How Does Inner Bearing Get Grease When using Bearing Buddy

Updated 06/22/2020 | Published 01/29/2014

Question:

How does the inner bearing maintain its grease, if you only fill the hub of the bearing buddy with grease and from time to time add grease by way of the zirk fitting? I have a Big Tex 6 by 12 dump trailer. Thanks

asked by: Paul F

Expert Reply:

Bearing Buddy pumps grease into the center of the hub all the way back to the grease seal. A double lip seal should be used to prevent grease from blowing out the seal when added. When the hub and seals and bearings are first assembled, they should be packed. After a period of time and when you want to maintain the grease on the bearings, the grease would travel from the zerk fitting on the Bearing buddy through the outer bearing. It would then fill the cavity inside the hub and continue to the inner bearing. You will want to use caution when using bearing protectors and make sure you do not overfill the hub with grease because too much grease can blow out through the grease seal.

I have attached an article that explains bearings, races and seals on trailer hubs.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Mark W.

6/18/2020

i removed the hub and bearings to clean and repack due to moisture. there is a cup (like a speedee sleeve that slipped over the inner spindle surface where the double lip seal rides. the sleeve just slips over and is not an interference fit like a repair speedee sleeve. i fail to see the value of this or if it is needed at all. can i just reinstall the packed bearings and new seal and not reuse this sleeve?

Chris R.

6/22/2020

I believe you have a seal kit like part # BB60011, which does use a stainless steel ring/sleeve for the grease seal. This does offer some nice protection so I would re-install it if possible.