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  1. Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
  2. Bearing Buddy
  3. Caps
  4. Bearing Protector Grease Cap
  5. 1.98 Inch
Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair)

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair)

Item # BB1980A
Our Price: $47.54
Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
Shipping Weight: 0.99 lbs
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Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps BB1980A - Bearing Protector Grease Cap - Bearing Buddy
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Provide your trailer bearings with premium protection - replace your existing grease caps with Bearing Buddies. They provide an easy way to control the grease volume in your axle hub and have blue indicator rings to visually monitor levels. Great Prices for the best trailer bearings races seals caps from Bearing Buddy. Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair) part number BB1980A can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - BB1980A

  • Caps
  • Bearing Protector Grease Cap
  • 1.98 Inch
  • Bearing Buddy

Provide your trailer bearings with premium protection - replace your existing grease caps with Bearing Buddies. They provide an easy way to control the grease volume in your axle hub and have blue indicator rings to visually monitor levels.


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
  • Allows visual monitoring of grease levels with blue indicator ring
    • Ring sits flush with top of cylinder when full
    • If ring is below top, add grease to move piston outward 1/8"
  • 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 1.980" hub bore
    • Works with outer bearing models L-44643, L-44649 and L-44640
    • Works with outer bearing cup (race) model L44610
      • Commonly found on 2,000-lb, 2,500-lb and 3,500-lb Dexter axles
  • Lifetime warranty


Bearing Buddy installed diagram

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.

The blue indicator ring allows you to visually monitor the amount of grease in your hub. The ring should sit flush with the top of the cylinder. If the ring is below the top of the cylinder, add grease until the piston moves 1/8" outward.



42200 Bearing Buddy Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair)





Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair) - BB1980A

Average Customer Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars   (357 Customer Reviews)

Provide your trailer bearings with premium protection - replace your existing grease caps with Bearing Buddies. They provide an easy way to control the grease volume in your axle hub and have blue indicator rings to visually monitor levels.

by:

I installed these without too much difficulty - the etrailer instruction video for bearing protectors was extremely helpful. I haven't used the trailer much yet but expect these to work well.



by:

Bearing Buddies been working wonders for decades!
Everyone knows that unless they been living in a cave:)



by:

First rate service and product knowledge.
Many
thanks

William

10/30/2023

Great



by:

I was struggling to find the correct hub kit for my boat trailer because etrailer has a large inventory of products. I decided to call and the salesperson Mellissa found the correct part in minutes and had it shipped to my house in less than 24 hours. It’s is nice to know that etrailer still believes in great customer service and the human element of customer service.



by:

I recently upgraded my 43 year old small boat trailer with parts from ETRAILER. New hubs, bearings, Bearing Buddy's, wheels and tires. Natalie L spent quite a bit of time on the phone with me to figure out what I needed and when it arrived everything was perfect. This is the first time I have replaced the hubs and wheels in 43 years. Timely service, great prices and I could not be more pleased.



by:

Bearing Buddies, the only way to fly on a boat trailer. No substitutes.



by:

I could not be happier,

What a
diiference to have not just good brakes, but great brakes. Plus, the install was so easy, all the hardware was a perfect fit, instructions were right on the money (btw, I'm a retired engineer from a nuclear plant and I wrote procedures, so I'm picky) Anyway, towed the boat 1,000 miles and what a reassuring feeling to know that the equipment is in good working order and does the job when called upon.

I'm attaching a couple of pictures so you can see what I did.

Thanks again, I will be using etrailer in the future anytime I need something, feel free to pass on my comments



by:

Buddy bearings make keep grease in the hubs so much easier. No need to take them off to apply grease, just shoot some marine grease into the zerk fittings and put the soft cap back on and your good to go. Easy to install!



by:

When I called etrailer for supplies I spoke with Dana. She was most helpful in securing the correct bearings and races for my small trailer. She helped through the entire process and had my order shipped the same day. I am very satisfied with the order and the speed it was delivered. I am sure you will be happy with any order placed with etrailer, Chuck B.



by:

Works great, no issues. Another happy c amper!



by:

Easy and fast as always!! Thank you!



by:

Very snug fit with the new etrailer blue dot hubs , went on nicely, abit of hitting with a dead blow hammer but nothing to excessive, they do not feel like they will be lost going to the ramp, possibly the galvanized hubs help with the good fit, just got to head out to the ramp to see, feeling confident.



by:

Installed with ease and seem to be doing what they are intended for well.

