Cap on Front Hub

[Mark Schrier]

This has been bugging me 'cause I couldn't figure out why it's there. I'd be talking about the 7/16" x 1/2" fine thread bolt that some one put in the cap (part #2n 1139-B) on the right front hub of my 8N.

I unscrewed the cap, and the bearings appear OK and well greased. The bolt appears to do nothing but plug the hole.

Since my uncle isn't around any more to ask, I'd thought I'd see if anyone here knows a reason for doing such a thing. Guess I'll also be interested in picking up another one (preferably bolt less!), if there is no good reason for it

Mark

 

[Mark Schrier]

Of course, it occurs to me right after I post that this may have been some one's method of pulling a stubborn hub. Using a longer bolt, of course.

Mark

 

[Jimmyjack]

Why is there a bolt there in the first place? Not
normal. Get a new cap.

 

[Jim in LA]

That looks almost like the PTO cap.

 

[Charner MS]

I would guess to grease. Remove the bolt and shoot a little grease in. I've seen grease fitting installed but easily knocked off.

 

[Royse]

I don't know Mark, but if it is threaded well, your idea of a puller
makes sense. It wouldn't hold a lot of force, but maybe enough.

 

[Hobo,NC]

Its not to pull it , its to remind you of your uncle,,, leave it B...

 

[duey]

Well, you COULD weld the bolt hole shut and even build up the shoulders of the flats to make them more 'wrenchable'... But that is only if you like to make use of the welder.....

And TIG welders are FUN to play with!

duey

 

[js305]

Just a guess, but I bet that somehow, someway, a hole got poked in the cap and the easiest way to plug it was drill out the hole and tap it and put the bolt in. I did this on the corner of an oil pan that had a hole in it one time.

 

[36 Coupe]

A Ford pto cap is much deeper than a hub cap.

 

[NoNewParts]

on a worker, I'd leave it
bolt out, stick your grease gun in, wrap a rag around it
and squeeze the rag hard and pump some grease in, handy
or use a softer bolt and drill it for a grease zerk

those dang caps should have had a bolt head from the factory anyway.
easier to get off without using those knuckle busting channel locks on the not deep enough wrench flats

 

[souNdguy]

lotsa good ieads... blocks a knocked in hole. remove to lube.. or pull a hub.

if it was a soft bolt i'd drill it for a grease zerk.. either way.. your call.

could just leave it if it ain't wobblin around. can unscrew to shoot grease in there.. etc..

 

[Gary (Or)]

Are both hubs like this or just the one?



Gary (Or)

 

[D beatty]

If you don't like it you could have it brazed or welded. Puting a grease zerk on end off cap is very prone to getting knocked off.If you put a grease zerk on it put it on the side of cap less prone to getting knocked off.

 

[HCooke]

Best answer of the post!

 

[Dave8N in Pa]

I wonder if he was trying to use gear oil instead of grease?