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

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair)

Item # BB1980A-SS
Retail:$79.99
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Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
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Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - BB1980A-SS
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Call etrailer.com at 1-800-940-8924 for expert service. We are your Forest River trailer bearings races seals caps experts, and offer a great price. etrailer.com carries a complete line of Bearing Buddy products for your Forest River Surveyor Luxury Travel Trailer 2020. Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair) part BB1980A-SS from Bearing Buddy can be ordered online at etrailer.com. Complete trailer bearings races seals caps installation instructions and technical support.
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Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - BB1980A-SS

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

Great for marine applications; the stainless steel construction provides the best in corrosion resistance. The design makes Bearing Buddy an easy way to protect your bearings by keeping water out and ensuring enough grease is in the hub.


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
    • 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.



42208 Bearing Buddy Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair)



Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair) - BB1980A-SS

Average Customer Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars   (707 Customer Reviews)

Great for marine applications; the stainless steel construction provides the best in corrosion resistance. The design makes Bearing Buddy an easy way to protect your bearings by keeping water out and ensuring enough grease is in the hub.

by:

Awesome functional and a must-have in my book! These seem to work best if your trailer utilizes ez-lube axles. The stainless steel is the way to go in my opinion. These utilities a spring loaded piston inside to help keep lube packed in the bearings. Corrosions and rust on the interior interferes with the spring/piston function. The stainless steel option is going to give you the best functionality over time. Make sure you order the ones with the Auto-Check Valve, to relieve pressure (grease pressure) and help prevent over greasing.



by:

The web site is easy and helpful. It enabled me to source my bearing buddy by my trailer model and year. The product arrived very soon after my order and I was informed of the shipping progress all the way. Bearing Buddy slows me to insure my wheels are serviced and safe prior to any trip we plan and let’s me relax knowing one phase of our trips are checked off our list.



by:

On my previous trailer I installed Bearing Buddies from etrailer. They were a great product, allowing me to easily keep the wheel bearing greased and prevent the possibility of wheel bearing failure. That experience is why I ordered Bearing Buddies for my new trailer as soon as I got it.



by:

I have a set of Bearing Buddy’s that have been on a utility trailer of mine for 22 years. Now granted it doesn’t get a huge amount of miles each year, but it’s a fair amount.Not once in those twenty two years have I inspected the bearings. I just keep them full of grease, which is so easy. I decided to put a set on my camper so that I could check my grease level at a glance, know that water will never make its way in, easily top off with grease and keep my hubs full, and only have to do a full tear down and inspection of my bearings every four to five years. It’s a no brainer for me. Install can’t be any easier.



by:

I replaced the original Bearing Buddies on my 2004 Shore Land'r that were leaking and loosing grease. Luckily the bearings were in good shape.



by:

Very reliable company to do business wi th.



by:

Love how easy it is to keep the wheel bearings greased with these Bearing Buddy's.
Just pop the cover off, hook up the grease gun, a few quick pumps, and the bearings are ready for another season. The blue inside plate moves out as the grease goes in so you do not over fill the bearing. Slid the cover back on and you are done.

Arctic P.

6/14/2020

This product has proven it is the best choice for the job of keeping my utility trailer rolling trouble free.



by:

Only 4 stars because I just installed them and they fit great and this is the only trailer of the 6 I have currently installed on! Give it some time and it might be 5 stars or less

Mark

8/23/2023

Working great!! Used them in the past and don’t expect any problems



by:

Good quality replacement hub for my trailer. Easy to install.



by:

Just what I needed. Haven't used the trailer since installing the Bearing Buddy but expect they will be as advertised. Installation was easy.

