Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1968 - Chrome Plated - Qty 2
(1513 reviews)
Price: $29.24
In Stock
Bearing Buddy
Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1968 - Chrome Plated - Qty 2
Part Number: BB1968
In Stock
$29.24
Retail:$32.05
You Save: 9%
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
- All Info
- Reviews (1513)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - BB1968
- Caps
- Bearing Protector Grease Cap
- 2000 lbs Axle
- 3500 lbs Axle
- Bearing Buddy
- 1.96 Inch
Protect your trailer bearings from water, dirt, and corrosion while making greasing quick and easy. Bearing Buddies maintain light grease pressure inside the hub to help prevent bearing failure, even when your hubs are completely submerged.
Features:
- Replaces the grease cap in the axle hub
- Prevents wheel-bearing failure
- Keeps water and dirt out of hubs and bearings
- Allows boat trailer wheels to be completely submerged
- Stops corrosion and pitting on bearings
- Provides easily accessible grease fitting
- Makes adding grease to the bearings quick and simple
- Maintains slight, controlled pressure (3 psi) with spring-loaded piston, preventing water from entering hub
- Prevents overfilling and rear seal damage with automatic pressure-relief feature
- Grease seeps around piston edges and into barrel when full
- Constructed of stainless steel internal parts and triple-chrome-plated steel barrel
- Ensures longer-lasting fit than plastic or aluminum products
- Includes rubber covers
- Installs easily
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Fits 1.968" hub bore
- Works with outer bearing models M12649 and 07100
- Works with outer bearing cup (race) models M12610 and 07196
- Commonly found on 2,000 lb and 3500 lb axles
- Lifetime warranty
Bearing Buddy Operation
Replace your existing grease cap with a Bearing Buddy to ensure a safe, easy way to monitor and control the level of grease in your axle hub. To adjust the amount of grease in the hub, use a grease gun to add more through the appropriate fitting. Adding grease moves the Bearing Buddy spring-loaded piston outward 1/8".
The O-ring inside the barrel of the Bearing Buddy maintains a seal from the outside. The interior of the Bearing Buddy is pressurized, preventing water from entering the barrel and diluting the grease.
An automatic pressure-relief feature is built into the Bearing Buddy. When the device is full, grease will seep around the edges of the piston and into the barrel. This prevents overfilling that can damage the inner seal.
You can manually check the grease level in your Bearing Buddy by pressing on the edge of the piston. If you can rock or move the piston, the hub is properly filled.
42600 Bearing Buddy Model 1968 - 1.968 Bore - Chrome Plated - Quantity 2
Customer Satisfaction Score:
83% were satisfied with this product
17% of customers were not satisfied
- etrailer mistake
- Product did not meet expectations
- Wrong item was ordered
Ratings & Reviews
4.8
1513 reviews
by:
Cathy
08/23/2026
quick shipping - too small for my hub but I have other trailers they will probably fit - glad they had this unusual size bearing buddy as I couldn't get the 1.98 size to go into the hub
by:
John
08/31/2026
I like bearing buddies....when they fit....this pair did not even after using a new micrometer. Oh well. Problem is it cost me $15.00 to ship it back. So much for any savings ..so i ordered the next size up. Good luck to me...etrailer staff are very pleasant to talk to. Have no complaints
by:
Robert
05/19/2026
Customer Service, ease of ordering, quick shipping were all great. Unfortunately, the diameter of these are slightly undersize and popped out as soon as I tried driving. Thru some engineering changes I was able to make them work, would let bearing buddies know they need to up their inspection.
by:
Kurt
07/23/2026
Pleasure to deal with! Efficient service.
by:
Aaron
05/29/2025
Didn’t quite fit, stuck in vice and spead where the cap meets the hub and made them fit.
The shipping time is outrageous, the tracking number took 3 days to be received by the postal service after 2 days waiting for the tracking number to be created. So basically 1 week processing time.
