Bearing buddies coming loose

[ctswf]

When you change trailer bearings, how do you keep the bearing buddies, or Grease cap, or dust cap from falling off.

I haven't changed any in a few years but I remember this was an issue. I pulled the cap from my current trailer today, greased the old bearings and sure enough the cap slightly wiggled out within a 10 mile drive.

 

[bspeth]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

I think you can just tap them in a little more

 

[Challenger604]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

Like bspeth said. If that doesnt work and they still work themselves loose I would buy another set to ensure a tight fit. I think they are about $30.00

 

[dingbat]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

It may sounds strange but....check to make sure the cotter pin isn't is not touching the BB in any way. The culprit of more than one mysterious BB loss

 

[gm280]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

If you don't have to tap the bearing bubbies into the hub, then you need a different size... Yours may not be the standard size.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

can always get rid of BB's and install new axle with zerks .. rubber caps dont fall off......... perhaps not the answer for this topic, but does fix BB's falling off in transit.... lose enough buddies, pays for new axle...........

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

If they are the correct dia. But slightly loose. remove BB and use a center punch and hammer and dimple the BB on the mating surface then pound then back in.

 

[ctswf]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

Thanks, I read a few other things too like unbalanced tires,

In my case the caps have been on with no problem so are the right size I assume, once they're removed and reinstalled now they are loose. Maybe they warped from removing. These are caps not bearing buddies.

So you never use a sealant or gasket seal type item to help keep them in place?

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

You could buy new caps. couple bucks apiece

 

[GearToGo]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

If they are the correct dia. But slightly loose. remove BB and use a center punch and hammer and dimple the BB on the mating surface then pound then back in.

Agree, its what we go every winter when we repack/replace bearings unless the dust caps or BB are to far gone then we replace them.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

Thanks, I read a few other things too like unbalanced tires,

In my case the caps have been on with no problem so are the right size I assume, once they're removed and reinstalled now they are loose. Maybe they warped from removing. These are caps not bearing buddies.

So you never use a sealant or gasket seal type item to help keep them in place?

Then it is time for a few pictures to see what you do have.

 

[ctswf]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

Then it is time for a few pictures to see what you do have.

Well what I meant was I had a cap with no nipple. When I removed and re installed it for temp use it was coming loose but this used to happen on an older trailer with bearing buddies too, which prompted the question.

I did go buy new bearing buddy style caps, installed new race and bearing. The new cap went on nice and tight so I'm sure I'm good now. Whenever I remove them I'll dimple the sides on re install or get new ones if needed.

One tires good, The second hub had a rusted spinning stud though, I fought for a while before i had to grind it off from the back no way around it.

For salt water use do I want a specific stud? Galvanized or anything? I'm going to hit the auto parts store later today but wonder if I need to make a trip to the boat store.

..and I suppose when you replace a stud you probably should do all of them? The rest are ok but have surface rust

 

[bigdee]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

Dust caps are a tapered fit,they should stay put. Too much grease can force them off as it heats up and expands. NEVER pack hubs 100% full.

 

[Rapio]

Re: Bearing buddies coming loose

Dust caps are a tapered fit,they should stay put. Too much grease can force them off as it heats up and expands. NEVER pack hubs 100% full.

With all above, make sure wheels are balanced and axel nuts are properly tightened. The extended outboard mass of the Buddies doesn't like wobble. It will eventually work them out.