Larrym

6/2/2017

I couldnt be happier with the Bearing Buddy after using them for the past year.



by:

Easy installation and SUPER FAST SHIPPI NG!!



by:

Great product. If I had them on my trailer earlier I might have saved myself a lot of money and aggravation having to change the hubs and bearings that failed due to salt water damage. Don't go without bearing buddies ... Much easier to maintain your hubs than without them.



by:

Easy way to maintain grease for the wheel bearings



by:

I LIKE THE BEARING BUDDY THE FIT IS GOOD
IT STOPS THE WATER FROM THE BEARING
WILL BUY AGAIN THANKS ETRAILER



by:

It is a 500 mile trip to launch my handmade, mahogany drift boat..wanted the security of bearing buddies on my axles.. the units were easy to install, filled them with marine grease,check periodically..good to go..good service from e.trailer..good product



by:

I bought a set of 2 for my boat trailer. The one seemed to work fine the other seemed as if the outer seal leaked from the get go.



by:

Excellent product, installs in minutes, well worth it for peace of mind.



by:

Lost a few going down the highway… perfect replacement. Excellent quality. Perfect!!!



by:

I installed the Bearing Buddy on my motorcycle trailer before towing my Harley to Connecticut. The grease caps were easy to install and provided good grease protection while on my trip.



by:

I continue to be very satisfied with your product and the quick delivery.



by:

Great price, fast service and easy install. Just purchased a teardrop trailer and it is a simple hub design with no zirk fitting. So unless you like pulling the tires and hubs off, Bearing Buddys are the way ti Go! Grease Gun, pump pump, done.



by:

The product is fine, but the caps came off within about 2 weeks of use.

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

10/6/2023

The coverings are available as a separate part, part # BB19B.



by:

The bearing buddy's work well for easy service of my hub bearings. The only concern I have is the covers dust covers don't fit vert tight. I wrapped a zip tie around them for a more secure fit to the buddy. Make sure and measure your hub to get the correct fit.



by:

A little expensive but makes it easier to maintain the bearings. Quality material.



by:

Replaced bearings, races, and seals + installed bearing buddies on my boat trailer. Everything went together without any problems.