The shipping time is outrageous, the tracking number took 3 days to be received by the postal service after 2 days waiting for the tracking number to be created. So basically 1 week processing time.
by:
Randy
03/23/2026
Quick and easy to order. Delivery was very quick. Great company.
by:
Mark N.
04/30/2017
I am so happy to get these Bearing buddies. It will save me so much money. I can grease the bearings easily, without hassle and without taking it in to pay someone to do it.
by:
Colby
01/16/2025
I like the Bearing Buddies overall. But they did not fit right out of the box. I measured my hubs with a caliper, ordered the recommended model. They were just slightly undersized. I had to enlarge their diameter ever so slightly with a socket and a press to make them fit. But I made them work.
by:
Jonathan
02/13/2024
I wasn’t going to write anything, but since feedback was sought out and requested…here it is. The bearing buddies themselves were fine. I followed instructions, used a micrometer caliper to size things, but still ordered the wrong size. That’s not really etrailer’s problem, but mine. The reason I’m not thrilled, is because to return them is so expensive it’s not even worth it. While you get “free shipping” to order, if you have to return them, you have to back pay the shipping, and of course the return shipping as well, so you end up with a few bucks and the inconvenience of a bunch of time spent getting them shipped back. I would rather support the small guy, but on this one, with the sizing being a little tricky, I would have been much better off getting them from Amazon that makes returns easy.
by:
Cesar
08/19/2019
Simply fantastic service. Adjusted my order on the fly and made sure it got to me on time, for a hassle free long-distance trip. Thank you Carol!
As for the product -- I went with 1980 SS in the end. Easy to install, load with grease. My trailer's wheels were blissfully silent across an 800 mile round trip.
(Now to return the ones I didn't need...)
As for the product -- I went with 1980 SS in the end. Easy to install, load with grease. My trailer's wheels were blissfully silent across an 800 mile round trip.
(Now to return the ones I didn't need...)
by:
Wm. A.
09/09/2015
Service at etrailer has been great. These Bearing Buddies are the best, and the pricing is great too. If you ever have a problem, the staff is always there to help you.
by:
Dave
06/07/2016
Bearing buddies fit perfectly and arrived quite fast. I will do business with etrailer again.
by:
Robert
07/15/2017
Bearing buddies take much of the concern out of pulling my trailer. thanks
by:
Mark S
06/09/2025
Very nice product, just needed some pipe tape to make them tighter. They were the exact size had to beat them in per directions. Would recommend to others.
by:
Buddy
06/29/2015
The price was low and the shipping cheap and fast. I'd definately use etrailer again.
by:
Dick L
07/07/2016
Excellent name brand product - Bearing Buddies. Quick and efficient delivery and the price was very competitive!
by:
Jennifer
06/11/2025
just what I needed
by:
GregL
09/13/2016
Shipped earlier than expected. Quality name brand product with boot accessory for better price. Just received and installed in 10 minutes Great Value Strongly Recommend seller 5 stars !
Gregl
9/13/2017
Still keeping my hubs dry, I take my jet skis to the lake 2 to 3 times a month during summer Trailer stays in the water for up to 6 hrs each time No complaints ..just always keep the bearing preloaded with grease
by:
Jim m
08/17/2017
Bearing buddies what can I say great product!!!
by:
Patrick
07/13/2022
Product was delivered as requested. Overall process was very smooth.
Patrick
7/14/2023
The product solved my issue. I have not had to worry about it since.
by:
Tom
12/03/2024
I just wish someone would have told me that the bearing buddies that I bought did not fit the hub I bought....
Victoria H.
12/4/2024
Hi Tom, I know that is not a good experience and that it has been a year, but I'd like to help make this right for you. After looking into this more for you, it looks like you purchased the Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles - 4 on 4 - Galvanized part number # AKIHUB-440-2-G-EZ-1K. Since you have the galvanized hub style, I would recommend opting for stainless steel since these are more corrosion resistant and are great for boating trailers, or to withstand the weather. With that being said, the part # BB1980A-SS, Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair) would be the right option for your trailer. If you haven't used the Bearing Buddy you previously purchased, you are able to return it, and I would be happy to help you get the right parts on their way to you.
by:
Tammy
04/23/2021
They were very patient, helpful, and pleasant. Also very efficient, a good experience.
by:
Jon N.
