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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
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Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
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Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps BB1980A - Bearing Protector Grease Cap - Bearing Buddy
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Bearing Buddy trailer bearings races seals caps for your 2013 Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer are available from etrailer.com. Installation instructions and reviews for your Forest River trailer bearings races seals caps. Expert service, and great trailer bearings races seals caps prices. etrailer.com carries a complete line of Bearing Buddy products. Order your Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair) part number BB1980A 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   (374 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:

Ashley is the best.

Excellent product.
Works as advertised. Helps keep water out of boat trailer bearings. Read instructions on how to fill with grease, and you won’t blow out the back oil seal.



by:

Installed on a 2018 Carry-on 5x8 with 2k axle. I didn't have to remove the wheel at all. I simply popped the hubs off and inserted the bearing buddy's as per instruction and greased. Entire time for both wheels was less that 10 minutes.



by:

The item I most wanted, the Bearing Buddy was not delivered. I received only the grease gun and 3 wine glasses....now I'm running out of time to install the Bearings before a 3000+ Mile trip...



by:

Great product...have 3 trailers, 2 have no grease fitting on the spindle..the bearing buddy is the way to go to keep bearings greased, and I`ve never had water penetrate these type of caps...



by:

I will replace all of my bearings with this!



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:

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:

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:

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



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:

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:

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:

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:

First rate service and product knowledge.
Many
thanks

William

10/30/2023

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 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:

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



by:

Works great, no issues. Another happy c amper!



by:

Easy and fast as always!! Thank you!



by:

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



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:

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:

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



by:

I installed bearing buddies on a boat trailer that sees both fresh water and salt water. In the past, despite loading the bearings up on grease, it wasn't uncommon to replace them every couple of years. We are at the year one mark with the bearing buddies and no issues. Also, the bearing buddies also show you how much grease is in the wheel hub; our hubs only needed a small amount of grease to top them off the beginning of this season.



by:

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


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Show More Reviews

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

  • Which Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector Fits Boat Trailer Hub W/ 1.976" Hub Bore
    Yes, the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair) # BB1980A you mentioned will fit perfectly in your boat trailer hub that measures 1.976" in diameter. I included a video of the # BB1980A for you to take a look at.
    view full answer...
  • Beaing Buddy for L44549 Outer Bearing
    I wasn't able to find any information on an L44549 but it's very likely that you actually have the much more common # L44649 bearing. It's really easy for grease, dirt, and time to cause that "6" to look like a "5" on the bearing number. Just to be sure I recommend taking a measurement of the inside diameter of the bearing with a digital caliper. If you get an inner diameter of 1.063 inches then you have the # L44649 bearing in which case the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A...
    view full answer...
  • How to Choose Which Bearing Buddy for a 2007 6x10 Pace American Trailer
    To choose the correct Bearing Buddy system for your 2007 Pace American trailer, you will need to know the hub bore that they will install in. Having the outer bearing, you will most likely need the # BB1980A, but this will fit a 1.980" hub bore.
    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...
  • Bearings and Seal for a 3,500 lb Dexter Torflex Axle
    I took a look at the manual, and the outer bearing for a #10 Torflex Dexter axle would be outer bearing # L44649 and outer race # L44610; inner bearing # L68149 and inner race # L68111; and seal # 58846. That would make bearing kit # BK2-100 the correct choice for your axle and includes each of these parts. For a Bearing Buddy you would want to use # BB1980A. I have included links to video reviews of each of these products for you to take a look at.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddy Recommendation for a Trailer Hub with 1.974 Bore
    The 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...
  • Recommendations For Replacing A 1-1/2 Inch Grease Cap?
    The smallest option we have for something like this will be the etrailer.com Bearing Protectors w/ Covers # e99004. However, these are designed to fit a hub bore of 1.78" and will be much too large for your hubs. Having a hub bore of 1-1/2" is going to be very uncommon and, unfortunately, we will not have anything quite small enough to fit. What you may want to do is replace the hubs with something that has a more common hub bore. The Bearing Buddies # BB1980A will fit the Easy Grease...
    view full answer...
  • Which Bearing Buddies Fit Trailer Bearing Kit # BK2-100
    The bearing kit # BK2-100 has outer bearing # L44649. There are 2 Bearing Buddy sets that fit this outer bearing. We have chrome plated set # BB1980A and stainless steel set # BB1980A-SS. The best option for marine applications would be the stainless steel set because stainless steel is very corrosion resistant. I have linked a video review of Bearing Buddy set # BB1980A for you.
    view full answer...
  • Is A Small Amount Of Grease Around Hub & Rim A Major Problem
    In this case I recommend you to pull the hub and make sure nothing looks damaged on the hub or the seals. If it's just a small amount it may not be a large problem. But if it is a cracked hub that can lead to a big problem. If the grease is on the back of the wheels, then the grease seals have failed and need to be replaced. The fact that the grease is leaking out could mean that the seal may not be the correct size for the hub. What is the diameter of the hub bore where the grease seal...
    view full answer...
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  • How to Measure and Pick Out Bearing Buddy
    If the hubs have standard style dust covers you could install Bearing Buddies like the # BB1980A and use them to put grease in the hubs. You'd have to measure the hub bore with a caliper like # PTW80157. 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. You will want to use a dial caliper or...
    view full answer...
  • How To Know You Have Enough Grease with Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for 1.98 Hub Bore
    Correct, the piston will extend compressing the spring on the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for 1.98" Hub Bore part # BB1980A which will let you know you have enough grease. There is a built-in relief valve as well if you overfill but this is a failsafe and should not be used as a full indicator.
    view full answer...
  • How to Identify Trailer Axle Brand on 2019 Salem FSX Series 179DBK
    We do not have a way to identify the axle on your 2019 Salem FSX 179DBK. What you will need to do is climb under the trailer and look for the axle tag. If the axle tag is too worn or missing there may be a serial number stamped into it which could identify the axle. If you can't find either of those the only way to identify the axle would be to pull the VIN and call Salem to see what they put on the trailer. If you were trying to decide if the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Grease Hub Recommendation for a Boat Trailer with Oil Bath Hubs
    You are on the right track in my opinion as I am not a fan of oil bath hubs. They tend to do exactly what you described and end up leaking which then causes bearing hub damage. Going with a grease setup would be much preferred in my opinion. In order to pick out the correct hub that you would need you will need the bearing numbers so that you can find the correct ones that will fit. Or you can get exact dimensions of your spindle where the bearings and seal ride. Check out the picture...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • How to Pick Out Grease Seals and Bearing Buddies for Trailer
    First we have to determine what seal and Bearing Buddy you'd need on your trailer. We can help you with this but you'll have to take the hub apart and take a few measurements. For the seal you'll need to measure the diameter of your axle spindle where the seal rides as well as diameter on your hub where the seal inserts. With that info we can pick out the seal. Or you may see a number stamped on the side of the seal which would help too. The Bearing Buddy fit is based on the bore diameter...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Bearing Kit and Brakes for a 2013 Rockwood Premier Series M-2514G
    Since you don't know the exact parts currently on the trailer we're basically guessing. So I've linked our return policy for you in case you need it. From my research the Rockwood likely has a 3,500 pound axle and therefore uses 10 inch brakes. The 10 inch brake assemblies I recommend for you (And almost always recommend) are # AKEBRK-35-SA. These are self-adjusting so after the original set up they won't need to be adjusted again. Both the left and right hand side are included, and...
    view full answer...
  • What Bearing Buddy Will Fit Trailer Hub Assembly # 8-258BTUC1
    I went out to the warehouse and did a test fit between the hub, # 8-258BTUC1, and Bearing Buddies, # BB1980A. The Bearing Buddies, though they are 6 thousandths of an inch smaller, will still fit tight in the hub bore. Bearing Buddies have to be driven in by putting something like a block of wood on the top and hitting the wood with a hammer. The wood disperses the energy from the hammer more evenly.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Bearing Buddy For railer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-440-2-G-2K
    The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors I recommend you use with the # AKIHUB-440-2-G-2K hub assembly is part # BB1980A. These protectors keep dirt and water out of the hubs and bearings and are designed to work with the # L44610 race that comes with the # AKIHUB-440-2-G-2K hub assembly.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddy For CE Smith Boat Trailer for Boats and PWCs
    The Bearing Buddy you would need for this trailer are part # BB1980A. These fit hub bores that measure 1.98 inches, which is the size of the hub bore on the # CE48810. I have attached a link to a product review video for the Bearing Buddy you can take a look at. The CE Smith Boat Trailer, part # CE48810, can hold a small boat or a watercraft up to 12 ft long and weighing up to 800 lbs. This trailer features 5 ft long carpeted bunks, and has galvanized wheels with 8 inch tires. I have attached...
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddy Recommendation to fit Trailer Hub with Bore 1.980 inch
    Based on the dimension you listed the correct Bearing Buddy you need is the part # BB1980A which is designed for fitting a hub bore of 1.980 inch like what you measured. Make sure your fully seat the Bearing Buddy when you install it and be sure not to overfill the hub with grease.
    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...
  • Bearing Kit and Bearing Buddys Needed with Inner and Outer Bearings L44649
    The best (and currently only) bearing kit that comes with the bearings # L44649 and race # L44610 is listed on our site as part # BK1-150. This kit has been reviewed by a wide variety of customers for different applications and it has almost a complete 5 star review so I will let the customers speak for how well the kit works. For Bearing Buddys you need either part # BB1980A which is chrome plated or part # BB1980A-SS which is an upgraded part with a stainless steel construction. I have...
    view full answer...
  • 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...
  • Replacement Hub and Bearing Buddys for a 2K Axle on a Boat Trailer
    Since these idler hubs will be used for a boat trailer I highly recommend going with the etrailer.com Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-440-2-G-2K over the Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # 8-91-05UC1 because the eatrialer.com option has a galvanized finish that will protect it better than the powder coat finish on the Dexter option. Please note that the seals which come with these have an inner diameter of 1.500" so you will need to use part # 34823 for a grease seal instead as it...
    view full answer...
  • Dust Cover For Trailer Hub Bearings on 2004 Shorelander Boat Trailer
    The Bearing Buddy Replacement Covers, # BB19B, are made to fit the Bearing Buddy bearing protectors. If the bearing protectors that you have say 1.980, then that would be the size you would need. The only dust covers I sell separate are for the Bearing Buddy brand. For your size I do have the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair), # BB1980A, the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair), # BB1980A-SS,...
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
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Mike L
Employee Michael H
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Employee Adam R
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Employee Jeffrey L
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