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  1. Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
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  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
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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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The best technical support and full trailer bearings races seals caps installation instructions. Great price Tracer LE Travel Trailer trailer bearings races seals caps and expert service. Prime Time Tracer LE Travel Trailer, 2022 trailer bearings races seals caps by Bearing Buddy are available from etrailer.com. For expert service call 1-800-940-8924 to order your Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair) part number BB1980A-SS, or order online at etrailer.com.
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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:

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:

Very reliable company to do business wi th.



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:

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 installation and SUPER FAST SHIPPI NG!!



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:

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:

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:

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



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:

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:

FAST AND UNDAMAGED SHIPPING! THE BEARING BUDDY BEARING PROTECTORS FIT PERFECTLY AND WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS! THEY REALLY WILL MAKE MY BEARING MAINTENANCE SO MUCH SIMPLER! THESE UNITS ARE WELL MADE WITH QUALITY MATERIAL; I EXPECT THAT THEY WILL OUTLIVE THE 2010 TRAILER, AND ME-LOL!THANKS ETRAILER FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN RESEARCHING THESE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY WOULD PROPERLY FIT MY RIG!



by:

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


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Show More Reviews

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

  • Picking Out Bearing Buddy for Harbor Freight 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-SS for example are for hubs with a 1.98 inch hub bore.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Hydraulic Disc Brakes for 2015 EX Loader Boat Trailer
    For your 2105 EZ Loader TA102B boat trailer I am going to recommend upgrading to stainless steel parts to help ensure less corrosion and a longer life. First is the Kodiak Trailer Hub for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Stainless Steel # KH84545S. These will require Bearings # L68149 and # L44649. Be sure to order a hub and bearing set for each wheel. To keep your oil bath style hub the Kodiak XL ProLube Kit # XLPROLUBE1980KIT will include new seals and the cap for the hub to convert to...
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  • Replacing Bearing Buddy Is Recommended Rather Than Attempting Servicing O-Ring & Keeper
    Due to the relatively low cost, I suggest replacing your Bearing Buddy # BB1980A-SS with a new one availabe at the attached link. I checked with my top technician and was told it would be difficult to try to service these and you would still need to purchase O-rings and keepers. Since we do not do this work, we do not carry those individual internal parts.
    view full answer...
  • How to Choose Correct Bearing Buddies for Trailer Hub
    You'll want to choose a Bearing Buddy based on the inside diameter of the bore of your hub. You can use a digital caliper to determine this. Also, if you know the outer bearing reference number, we can determine which bearing race is compatible with that bearing, and find the outside diameter of the race, which is equal to the diameter of the hub bore. I've linked you to our selection of Bearing Buddies. The filters on the left side of the page will help you choose the correct Bearing...
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  • New Hub Assembly For Trailer With Bearings L44549
    Bearings L44549 have a 1-1/16 inch inner diameter, which is the same as the 1.063 inch inner diameter of bearings # L44649. That means the assembly you referenced, # AKIHUB-440-2-G-2K, will work. It is designed for 2,000 lb 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, though for Bearing Buddies you would want # BB1980A-SS. I've added links to a video review and install...
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  • 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...
  • Electric Brake Compatibility on a Boat Trailer
    Electric brakes on a boat trailer are able to be used without much issue at all. There obviously is an issue with water and electricity, so it is recommended to disconnect the trailer connection when your trailer is being submerged for launch. A few seconds after pulling out of the water, you can connect your wiring without any issues and have the functioning braking system that is easier to maintain. Many boat trailers are moving to electric systems. I do recommend using dielectric...
    view full answer...
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  • Replacement Bearing Kit For Idler Hub 5 On 4.5 With 1 Spindle and 1.24 Inner Diameter Grease Seal
    The measurements that you gave tell me that you have a BT8 Spindle # TRU59FR. If you wish to replace your bearings, races and grease seal you will want the Bearing Kit # BK1-100. This includes 2 Bearings # L44643, 2 Races # L44610, a Grease Seal # 34823 and a Cotter Pin # 165649. To make things easier you can replace your entire hub. Depending on your wheel size you can choose either the Idler Hub # AKIHUB-545-2-1K that has the 5 on 4-1/2" lug pattern you said you have with 10"-12"...
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    Image 1 for Image 2 for Image 3 for Image 4 for
  • 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.
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  • How to Pick Out Bearing Buddy for 2016 Coachmen Clipper 17FB
    Your picture didn't make it through but I can tell you how you'll be able to figure out what Bearing Buddy you'll need. 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...
