bearing buddies

[ddhorner]

I have a question about bearing buddies. My one year old trailers bearings were repacked by the dealer in the fall. Went to check them by pressing on side of piston per instructions. One side I could barely move which I assumed meant it was ok, the other side I could rock easily. I also can see the o-ring and the spring isnt as compressed as the other side. Am I low on grease there? I thought if its low on grease the piston doesnt move. The piston moves very easily. Any comments or suggestions would be great. Novice boater but loving every minute. THANKS

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: bearing buddies

Pull them and recheck, once full get a feel for the amount of rock. Good benchmark for future checks. Just don't trust dealers.

 

[BillP]

Re: bearing buddies

They rock when low and don't rock when filled too much. A little rocking is correct because it maintains the right pressure. Too much pressure and grease goes out the rear seal...easy to see if you look behind the hub.

 

[waterbill]

Re: bearing buddies

Ok then, so let's say you put too much grease into your bearing buddy and caused some to blow out the back side seal. Does this mean that the seal is now ruined? I have apparently done this because my bearings and seals are relatively new, and the other day I discovered grease on the inside of a tire.

 

[Bondo]

Re: bearing buddies

Ayuh,........ You over greased it,+ Blew the seal lip out............<br />The Only fix,.. Is Replacement............<br /><br />Sorry.....

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: bearing buddies

Find a guy who works on trailers and is willing to show you what to look for when he re-packs it, advises you how often to do it and can do an overall inspection for you every season (general condition of trailer, electrical, brakes, etc. There's companies that actually specialize in trailers and such. I happen to use a "fleet" mechanic (a guy who does commercial work for trucking fleets - both mechanical as well as trailer, suspension, electrical, etc. stuff for trucks and trailers). I wouldn't dream of having a boat shop do this sort of stuff.