08/11/2014
Easy to order on line. Item shipped quickly and arrived prior to the expected date. Product exactly as ordered. Fits great and no more worrying about failed bearing do to improper lubrication.
by:
David
12/27/2018
Solid product
by:
Steve C.
10/14/2011
were competitively priced. Were shipped fast and delivered on time..
25
1513
true
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Is There Bearing Buddy that is Slightly Smaller that Size for 1.98 inch Hub BoreHey David, so the next smallest sized Bearing Buddy is the part # BB1968 and then # BB1938. That's just a little smaller than the 1.98 size you tried so that is PROBABLY what you need but it would be best to measure first to be sure.
view full answer... - What Model Bearing Buddy Do I Need for a 1.965" Hub Bore? Hey Stan, thanks for the measurements. We've got two options for Bearing Buddy's that fit a 1.965 hub bore. The only difference in the two is the finish. I have listed them below: Chrome Plated - Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors item # BB1968 Stainless Steel - Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors item # BB1968SS If you have any additional questions, go ahead and throw them into the comment box below and I'll be happy to answer them.
view full answer... - Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for Hubs With 1.966" Hub BoreHi Branden; with a 1.966" hub bore you want the Bearing Buddy that fits a 1.968" hub bore. These are drive in so that 0.002" difference won't matter for fitment. I recommend getting the stainless steel # BB1968SS so you don't have to worry about corrosion but the chrome plated # BB1968 will also work. Any big trips planned with your camper this fall?
view full answer... - What is Next Size Smaller Bearing Buddy than One with 1.98 inch Outer DiameterBearing Buddy does have a size that is slightly smaller than the 1.98 inch one you already tried with the # BB1968 or stainless steel # BB1968SS. It's .012 of an inch smaller in diameter which sounds like exactly what you are looking for.
view full answer... - Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for 1.975 Hub Bore DiameterThe closest Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors we have to matching the 1.975" inner hub bore diameter you measured are part # BB1968 for Chrome or # BB1968SS for Stainless Steel (rust resistance). As you mentioned in your question these are designed to fit a 1.968" hub bore, so it doesn't match your dimension exactly but it's close enough to fit and work great (this is a difference of just 0.007"). The hub bore is going to be tapered as well which will further seal this cap in place. I...
view full answer... - Recommended Replacement 1.975-Inch Dust Cap for Heartland Trailer with 3500-lb AxlesFor a standard grease cap close to your original's 1.975-inch diameter you can use part # F001610 which is 1.960-inches. If your hubs are not threaded, then for a Bearing Buddy protector you can use stainless steel part # BB1968SS or chrome-plated part # BB1968.
view full answer... - Availability Of Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors Smaller Than 1.980" In DiameterI would be happy to help! The Bearing Buddy you purchased measures 1.980" O.D so the two smaller, but close in size options which are the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1968 - Chrome Plated (Pair) # BB1968 which measure 1.968", or the # BB1938 which measures 1.938". To confirm which Bearing Buddy is correct for your trailer I recommend measuring your hub bore first. You will need to use digital calipers # PTW80157 and measure your hub in the location shown in the included diagram. If...
view full answer...
