Do I Need Bearing Buddies?

[gregintexas]

Actually, I was hoping someone could actually explain what these are, and if they are really a necessity, or a nice to have. My trailering is infrequent and not over long distances. I do have a tandem trailer.<br />Thanks for any advice.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Do I Need Bearing Buddies?

Bearing Buddies and similar devices are installed on most new trailers. If they weren't effective they wouldn't be there. Bearing Buddies are replacements for the dust cap on each wheel. They contain a spring loaded disk with a grease zerk in the center. The idea is that when the bearings are initially installed, they are packed and the hub fully lubricated with grease. After installation, a grease gun can be used to pump additional grease in until the disk just begins to move against spring pressure. When the disk is retracted, that's a sign more grease can be added. The problem with this is some folks feel more is good so they pump them up until the rear seal blows then they blame the Bearing Buddy. Do you need them? Only you can decide. If you dont do regular wheel bearing maintenance, you need them. If you do annual or at least every two year maintenance, you probably dont.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Do I Need Bearing Buddies?

Bearing Buddies are a wheel hub cup with a spring loaded piston that keeps pressure on the grease in the hub. A grease nipple in the center allows grease to be pumped in. The theory is that if there is pressure on the grease in the hub, then water can not get in. It also makes adding some grease easy. I have had BB on my trailer for two seasons and earlier this year removed both wheel hubs while replacing springs. Both hubs were free of water, no sign of rust.

 

[BillP]

Re: Do I Need Bearing Buddies?

Yes, do Buddy Bearings or another brand like them if you want the longest bearing life and least maintenance headaches. To do them the best way requires taking the hub off, packing the hub full (per BB instructions) and then installing the BBs.

 

[njlarry]

Re: Do I Need Bearing Buddies?

Also suggest you look at Sure-Lube. They are different from bearing buddies. I like them because they are less likely to blow the rear seals. Also they allow you to "repack" the bearings without tools anytime you want and see the condition of the grease it exits. Both style are better than none IMHO.