Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector Function and Initial Installation

Updated 09/22/2020 | Published 09/18/2020

Question:

Hi there, are you saying that the entire hub cavity should be filled with grease upon packing in addition to packing the bearings in the traditional way? I have often wondered how greasing from the outer bearing at the bearing buddie can effectively push grease back to the inner bearing. Typically when I re-pack my bearings I have plenty around the inner and between the grease seal but do not fill the entire hub cavity with grease. Can you verify what the correct way to pack is? To fill the entire hub cavity would probably take a large round grease container at least, times six hubs for my boat. Please advise if possible and thank you,

asked by: Lance U

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Bearing Buddy bearing protectors like # BB2717 have the integrated grease zerk and a spring loaded piston that provides 3 psi controlled pressure to keep grease in the hub and keep water out. It is designed to pack grease throughout your hub as you stated keeping the bearings coated. It will require far more than you previously used as it will fill the space between the bearings as you stated but it will keep maintenance to a minimum as it keep everything well lubricated and keeps moisture out.

The difference is you didn't have the spring loaded piston keeping pressure on the grease previously, so if you used this much grease it spill out everywhere causing a terrible mess so less grease was needed but also parts of the spindle and bearings weren't guaranteed to get lubricated to the same degree. This system ensures the bearings are well lubricated and there won't be corrosion causing failure. It is an investment in more grease for the benefit of extremely easy maintenance and peace of mind.

I've attached a help article that will also address how to maintain these.

expert reply by: Jason S