acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

G

glandreman

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I recently purchased a 1972 yarborough "shorelander" boat trailer to replace my rusted-out 1995 jet boat trailer. The trailer is in very sound condition. I've disassembled, cleaned, sanded, repainted the entire trailer. I'm looking at the axle/hubs/bearings. The "appear" to be in good condition. One hub was missing a cap but the other had a clear/plastic bearing buddy "type" unit with lettering stating "Acutek No. 602" on it. I'm looking to replace with real Bearing Buddies but don't know the SIZE I should purchase. I searched this site and the web in general for this unit. There was one person that stated they had an Acutek 602 but got no response to the size, etc. Any ideas? Thanks in advance! :confused:
 
GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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Re: acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

Can you post a pic of both sides?

Welcome to the forum.
 
G

glandreman

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Re: acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

Cool, thanks!

The bearings and races seem to be in good condition. I'm debating whether to re-pack them and re-install or replace. These are "made in USA" bearings (maybe original to the trailer?) and wondering if a CHINA replacement would be better or if I would be better off sticking with the originals. Better to just replace?

Thanks in advance,

George
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

glandreman said:
Cool, thanks!

The bearings and races seem to be in good condition. I'm debating whether to re-pack them and re-install or replace. These are "made in USA" bearings (maybe original to the trailer?) and wondering if a CHINA replacement would be better or if I would be better off sticking with the originals. Better to just replace?

Thanks in advance,

George
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... Until ya pull 'em, 'n Clean 'em, you'll never know whether to repack 'em, or replace 'em,....

Btw,... It's the inner, 'n outer races yer gonna be lookin' at, not the rollers,...

If the races are pitted, replace 'em,....
 
G

glandreman

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Re: acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

Thanks again!

Funny, the trailer on my 1990's trailer had significant rust thru and was structurally no longer sound and too far gone to try to weld new metal (purchased the boat on that trailer). I purchased the 1972 vintage trailer ($150) with surface rust, old paint, etc BUT the metal was very hefty and cleaned-up well with a bit of grinding and sanding. I primed and painted (myself) and it's looking like it has (at least) another 40 years of service in it's future. It's very adjustable (rollers, bunks, ...) so should fit my 14' jet boat without much issue. My wife and I spend a couple weeks camping at Kellys Island in Lake Erie each year and look forward to taking the boat next summer to use as transport to Put-n-bay, Cedar-point, ...

Again, THANKS for the help!

George
 
WIMUSKY

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Re: acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

Since you have the hub apart I would go ahead and replace the bearings/races/seals. Even if the bearings appear to be in good condition. Rollers can pit too along with discoloration. Bearings are relatively cheap. Then you know you're starting out with everything new. JMO.....
 
B

banshee owner

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Re: acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

i have never really been a fan of bearing buddies. one there more expensive than a steel cap if you lose one. two regular maintenance on bearings is a must if you want trouble free towing. and if you need to squirt grease into your bearings that means yours losing grease which means they need to be serviced IE seals replaced.

Also if you squirt to much grease into them they can build up pressure and blow your seals and possibly pop the cap off. especially with extended towing and heat build up

that's just my opinion after 10 years in the automotive trade and dealing with bearing issues on trailers i have started recommending to people to not use them but its all up to you. :)
 
G

glandreman

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Re: acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

Thanks to all. I stopped at "Rural King" this afternoon and picked up two bearing kits with new races and seals. I got a tube of marine grease and will pack the new bearings. I purchased their version of Bearing Buddies (cheap enough) but the point is well taken not to rely on them to replace appropriate/routine maintenance. The axle is the last item to restore on my trailer before reassemble.

I purchased all new rollers and will be building new bunks. All the old hardware on the trailer was in good shape. I simply sanded the surface rust and sprayed with zink/silver paint. I'll be purchasing new stainless nuts/bolts/washers but then should be good to go.

Again, thanks for all the input. Much appreciated! Now I have to wait the winter out before I can put it to good use... :frusty:

George
 
izoomie

izoomie

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Re: acutek 602 "bearing buddy" ?

+1 for me. I take the hubs off, clean, inspect and re-pack and new seals every fall before the boat goes in for storage. That's the only way to be sure.
 
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