When Using Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors Do I Need To Repack Bearings Periodically?

Question

Question:

Does having a Bearing Buddy installed negate the need to take apart the wheel hub and repack the bearings with fresh grease periodically?

asked by: Jesse

0

Expert Reply:

When you use the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors like # BB2441, so you do not need to take apart the wheel hub and repack the bearings. The Bearing Buddy Protectors have a spring loaded seal that keeps the moisture and debris out of the bearings. This pressurized grease will maintain bearing function as long as the seal on the hub stays functional. If this seal is broken, I recommend inspecting and repacking good bearings when you replace the seal. As you maintain the grease in the Bearing Buddy, it continues to fill the bore, so your bearings and spindle stay properly lubricated for proper function.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Mark G.

6/10/2020

How often do I need to grease bearing buddys?

Reply

Jacob H.

6/12/2020

We recommend greasing your hubs on your trailer about every 12,000 miles under normal conditions. If you are hauling heavy loads often then you may want to so it sooner.

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Mark G.

6/12/2020

Thank you!What I mean is how often should I shoot grease into the bearing buddy as a preventative maintenance function?After so many trips,once a month etc.

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Chris R.

6/16/2020

Assuming the seal is in good condition (grease isn't escaping) there really shouldn't be a need to add more grease throughout the year. You're safe to follow the general guideline of once a year or 12,000 miles.

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See All (5) Replies to Mark G. ∨

Mark G.

6/20/2020

Thank you very much!

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Chris R.

6/23/2020

No problem at all!

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Rick B.

7/10/2024

Can you use Bearing Buddies on a boat trailer with drum brakes? Thanks, RB

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Bud M.

7/10/2024

@RickB Yes, Bearing Buddy bearing protectors can be used on a boat trailer with drum brakes. I do recommend using their matching grease seal kit as it is capable of the higher grease pressures you get with a Bearing Buddy. This helps prevent grease from getting into the brake assembly.

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Steve T.

7/17/2024

@BudM I just had my wheel bearings replaced on my single axle boat trailer and Bearing Buddies installed. The tech recommended that I add grease every time before I put it in the water after any trip of decent distance. Don't I run the risk of blowing out a rear seal doing this? If the seals are good, where is all the original grease going to make room for more? We probably tow it enough to get the bearing warm 5 or 6 times a year, and in 15 years of boating, I've never seen anyone else doing it. Is he being too cautious? Am I being to reckless not doing it? Thanks, ST

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Bud M.

7/17/2024

@SteveT If you used the auto check style bearing buddies you can simply check the pressure cap to determine when you need to add more grease. Typically I recommend checking them a few times a year depending on use. As grease doesn't just disappear you would notice if it were come out of the hub.

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Answer 1

Bearing Buddy pumps grease into the center of the hub all the way back to the grease seal. A double lip seal should be used to prevent grease from blowing out the seal when added. When the hub and seals and bearings are first assembled, they should…

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Answer 2

The great thing about Bearing Buddy like part #BB1781 is that when you add grease to your system with the included fitting, it will move the spring-loaded piston outward and allow grease to seep around the edges to keep from damaging the seal. You…

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Answer 3

If you can get me the capacity or diameter of the axle I can figure it out much quicker. Or if you can't get that the diameter of the spindles where the bearings ride will work too.

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Answer 4

Trailer tires and wheels do not typically come balanced from the factory like what you see with standard passenger vehicle tires. This isn't usually needed for trailer tires and most car shops don't have the needed setup to properly balance…

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Answer 5

The bearings should really be repacked every 12,000 miles or 12 months whichever comes first even if you are not putting 12,000 miles on the trailer. It still a good idea to routinely repack the bearings every 12 months because the grease breaks down…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

It is possible to over-fill a hub that has a Bearing Buddy bearing protector such as #BB1781. The convenience of easy filling through the zerk fitting can often mean we can be tempted to keep adding more grease. ("If a little is good, then more…

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Answer 8

The Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3.5K Axles part #AKIHUB-545-35-G-EZ-K is a direct replacement for a UFP H-1377.

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Answer 9

Hello Terry, good question. The Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel #TA67RR does not have a specific PSI rating. The PSI rating is determined by the valve stem, and by the tire itself. The wheel has a higher PSI rating than any compatible tire or…

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Answer 10

Yes, the part #FR37KR that you referenced will fit great in place of the 17 inch version part #FR57KR that you have now. It's the same width.

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Answer 11

Hey Charlie, thanks for reaching out! You can use Bearing Buddys like the Kit #BB1980A if your spindles have zerk fittings, but you'll need to remove the fittings in order to do so.

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Answer 12

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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When Using Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors Do I Need To Repack Bearings Periodically?

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