Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

[Solittle]

I am continuing to work on my project and pulled the wheels off tonight. I have Buddy Bearings on all 4 wheels. The galvanized trailer is 10 years old and gets dunked in salt water every launch & retrieval. I have made sure that the Buddy Bearings were kept full of grease. <br /><br />While I have never pulled the wheels to check the bearings, I have checked the hubs for overheat nearly every trip. While I do not recommend not pulling the wheels I wanted to let you all know that the old bearings are like new and do not have to be replaced. The seals were shot.

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

I guess that you can add your name to the list of satisfied users worldwide.<br /><br />They are a definite bearing saver.<br /> <br />Regards<br />Peter

 

[mr T]

Re: Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

I had my hubs out as well. The bearing buddies sure kept the grease in there. Since the seals are worn out, grease are everywhere on my wheel. It a nasty job to clean the greasy mess.

 

[BillP]

Re: Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

If your seals are worn from a pitted spindle try their sleeve kit. I don't remember the name but the kit has a polished SS sleeve that slides over the spindle and provides a new surface for the seal to ride on. The kit comes with seals. I use them and they work perfectly.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

Yeah, those Buddy Bearings are a godsend...

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

Chicago Rawhide sell what is called a "Speedi-sleeve" for that purpose.<br />They can be very tricky to install as they are soooooo thin in the wall thickness but they may help if you can find nothing better. It would pay to install them over a wipe of Loctite Instant Gasket (515 I think)<br /><br /> <br />Peter

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

I've used many speedisleeves over the years (mainly worn crankshaft seals etc.)The sleeve can 'mould' into the groove left by the worn seal. A bit of liquid steel in the groove before installing the sleeve is a good idea. Aldo

 

[BF]

Re: Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

so, I haven't put BB's on yet, but... do they cause the seals to blow out?? I'd assume that if you keep enough grease in them to compress the spring a bit, that they'd eventually push grease out at the seal. (?) I've thought about putting them on, but so far have stayed with re-packing anually (I'm talking mostly about a utility trailer that doesn't get dunked). For a boat trailer, it's true I'd rather have greased bearings even at the cost of pushing grease out of the seals. <br /><br />thoughts?<br /><br />B

 

[salty87]

Re: Buddy Bearings Really Work!!!

yes, BF, you can put too much grease in and blow a seal. i've done it. you can, though, see the spring load up as you pump grease in and there is a weep hole for exccess but it is still possible to blow a seal. just need to be careful and watch what you're doing.