Thanks eTrailer!

Megcabra

11/8/2019

All has been great!



by:

I fitted these to my Northern Tool 4x8 folding trailer, so I don't have to worry about repacking the bearing anymore. They are excellent quality, and I highly recommend them.



by:

I didn’t realize that there were a pair in a package. But the tech is great.



by:

super customer service! I lost a red eye bearing cover when I hit a boulder in the road. I had recently installed a complete 2 axle disc brake kit with coupler for my boat trailer that I ordered from etrailer. Mike S. found the right size from my original order and shipped out new Bearing Buddies in no time flat! I highly recommend etrailer to everyone I know.

P.s.

8/20/2015

no complaints



by:

Delivered a month earlier than expected. They were installed on the trailer 10 minutes later. You guys are the best



by:

Look, there are various bearing buddy knock offs out there that might be "good enough". These are the real deal and they have added a nice little feature - these blue ring indicators. The indicator ring lets you know when you might need to add more grease - and might also keep you from going overboard. I think it is more common for people to try to push too much grease into the hub especially with bearing buddy protectors installed.
Great insurance for a boat trailer especially.

Davmac

4/23/2014

The bearing buddies still look great one year later. As fishing season starts again in mn I look forward to being able to check at a glance to see whether I need to add grease.



by:

Quality parts and perfect fit.



by:

Good service!!!



by:

Attached are two photos of Bearing Buddy protectors on my Time Out tent camper.



by:

1 problem, I found out after I ordered, the price was 12.00$ higher than others. I think you should price match on items such these. thanks kenneth barry estey



by:

Bearing Buddy protectors live up to their reputation. What I really appreciate is the immediate attention and prompt shipping etrailer gives to each order. Thank you etrailer!



by:

Great company, service & products at competitive prices. Reasonably priced Shipping as well!



by:

Did not use as hubs were wrong


25
357
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps

  • Recommended Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors For Dexter 3,500 Lb Trailer Hub Assembly
    The Bearing Buddies that work with the Trailer Hub Assembly, part # 8-248-50UC1 are part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel and part # BB1980A for chrome plated. These fit a hub bore that measures 1.98 inches inside diameter. These come with 2 Bearing Buddies in a package. These are a great way to keep water out and making sure you have enough grease in the hub.
    view full answer...
  • Correct Bearing Buddy for Bear Trailer with 3,500 lb Axles
    The Bearing Buddy you would want would be the # BB1980A-SS or # BB1980A since you have bearing L44649 as the outer bearing. # BB1980A-SS is the stainless steel version which will resist corrosion better than the chrome plated # BB1980A.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddy Recommendation for Trailer Hub # 8-248-50UC1
    The Bearing Buddies that work with the Trailer Hub Assembly, part # 8-248-50UC1 are part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel and part # BB1980A for chrome plated. These fit a hub bore that measures 1.98 inches inside diameter. These come with 2 Bearing Buddies in a package. These are a great way to keep water out and making sure you have enough grease in the hub.
    view full answer...
  • Which Bearing Buddy For Trailer Hub That Uses L44649 and L68149 Bearings
    Since your hub uses inner bearing # L68149 and outer bearing # L44649 you can use the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector Stainless Steel # BB1980A-SS that you were looking at or the Chrome Plated # BB1980A. I included videos for both of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddies that Fit a 1.979 Hub Bore Opening
    For a set of Bearing Buddies that should work with your 1.979 hub bore opening, I recommend using the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel or part # BB1980A for chrome plated. The above Bearing Buddies fit a hub bore opening of 1.980" which is the closest we have to your 1.979 hub bore opening. You will need two sets of Bearing Buddies for a dual axle trailer. I have attached a review and installation video of the above Bearing Buddies...
    view full answer...
  • What is the Length of the 1.980" Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS
    I have linked a picture showing that the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A has a full length of 1-3/16" while the part that inserts into the hub is 5/16". This means that the Bearing Buddy will stick out 7/8" from your hub. The only difference between the Bearing Buddy # BB1980A and the Bearing Buddy # BB1980A-SS that you referenced is that the former is chrome plated while the latter is stainless steel. They both have the same dimensions though.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Replacement Bearing Buddy Recommendation Marked 1980
    Since yours say 1980 that means the correct Bearing Buddy is the part # BB1980A which will fit and work well as a replacement. If instead you wanted the stainless steel version you'd want the part # BB1980A-SS. I attached an install video for this kit for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for Hub Bore of 1.998-Inch
    All sizes of our Bearing Buddy bearing protectors are shown on the linked page. The Bearing Buddy size to match the hub bore dimension is the 1.98-inch type, such as # BB1980A-SS in stainless steel or # BB1980A in chrome finish. These are non-threaded. For a threaded Bearing Buddy in this size use # BB1980T-SS.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Bearing Protectors for Older Boat Trailer With 1-63/64 Hub Bore
    The size bearing protector (Bearing Buddy) or dust cap needed is based on the hub bore diameter. 1-63/64 translates to roughly 1.98 inches which is what the # BB1980A-SS stainless or # BB1980A are designed to fit. The easiest way to confirm this is to pull the hub and check the reference number on the side of the outer bearing cage. If it's L44649, L44643 or L44640 and your existing bearing protector is driven in and not threaded in, either of these would work perfectly for you. Since you're...
    view full answer...
  • Difference Between Bearing Buddy 1980 Models
    The model 1980 Bearing Buddy simply means that they fit a 1.980 inch hub bore. There is one difference of note between Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A (Chrome Plated) or # BB1980A-SS (Stainless Steel) and the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980T-SS which is that the latter - with the "T" in the part number - means that it is threaded and fits internally threaded hubs.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddies To Replace Grease Caps That Measure 1.977" Diameter
    The most accurate way to chose a Bearing Buddy Protector is to measure the diameter of your hub bore opening of your trailer hub. It sounds like you most likely have a 1.98" diameter bore for that I recommend to use the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel or part # BB1980A for chrome plated. I do recommend to double check the measurement of the hub bore with a digital caliper.
    view full answer...
  • Which Bearing Buddy Do I Need
    The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector # BB1938 is designed to fit on a 1.938" hub bore and with outer bearing model 09067. In order to choose the correct grease cap or bearing protector, I strongly recommend using a precise measuring tool such as a dial caliper. Hubs can have bores that differ by only a few thousandths of an inch, so getting an exact measurement will help us choose the correct cap for you. There isn't really a "typical" setup for a trailer since the components vary depending...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Bearing Buddy Recommendation for Hub with Bearing Number L68149