- Bearing Protectors for a Trailer with a 1.950 Inch Hub BoreThe closest fit of any bearing protector we have to a 1.950 hub bore is going to be either # BB1968SS for stainless steel or # BB1968 for chrome plated. These are designed to fit a hub bore of 1.968 inches. Bearing protectors are often slightly larger than the hub bore for a tight fit. But 0.018 inches still might be too large to fit. Make sure that when you measure you are using dial or digital calipers for the most accurate measurement. It also might help if you can tell me the inner...
view full answer... - Choosing Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for Timeout Motorcycle Tent TrailerBearing Buddy bearing protectors are offered in many sizes to fit a wide range of hub bores. The linked page will show you all parts which you can sort based on the measurement you take of your hub bore. You want to choose the Bearing Buddy with an outer diameter that is closest to your hub bore measurement. Please refer to the linked photo for illustration of the needed measurement. You will need a precision digital or dial caliper to measure your hub bore to the nearest thousandth, which...
view full answer...
- How To Determine Which Bearing Buddy Fits Single Axle Pontoon Boat TrailerThere are a few Bearing Buddy sizes between 1.980" and 1.78" that you mentioned. There is the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1810 - Chrome Plated (Pair) # BB1810 which fits hub bores that are 1.810", the # BB1938 which fits hub bores that are 1.938", and the # BB1968 which fits hub bores that are 1.968". To confirm which one is correct for the hubs on your single axle pontoon boat trailer you will need to use digital calipers like # PTW80157 to precisely measure the hub bore...
view full answer...
- How to Determine the Right Size Bearing Buddy for a Ranger Utility TrailerInstead of measuring the dust cap you have, measure the hub bore where the dust cap fits. You need the most accurate measurement possible so using dial or digital calipers is the way to go. Usually the dust cap or bearing protector outer diameter is slightly larger than the hub bore. this is so you have a very tight fit. It sounds like you might actually need a 1.98 inch, which is more common. But measuring the hub bore should tell us. In the event that the hub bore returns a similar measurement...
view full answer... - Bearing Buddy Recommendation for a Trailer Hub with 1.974 BoreThe closest bearing buddy we have would be the 1.980 part # BB1980A that it sounds like already tried. The next smallest size we have is the 1.968 part # BB1968 which unless you measured wrong would be too small. I am surprised you couldn't get the # BB1980A to fit. That should be close enough to make it work, it could be that you need to use a hammer and a board to lightly tap it into place.
view full answer... - Replacement Idler Hub Assemblies And Wheels For Boat TrailerMy thoughts are you have a really badly marred spindle, but that many flats is still crazy. You are most likely overloading your axle with the weights you gave. The cuts into your spindle are not good and could be from a bearing seized up that could cause issues for sure including a blown tire. If you want to swap out the hub, as long as your inner diameter on your bearings is 1 inch, the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 4 on 4 # AKIHUB-440-2-1K will work very well. ...
view full answer...
- Threaded Bearing Buddy Recommendation for a 1.980 Diamter Hub BoreThe Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980T-SS that you referenced is the closest threaded bearing buddy we offer to yours that measures 1.85 inches in diameter. This bearing buddy is designed to work on hub bores that measure 1.98 inches. You might try measuring yours again and be sure to get an exact measurement with a dial or digital caliper.
view full answer... - Correct Bearing Buddy for Hub Bore DiameterHi Bruce, Thanks for your question! Based on the hub bore measurement you provided, I recommend using a Bearing Buddy designed for a 1.968-inch hub bore. You have a couple of options: Part # BB1968 for the chrome-plated version Part # BB1968SS for the stainless steel version The stainless steel option is going to be preferable for marine applications and corrosion resistance. Based on your measurement, I believe the 1980 Model Bearing Buddy # BB84SR would be too large to install properly...
view full answer... - What Size Bearing Buddy Is Needed For A Hub Bore Size Of 1.940 Inches On A 1951 Utility TrailerI have a Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector, # BB1938, which fits a 1.938 inch hub bore. This would be the closet to your measurement of 1.940 inches and should work in your hub. The next closest size I would have is the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector, # BB1968, it fits a 1.968 inch hub bore. The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector, # BB2047, you have referenced fits a 2.047 hub bore, which would be too big for your trailer.
view full answer... - Bearing Buddy Recommendation to Replace Dust Cap that Measures 1.964 inchesThe closest Bearing Buddy we offer which would be a fit is the part # BB1968. This fits the outside diameter of the cap you mentioned as it measures 1.968 inches.
