cover doesn't look terrible.

 

[jaymz]

I’d just ditch the grease cap that’s there and try a standard grease cap in its place.

 

[GATORB8]

I have reached out to Raceline directly, and at this time they do not have a longer design to accommodate the bearing cover. They even cross referenced another wheel to see if the cap was interchangeable, but no luck.

I think the 3d printed option for a small spacer would be the way to go. The open cover doesn't look terrible.

Thanks Matt/Don, and thanks again for the help with the wheels/tires.

Build is coming along. Pictures in the garage don't do justice to how big this thing is with the 37s on.

 

[GATORB8]

I’d just ditch the grease cap that’s there and try a standard grease cap in its place.

Broke out the calipers last night, even straight to the zerk I don't have clearance.

That does make me wonder if maybe a different grease cap could look better.

 

[GATORB8]

Is there enough room to go with a shallower grease cap without hitting the axle shaft and nut? I'm thinking of the type that doesn't have the extra meat to support a zerk fitting. It'll require popping the caps to add grease but it's not at all adding a lot of extra work to servicing, and shy of an inner grease seal failure, the bearings typically need to be tightened up from wear before they run out of grease. Tightening the axle nut to preload the bearings requires popping the caps anyway.

The Timberns have the easy lube style so the grease zerk is drilled into the face of the spindle itself and you fill the bearings through the spindle.

The rubber on the cap is actually touching the zerk.

 

[jaymz]

Broke out the calipers last night, even straight to the zerk I don't have clearance.

That does make me wonder if maybe a different grease cap could look better.

Depending on how much room you need, it won’t hurt anything to take the zerk out and use a shorter cap. I’m guessing that probably won’t be an option though.

I might be in the minority, but it don’t grease my trailer bearings with the zerk anyway. I prefer to pack them by hand.

Sponsored