Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

[nc4z]

I replaced my trailer axle in the last couple of days. I put the hubs back on today and got to thinking. How can the grease from a Bearing Buddy get to the back bearing. I dont see how. The outside bearing and washer will prevent it. The only way for grease to get to the back is between the roller bearings and the bearing cage as I see it.<br />I deliberately did not put grease on the spindle, reassembled , put the buddy on and filled it with grease until it came out of the little hole. I then took it apart and as I suspected there was no a drop of grease on the spindle. Possibly if the hub gets warm the grease will liquify and go thru but its not supposed to liquify. Comments?

 

[jlshields]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

I don't believe BBs claim to be a substitution for packing the bearings but to maintain a light pressure in the hub to stop water intrusion. If you want to repack your wheel bearings without removing them you need SafetyLube, RevLube or one of those that actually flush the old grease out with new. John

 

[alcan]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

I personaly don't beleve there is a sure 100% way to keep water out of bearings all the time. But if you don,t think that greese travels between the rollers then leave the seals out of the hubs. The bearing buddy just provides a positive presure inside the hub. This presure helps keep the water from coming in. If your axle seal goes bad on you your bearing buddy can't do it's job. So you still need to inspect bearings and seals on a regular basis. With regular maintainance and a bearing buddy type device, odds are going to be slim of being broke down on the highway at 4:00 A.M.

 

[nc4z]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

After posting I remembered about 30 yrs ago I drilled a hole in the hubs and mounted a grease fitting for putting grease in. The first time I did it there was so much pressure the wheel wouldnt turn. I had to take off the nut to relieve the pressure.

 

[JB]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

I know of a lot of things that don't work if you ignore the directions. <br /><br />I just added Bearing Buddies to that list.

 

[nc4z]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

JB. Youre right on. <br /><br />I was under the assumption they supplied grease to bearings as others probably are. After going to http://www.bearingbuddy.com/why.html I found out what they really are supposed to do.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

All I know is this.<br />I have used the bearing buddies for a long time and have yet to have a bearing fail.<br />One thing I have learn, is not to put to much grease in for it will push the rear seals out.<br />Learn by doing.

 

[martinwinte]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

But check out this.... web pagebuddy faq <br /><br /> "We don't recommend inspecting your bearings more frequently than once every 5 years, provided you properly maintain the grease level in the hubs, and your bearings and seals are in new condition when you install genuine Bearing Buddy®." <br /><br />That's BOLD of them to say.... I use them but I do check bearings every season.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

I've got 4 year on my bearings and seals and will probably get another year or so before I replace them out of general principal. Spend the money and get good quality double lipped seals from a local bearing distributor and you've solved half the problem. Following the directions on the BB package will accomplish the rest.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

Bearing Buddies and other similar devices are not intended to lube the bearings. For some info check the thread 'Warm Wheel Hubs' in this (trailer) section. The BB's have a spring on the inside core which make the device expand and contract from temperature change, particularly when the bearings and other components heat up from roaduse and braking. Hot axles/bearings contract rapidly when dipped in cold water after a long drive, such as when you'd launch your boat. Without the buddies, the rapid contraction draws water into the bearings, initiating rust and premature failure. The grease filled buddies expand and contract, this is especially noticeable when refilling...the center hub will move outward until the buddie is full, and then ooze a bit. "Buddies" are not a substitue for proper lubricationa nd maintenance of bearings.....

 

[BillP]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

I've been using Bearing Buddies for years and had good luck. My longest hauls are about 600 miles round trip and mostly in salt water...never any bearing problems. On one trailer I also used their spindle seals and that stopped rear seal wear. The grease definitly goes into the hub and will escape out the rear seal if you pump the grease to fast. I wouldn't have a boat trailer without them.

 

[Waterbugtoo]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

If grease doesnt get to the rear bearings, how do you suppose all that excess grease gets slung all over the back side of the wheel and tire when you over pump bearing buddies? The proper time to add grease preventing water from entering is right before launching, not when you get home.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Bearing Buddies, questionable value ?

I have a 1980 dual axel trailer with bearing buddies. I grease them about 3 times a year. Once a year I jack up the wheels and check end play and for noise or roughness. Two years ago in 2000 I replaced complete brake system. I changed from drum brakes to Stainless steel disc. New hubs came with races and bearings so I installed. When done took out bearings and races from the old rusted out drum break hub. Check all four bearings races for rust corrosion or wear but everything looked brand new. Now instead of haveing one spare bearing set I have three.<br />I always grease them before our week long trip to ocean, also in the spring after that I just check that they have not bottomed out and that the spring is still loaded.<br />My back bearing and the whole hub if has lots of grease. I have always used the best back seal I can get and use a lithuiun grease. The blue boat trailer grease I do not like as very stiff and tends to dry out and not flow very well. I am very happy with the Bearing Buddies.