The hub cap is one of the smallest parts on a BPW ECOPLUS trailer axle, yet it protects one of the most expensive: the wheel bearing. A cracked, missing or poorly fitted hub cap lets in water, dust and road grime, contaminates the bearing grease, and can lead to bearing failure and unplanned downtime. This guide walks through replacing a BPW ECOPLUS hub cap correctly.
What the hub cap does
On BPW ECOPLUS axles the hub cap seals the end of the wheel hub, retaining the bearing lubricant and keeping contaminants out. Many ECOPLUS caps use a bayonet (quarter-turn) fitting for fast service, while others are threaded. Keeping this seal intact directly extends bearing life and maintains the axle's designed running temperature.
Tools and parts you will need
- Correct replacement BPW ECOPLUS hub cap (match the OEM reference and fitting type)
- Hub cap spanner or the correct BPW service tool
- Clean rag, brake cleaner and fresh bearing grease if topping up
- Torque wrench (always tighten to BPW's published specification)
Step by step
- Park safely. Chock the wheels, apply the parking brake and make sure the axle is not loaded before you start.
- Remove the old cap. For bayonet caps, turn a quarter-turn to release; for threaded caps, unscrew with the correct spanner. Avoid levering with a screwdriver, which damages the seat.
- Inspect. Check the hub thread or bayonet seat, the O-ring or seal, and the condition and level of the bearing grease. Contaminated or discoloured grease is a warning sign that the bearing should be inspected.
- Clean. Wipe the sealing face clean so the new cap seats fully. Do not introduce dirt into the hub.
- Fit the new cap. Seat the replacement squarely, then lock the bayonet or thread it home. Tighten to BPW's specified torque do not overtighten, which can crack the cap or distort the seal.
- Recheck. Confirm the cap is fully seated and there are no gaps around the seal.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Fitting the wrong cap type (bayonet vs threaded) or an incorrect OEM reference
- Overtightening and cracking the cap
- Reusing a hardened or damaged seal
- Ignoring discoloured grease, which often signals a bigger bearing issue
How to order the right part
BPW hub caps are ordered by OEM reference. If you are not sure which one you need, send the number stamped on the old cap or a photo of the hub. Browse genuine-type BPW hub caps in our Hub Caps collection, or see the full BPW parts range. For distributors and fleets, we consolidate multiple references into one DHL Express shipment at wholesale B2B pricing.
Need a quote? Send your BPW parts list to sales@mspexport.com or message us on WhatsApp for a fast quotation.
Need help finding the right part?
Send us OEM codes, product photos or brand references. Our team will help you identify the correct component.