    view full answer...
  • Using Double Lip Seals in Place of Single Lip when Using bearing Buddies
    We will need to use a double lip seal when using Bearing Buddies or a similar product. A single lip seal cannot withstand the pressure and you will have a blowout. For a pair of double lip seals use # RG06-020. These are the same size as your 10-9 seals except they are double lip and not single lip.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Hub & Drum, Bearings, Electric Brakes For Dexter Torflex Axle on 2004 Trail-Lite 8304S
    Appreciate that info and photo, and I was able to find exactly what you need from Dexter when I contacted them with it. Per Dexter, that axle has a 2,800 lb capacity, and the exact parts you need for the hub and drum, self-adjusting electric brakes, bearing kit, and Bearing Buddy are the following: - Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500 lb Axles # 84546UC3 - Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies # 23-468-469 - Bearing Buddy Bearing...
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  • How To Find the Correct Size Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for a Yacht Trailer
    In order to find out what Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors are correct for your trailer you need to either measure the bore on your hub or the flange on your grease cap to the nearest thousandth of an inch. For example, the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors part # BB1980A-SS fits a 1.980" hole (most common). I have attached a list of the other size Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for you as well but there isn't a standard size used on all yacht trailers.
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  • Replacement Hubs For EZ Loader Adjustable Boat Trailer For Converting To Grease Filled Hubs
    The Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-545-35-G-K can be used as a replacement hub for your 2013 EZ Loader Trailer as long as you replace the grease seal that comes with the hub for the Grease Seal # 168255TB. If you use your trailer in salt water or live in an area that gets a lot of corrosion I recommend going to the Stainless Steel Kodiak Trailer Hub # KH84545S. As this hub only comes with races installed you will need Inner Bearing # L68149, Outer Bearing # L44649 and the Grease...
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  • Is Bearing Buddy Needed If Trailer has EZ Lube Spindles
    What does it look like on the end of the spindle? Does it look like a grease fitting? Typically if the spindle sticks out at all it's due to a zerk/grease fitting which would mean you don't need a Bearing Buddy like part # BB1980A-SS. You would just need to use the zerk fitting to apply the grease and you'd be good.
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  • Is There a Risk of Adding Too Much Grease to an EZ-Lube Spindle
    When you are replacing bearings you do want to pack them prior to installing the new ones into your hub. This ensures that the grease actually gets pushed completely into the bearings so that they work properly and don't overheat. You can use a bearing packer like part # PTW1218 or # ALL647646 to accomplish this. The grease zerk fittings on your EZ-Lube spindles you are talking about are more for adding grease between changing out bearings/seals/hubs. I believe the section of our linked...
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    Image 1 for
  • Recommended Bearing Buddy Kit for Carry-On 5X8G Trailer
    Based on my research, your Carry-On 5X8G Trailer uses hubs that have a 1.98 inch diameter pilot hole. With this in mind, the correct Bearing Buddy Kit will be one that fits 1.98 inch hub bores like the part # BB1980A-SS. These will replace the grease cap in the axle hub and prevent wheel-bearing failure by keeping water and dirt out. They will also provide easily accessible grease fittings and makes adding grease to the bearings quick and simple. I have included a short installation video...
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddies Compatible With CE Smith Multi Sport Plus Boat/Kayak Trailer
    The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS are the correct size for the CE Smith Multi Sport Plus Boat and Kayak Trailer # CE48870. These Bearing Buddies are stainless steel to ensure long life and corrosion resistance with it being a boat trailer that will be used in and around water.
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  • 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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  • Replacing Grease Caps of Carry-On 5x10 Single Axle Trailer With Bearing Buddies
    To determine which side of Bearing Buddy you'd need for your existing hubs, you'll need to use an accurate measuring device like a digital caliper and measure the inside bore of your hub. Once you find the inside diameter of the hub bore, you'll choose a Bearing Buddy with the matching diameter. For instance, if you find that the diameter of your hub bore is 1.98 inches, you'd go with a Bearing Buddy like the # BB1980A-SS. I've linked you to the main page for bearing protectors. At the...
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  • Correct Bearing Buddy for the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly Part # AKIHUB-440-2-2K
    Yes, the correct Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly part # AKIHUB-440-2-2K is part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel or part # BB1980A for chrome plated.
    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 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.
    view full answer...
  • Bearing Buddy Recommendation for Dexter Hub 8-248 3,500 lb Axle
    For the Dexter hub part # 84545BX that you referenced the correct Bearing Buddy is the part # BB1980A-SS. Some people have a tendency to use these to put too much grease in the hub which then causes the seal to blow out. If you are careful with it though you'd have no problems at all. I attached an install video for the Bearing Buddy for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...


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