I installed the chrome front end about 4k miles ago and haven't had any problems at all since the install. I ended up going for a 600mile round trip and on the way back started hearing a noise from the front end. A closer look revealed the front hub cap on the deluxe was loose and moving a lot. Not having the proper tools I just finished the trip. When I got home I took it apart and found the hub cap was not tight against the spacer anymore. There was no end play in the bearings and everything else seemed tight and the way it should be. The wheel hub was starting to grove a circle on the inside of the hub cap from where it was rubbing. It can actually be felt on the outside of the hub cap. Hate to think what would of happened if it went all the way through. There is no where to put a retaining ring on the spacer to hold the hub cap to the spacer thus keeping it away from the wheel hub.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.....

Im considering welding the hub cap to the spacer but was hoping to get other suggestions before getting out the mig.

Here you can see the grove the wheel hub was making in the hub cap.



Here is the outside of the hub cap, where the grove was starting to cut through to the outside of the hub cap.

 

I believe my 2006 Deluxe had a retaining ring on it. Now it has been a while since I put my custom wheels on but I do believe I remember correctly.

 

You said you chromed your front end--did you chrome your spacer's and all that stuff? I run my 2006 Deluxe without the hubcap and I love the look When I chromed the front end I just pulled the cap and added chrome spacers. Looks sweet.

 

I thought mine had a retaining ring, also.

Reino, I'll double check mine when I get home, and if you want it just PM me and I'll send it out to you. I'll never use it again.

And I agree with JPL, if you're chromed out it looks great without the hubcap.

 

I also think it looks better with out the hub cap.If you used the harley chrome spacers you really cant use the hub cap.There is no groove in them to accept the hub cap and retaining clip that is why it is most likely loose.If you used the stock spacers maybe the clip that holds the hub cap broke.We need more info on what spacers you are running to give a better answer.If you like the hub cap and no longer have the stock spacers I'll send you mine I 'm not gonna use them maybe you can get them chromed or polish them.This way you got chrome spacers and your hub cap.PM me if you want them.

 

I'm planing to take mine off for the cleaner look.

 

I believe the directions state if you use the chrome spacer on the hub side your not supposed to reinstall the hub. I just installed the chrome front end kit on my Deluxe and opted to leave the original spacer with the hub installed. I still like the look. If I ever change to another style spoke I might reconsider.

 

I cant seem to find my old spacer to compare but after looking at the ones at the local HD this is definitely not the same spacer. I like the look of the hub cap and would like to retain it. This just makes me wonder why they sell this as a chrome replacement for the stock spacer if it cant be used in its placement and still retain the hub cap.

Oh well, thanks for all the offers and Ive sent you a PM ElSupremo.

Here is a pic of the back side of the chrome spacer I was using.

 

That does not look like the stock harley spacer or the harley chrome replacement one.But it does look like it has a groove to except where the hub cap and retaining clip sits.May be the retaining clip just fell off.If you had that set up for a while and it was fine dont see how all of a sudden it just doesnt work any more.I really think the clip just fell off or broke.

 

Its not the stock spacer. Wether or not its the correct chrome replacement was my question. From reading everyones posts it seem there is no chrome replacement to use with the hub cap. Seems its either/or.
There is no grove for a clip in the spacer shown and no room to put a clip on. The spacer only goes through the hub cap about 3 **** hairs. I dont know what kept it on all this time.