25
707
Show More Reviews

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

  • When do the Rear Seals on a Boat Trailer Need to be Replaced?
    This does sound like the seal is no longer doing its job properly, so I do suggest replacing it. If this is becoming a constant problem, I suggest going with something like the Bearing Buddy Spindle Grease Seal Set # BB60002, though I do need to say that this will fit trailer spindles with LM48548 or L68149 inner bearings and Bearing Buddy models with 1.980", 1.968" or 2.562" hub bore.
    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...
  • Replacement Galvanized Trailer Idler Hub For a Continental EC39 Boat Trailer
    Your Continental EC-39 Boat Trailer will need a Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-545-2-G-2K. I was able to confirm with Continental that you have a spindle that uses 1.063" bearings on a straight spindle with a 1.249" ID grease seal. You will need to replace the grease seal that comes with the kit with a Double Lip Grease Seal # 34823. If your Cotter Pin # 165649, Washer # SW1000, or Spindle Nut # 165686 are damaged or missing we have those items available for replacement as well....
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  • Do Bearing Buddies Allow Air to Escape as they Add Grease to Hub
    The seals on a trailer hub are not air tight. If you are adding grease with a Kodiak Red Eye or Bearing Buddy like the part # BB1980A-SS that you referenced the grease will displace the air.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Protector Grease Cap Installation on a Boat Trailer with EZ-Lube Spindles and Disc Brakes
    When installing a disc brake kit on your boat trailer I recommend staying with the original EZ-Lube grease caps, like part # RG04-040. Bearing protectors are not recommended for use with EZ-Lube spindles because the grease zerk in the end of the spindle will interfere with the inside of the bearing protector when pressed into the hub. Grease zerks are pressed into the end of EZ-Lube spindles and are usually very hard to remove. If you were able to remove them without damaging the spindle...
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  • How to Measure Hub Bore to Find Correct Size Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector
    To find the correct Bearing Buddy grease cap for your Rockwood camper trailer you can measure either the hub's bore (please see linked photo), where the grease cap installs, or you can measure the existing grease cap's outer diameter. The hub is a more reliable place to measure since a grease cap can be deformed when it is pulled from the hub. This measurement needs to be very precise - to three one-thousandths of an inch, such as 1.234-inches as an example. We offer a cost-effective measurement...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors Keep Falling Off Trailer at Highway Speed
    First, make sure that you have the correct size Bearing Buddy. It should be slightly larger than the hub bore though it is difficult to tell just by looking. If you can tell me the outer bearing number I can determine which is the correct model. Bearing Buddies and other similar products have to be installed just right. If they are off just a little, when the wheel spins the Bearing Buddy can kind of wobble and work itself loose. The do-it-yourself method is to get the Bearing Buddy started...
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Protector with Visual Indicator for Hub Bore of 1.98-Inches
    Yes, if your hub bore measures 1.98-inches the bearing protector kit you want is among those shown on the linked page. We have both Bearing Buddy brand and Kodiak brand protectors to fit your hubs. It sounds like you might prefer the Kodiak protectors # KREB1980AC that have the "red eye" indicators for displaying the internal grease level.
    view full answer...
  • Choosing Correct Bearing Buddy to Replace 2 Inch Grease Cap on Trailer
    We have a few Bearing Buddy Kits available that are close to the 2 inch measurement you mentioned in your question. I recommend measuring the diameter of your hub bore using a digital caliper like # PTW80157. This will give you an exact measurement, which will be needed when selecting the correct size Bearing Buddy for your trailer. For example, the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS are designed for 1.98 inch hub bores and # BB2047SS are for 2.047 inch hub bores. We also have...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Hub Assembly for a Trailer w/ L44549 Bearings
    L44549 bearings have a 1-1/16 inch inner diameter, which is the same as the 1.063 inch inner diameter of bearings item # L44649. For this size you will want the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly item # AKIHUB-440-2-G-2K. This hub is designed for 2,000 lbs axles with BTR spindles, has a 4 on 4 bolt pattern and accommodates wheels that are 8" to 12". The assembly comes with the required bearings, races and grease seal. These are sold individually and they are better. If you would like Bearing...
    view full answer...
  • Can Bearing Buddies Be Used on Travel Trailers
    Bearing Buddies can absolutely be used on a trailer travel like what you now have. As you referenced, they are seen mostly on boat trailers for marine applications, but there is no reason they can't be used on travel trailers. The reason you see them mostly on boat trailers is simply because they do such a great job of keeping water and dirt out of the hubs and bearings. To find the correct size Bearing Buddies for your trailer, you will just want to measure the diameter of the hub bore....
    view full answer...
  • Can Bearing Buddies be Used on Utility Trailer
    As long as you find the correct Bearing Buddy fit for the hub for your utility trailer there's no reason not to. Only reason it wouldn't be needed is if you have EZ lube spindles that have a zerk grease fitting on the end of them. 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...
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddies For 2006 EZ Loader Boat Trailer With Dexter 10" Disc Brake Kit