    The correct Bearing Buddy to use with the bearing numbers you listed of L44649 and L68149 is the # BB1980A or # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Protector Compatibility with Hub Measuring 1.973 Inches
    The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors- Chrome Plated # BB1980A or Stainless Steel # BB1980A-SS will fit your hubs. The difference of 7/1000ths of an inch is so close that some digital calipers don't even read it. These drive in protectors will work just fine as they will have an ever so slight taper for that drive-in installation.
    view full answer...
  • How to Pick Out Bearing Buddies for a Trailer Hub
    In order to pick out the correct bearing buddy you will need know the pilot hole of your hub. To do this, remove the wheel and tire and remove the grease cap from the center of the hub. Usually it is a metal cap that is just lightly hammered into place. Use a screwdriver to pry off the cap. Clean the grease off and measure the opening with a digital or dial caliper. I have included a video demonstrating the Bearing Buddy. The Bearing Buddies # BB1980A that you referenced are for hubs...
    view full answer...
  • Do Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors Only Come in Pairs
    Bearing Buddies only come in pairs. If you did get a pair then you would have a spare in case you should ever need one in the future!
    view full answer...
  • Should Bearing Buddies Buddies be Used on EZ Lube Trailer Axles
    EZ Lube spindles are generally preferred over Bearing Buddy setups. The EZ lube allows you to insert grease down the middle of the spindle easily which is basically the best option aside from removing the hub and taking it all apart and cleaning and re-greasing. The Bearing Buddies are great for people who don't have EZ lube spindles but since they basically push grease through the front it's not quite as ideal. Also since these are a press in install and they end up pressurized they are...
    view full answer...
  • Can a Trailer with EZ Lube Spindles be Converted to Bearing Buddies
    You'd have to pull the zerk fitting off with a vice grip or channel lock and then pick out the correct Bearing Buddy that fits the bore of your hub where the current cap is. Now that said the Bearing Buddies actually offer less in terms of grease installation than the EZ lube setup you have now as they just push grease through the front whereas the EZ lube inserts the grease in the middle of the hub which is better overall. The Bearing Buddies we have found make it seemingly too easy to...
    view full answer...
  • Are Inner And Outer Bearing Greased When Using Bearing Buddy
    When the Bearing Buddy like part # BB1980A is used it will add grease to both the inner and outer bearings on your trailer. I have attached a link to our product page for the bearing protectors we offer. You can use the filter on the product page to find the correct protector for your trailer.
    view full answer...
  • How to Determine the Correct Bearing Buddy Kit for a Boat Trailer
    You will need to remove the wheel find out the outer bearing number. Once you have the bearing number, I can find if we have a Bearing Buddy available for it. The Bearing Buddy pages also have listings on them for what bearings they fit. The reason you have to go to such lengths to find out what Bearing Buddy Kit you need is that there are so many different variations in bearing/spindle/seal combinations that the only way to be sure you have the right part is to check the equipment you...
    view full answer...
  • How to Pick Out a Bearing Buddy for a Trailer
    In order to pick out the correct bearing buddy you will need know the pilot hole of your hub. To do this, remove the wheel and tire and remove the grease cap from the center of the hub. Usually it is a metal cap that is just lightly hammered into place. Use a screwdriver to pry off the cap. Clean the grease off and measure the opening. I have included a video demonstrating the Bearing Buddy. The Bearing Buddies # BB1980A that you referenced are for hubs with a 1.98 inch hub bore.
    view full answer...
  • If Grease is Gritty in Bearing Buddy Should Bearing Buddy Be Replaced
    If there is possible metal shavings or dirt inside the Bearing Buddy the best recommendation I can make is to replace what you have so that you don't end up missing something small while cleaning that would end up damaging the bearings. It's basically a cheap insurance policy. For a replacement you would want the part # BB1980A.
    view full answer...
  • Does Bearing Buddy Replace Trailer Axle Dust Cap
    The Bearing Buddies will act as a substitute for a dust cap on a boat trailer axle, but the bras for them that just cover up the fitting would not. If the hub that you have has a bore of 1.98 inches the correct Bearing Buddy you'd need is the part # BB1980A. If you have a different diameter let me know and I'll pick you out what you need.
    view full answer...
  • How is Bearing Buddy Picked Out for Trailer Hub
    In order to pick out the correct bearing buddy you will need know the pilot hole of your hub as they are not all the same size. To do this, remove the wheel and tire and remove the grease cap from the center of the hub. Usually it is a metal cap that is just lightly hammered into place. Use a screwdriver to pry off the cap. I attached a link to a page that has all of the options we carry. You can select the size you need from the filters on the page. For example the part # BB1980A fits...
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
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Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adam R
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Adam R
Employee Jeffrey L
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Jeffrey L
Employee Tyler C
Written by:
Tyler C
Employee Shane T
Installed by:
Shane T
Employee Randy B
Installed by:
Randy B
Employee Chris R
Video Edited:
Chris R
Employee Zach D
Video Edited:
Zach D

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