Bearing Buddy querry

[Elmer Fudge]

After installing a new set of bearings on my trailer, i replaced the cap with a new set of Bearing Buddy's, this morning i looked at it and on both sets of the Bearing Buddys there is axle grease seeping out of around the outer inside edges of both sets fo Bearing Buddys.<br />This occured after just 6 to 8 squirts of the grease gun, i don't think that they are overly filled.<br />What am i missing?

 

[jch7450]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

Are they Genuine Bearing Buddy's? if so, you might want to look here>><br />- Bearing Buddy, Inc.<br />e-mail: bbirivas@coqui.net<br />Phone: 787-839-2688<br />FAX: 787-839-2735<br /><br />Did they tap in firmly?<br /> Hold the Bearing Buddy® against the hub with a small block of wood, and drive it into place with a hammer.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

Yes, they are genuine and they are tapped in securely, it is only when trying to fill them with grease thru the zerks, the grease seeps thru the outer inside edge of the Bearing Buddy. <br /><br />Thanks for the link and phone numbers.

 

[jch7450]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

I checked around, Most agree, that they will seep a litle. The main thing is to be very carefull not to put to much grease and presure on them,or you will blowout the rear seal, it's been dome many times and you might not notice it till it's to late.<br />I hope some others will comment

 

[JB]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

Watch the spring when you charge bearing buddies. <br /><br />When the spring compresses, stop; the grease is under the pressure intended to prevent water intrusion. Most people overcharge them, getting seepage at the plunger or worse, blowing out the inner seal.<br /><br />Bearing Buddy Bras are also a good idea to keep thing more or less clean.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

Originally posted by JB:<br /> Watch the spring when you charge bearing buddies. <br /><br />When the spring compresses, stop; the grease is under the pressure intended to prevent water intrusion. Most people overcharge them, getting seepage at the plunger or worse, blowing out the inner seal.<br /><br />Bearing Buddy Bras are also a good idea to keep thing more or less clean.

Does the springs have to be fully compressed?<br />Or should one stop as the springs begin to compress?

 

[JB]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

I usually stop when it has compressed about 1/4", Elmer. That puts the bearing grease under pressure.<br /><br />I also check them before every trip because they need another shot more often then those that are charged "full".

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

Fill them just to the point the springs begin to compress. A fully compressed spring is overfilled.<br /><br />As for seeping between the BB and the hub, not unheard of. If it's more than you want, the easy fix is to knock them off, clean the mating surfaces, smear a light coat of Permatex sealant around the perimeter and reinstall. Also, many trailer axle mfrs recommend the same sealing process when installing new inner seals to prevent seeping between the metal seal collar and the hub.

 

[BillP]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

A little is normal but it shouldn't keep building up a big bead. If that happens the BBs are the wrong size. Did you fill the hub up with grease first? If not, the BBs will require periodic squirts as the grease slowly fills them. Air will work it's way past the seals as you drive but the grease won't. Check them before traveling and just before you launch. Once the hubs are full the BBs can go years without greasing.

 

[byacey]

Re: Bearing Buddy querry

Bearing buddies have a pressure release hole if you over fill them - when the piston moves outward to a certain point the excess pressure is released around the edge of the bearing buddy piston.