    The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS will fit your hubs that have the press in dust cap. For the one hub you have with oil bath bearings you will want to verify the dimensions of the hub opening. The information I found on EZ Loader suggests it will be the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980T-SS. Currently we only carry both of these products by the pair so you will have extras. You will also need to replace your oil seal with a grease seal. Again you will need to verify...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Replacement Idler Hubs For Tandem Axle Boat Trailer With 3,500LB Axles And Front Disc Brakes
    Your axles should be the same size as long as it was manufactured by a reputable shop. With older and homemade trailers you never know what they might throw on there. I recommend using one of our galvanized idler hubs as they will be more corrosion resistant than the painted hubs. We have the EZ Lube 5 on 4-1/2" # AKIHUB-545-35-G-EZ-K or the Standard 5 on 4-1/2" # AKIHUB-545-35-G-K depending on if you need the removable cap. We also have the Bearing Buddy # BB1980A-SS if you wish to have...
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  • 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.
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  • How Does the Inner Bearing Get Grease When Using Bearing Buddy's
    When using Bearing Buddy's like the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS which fit 1.980" hub bores you would still want to pack your bearings with grease. But the way the Bearing Buddy's work is that the grease kind of gets thrown into the hub and then as it spins, the grease gets worked though out the assembly getting everywhere greased up. They also prevent overfilling and rear seal damage with an automatic pressure-relief feature. Grease seeps around the piston edges and into...
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for 2018 Jayco Tandem Axle Trailer
    It sounds like you want to add Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors to your 2018 Jayco. To find the correct size you will need to measure your hub bore. This is a precise measurement so I recommend using a digital caliper like the # PTW80157. I'm not sure what model you have, but it is likely you will be able to use the # BB1980A (chrome plated) or # BB1980A-SS (stainless steel). These fit a 1.98" hub bore and work with outer bearings typically found on 2,000-lb, 2,500-lb and 3,500-lb axles. I...
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  • EZ-Lube Spindle for L44649 Bearing and 10-60 Grease Seal
    On the spindle # TRU44FR, the 1.25 inch refers to the diameter of the stub, not to any of the bearing surfaces, which might be what is confusing you. If you currently have the # 8-271-7UC3-EZ hubs that use the L44649 inner and outer bearing, the # TRU44FR would be the compatible EZ Lube spindle. Part # BK1-150 would be the correct bearing/ seal kit that uses the double-lip seal which we recommend for the EZ-Lube spindles. For your hub bore, you would use the grease cap # DC200L-DCRP. Instead...
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    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Replacement Bearings, Races, Grease Seals, and Bearing Buddys for 2002 EZ Loader Tandem Axle Trailer
    I am going to list all the parts that you will need to replace the bearings, races, grease seals, and add Bearing Buddys to your 2002 EZ Loader Boat Trailer. You will need 4 of each item to service all 4 wheels. Inner Bearing # L68149 Inner Race # L68111 Outer Bearing # L44649 Outer Race # L44610 Grease Seal # 168255TB Bearing Buddy # BB1980A-SS A 7-Piece Bearing/Race Installation Set # PTW83020 will help you install all your races.
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  • Will the Lionshead Wheel Fit The Dexter Trailer Axle?
    Yes, the Lionshead Steel Modular Trailer Wheel # LHHA315 will fit the Dexter Trailer Axle # 35545E-ST-89. The Lionshead Trailer Wheel Center Cap # LHCS102-SI60C can also be used to make it a cleaner look on the wheels. They have a removable plug that will allow you to access E-Z lube spindles. The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS can be installed if you do not have E-Z lube axles and will allow you to add grease to the hubs directly without needing to pull the hubs.
    view full answer...
  • Help With Filling a Hub With Grease On a Trailer Axle With #84 Spindle
    I have linked a video below which covers replacing bearings as well as greasing your hubs. If your Spindle # TRU74FR already has a grease zerk you want to fill the bearings with Grease # L11390 before assembling the hub. Then use a Grease Gun # L30-310 to completely fill the hub. If your spindle is not an easy lube style with the grease zerk you can use a Bearing Buddy style cap like the # BB1980A-SS which will allow you to fill your hub. This particular unit has a check valve which pushes...
    view full answer...
  • Installation of Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearing Protectors on Trailer Hub
    To install Bearing Buddies, you first need to know the grease cap diameter needed by measuring the inside of your trailer hub diameter at that location. I recommend using a digital caliper like # PTW80157 for a precise measurement. I've attached an installation video to assist. This Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair) # BB1980A-SS are a confirmed fit for 1.980 inch hub bore.
    view full answer...
  • How to Pick Out Bearing Buddy
    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-SS that you referenced are for hubs with a 1.98 inch hub bore.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Idler Hubs For ShoreLand'r Boat Trailer YAV46TABLW
    The spindle sleeve on your ShoreLand'r boat trailer is essentially the same sleeve you are getting in the Spindle Grease Seal Set # BB60002. You are able to remove the grease seal that comes with the CE Smith Trailer Hub Assembly # CE13511 and replace it with this new seal set. This seal set is also designed to work with the Bearing Buddy Protectors # BB1980A-SS like you would have gotten on the trailer. We do have the Stainless Steel Hub # KH84545S you can add the Inner Bearing # L68149,...
    view full answer...


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