view full answer... - Which Bearing Buddy Do I Need on My Utility TrailerSince the 1.98 inch is just slightly too large then more than likely the 1.968 inch # BB1968 is going to be your fit. To find out for sure which Bearing Buddy you need you can check your bearings. If your outer bearing is M12649 or 07100 then you need the 1.968 inch. If you have outer bearing models L44643, L44649 or L44640 then you will need a 1.98 inch Bearing Buddy # BB1980A. Or if your outer bearing is model 09067 then you need the 1.938 inch # BB1938.
view full answer... - Recommended Replacement Hubs and Bearing Buddies for Boat TrailerChoosing replacement hubs for your trailer requires matching up the bearing set used, axle weight capacity and wheel bolt pattern so that everything fits together properly. Once you have these details handy you can use the link provided to see all replacement hubs. First at the top of the page choose idler hubs, hub/drums or hub/discs. Then use the filters on the page to choose your bolt pattern (we'll use 5-on-4-1/2 as an example), inner and outer bearings, axle capacity, etc. For example,...
view full answer... - Recommended Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for Hubs with Bore of 1.986-InchesIt sounds like you are looking for a Bearing Buddy bearing protector with a grease zerk fitting for your hub that has a 1.986-inch inner diameter. We offer two choices for your pop-up, either chrome-plated Bearing Buddy # BB1968 or the stainless steel version # BB1968SS. Both kits include two Bearing Buddy protectors and two flexible covers. Take some care when initially filling the protectors with grease to avoid over-filling that could blow out your inner grease seal.
view full answer... - Recommended Replacement Hubs for Boat TrailerChoosing replacement hubs for your trailer requires matching up the bearing set used, axle weight capacity and wheel bolt pattern so that everything fits together properly. Once you have these details handy you can use the link provided to see all replacement hubs. First at the top of the page choose idler hubs, hub/drums or hub/discs. Then use the filters on the page to choose your bolt pattern (we'll use 5-on-4-1/2 as an example), inner and outer bearings, axle capacity, etc. For example,...
view full answer... - Bearing Buddy Recommendation for Trailer Where BB1938 Was Slightly Too SmallIf the 1938 Bearing Buddy was too small the next biggest size is the # BB1968 which is for a hub bore of 1.968 inches. Since this is pretty close to what you thought you had and is slightly larger this would most likely be it.
view full answer... - Will Tire and Wheel Combo AM30820 Fit a Trailer Hub that Uses Wheel Bolts Instead of Lug NutsWhat you have are wheel bolts and a hubcentric hub. This means that the wheels center on the hub using the center pilot hole. The pilot home then has to be exact, otherwise the wheel cannot be properly centered. The pilot hole on tire and wheel combo # AM30820 is 3.19 inches. Compare that to the pilot hole on the wheels you have to determine if this tire and wheel combo will fit. If it will then you can use it. There could be slight variations in the measurements for the Bearing Buddies...
view full answer... - What Bearing Buddy Fits the CE Smith Trailer Hub Assembly with 1.98" Hub DiameterThe CE Smith Trailer Hub Assembly # CE13100 has L44643 inner and outer bearings and a hub inner diameter of 1.98 inches. The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated # BB1980A fit 1.98 inch hub bores and work with several bearing models including the L44643. I have attached an installation video for your reference.
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Trailer Bearings Races Seals Cap?
Info for this part was:
Written by:
Tyler C
Installed by:
Jeff D
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Adam R
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Video Edited:
Chris R
Updated by:
Daron K
Updated by:
Dawn Z
At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Mark N.
4/30/2018
The bearing buddies are excellent. I travel for a living and it is hard to take the tires off to do the bearings while living in an RV park. Now, I can just pull the plastic dust seal and do it in a matter of minutes. I will definitely use them again if I have another trailer that doesnt have access for lubing the bearings.