Do I need to service Bearing Buddies

[Cast-Away]

I have had my new trailer for a year now and make sure that the Bearing Buddies always have positive pressure by greasing them when needed. The hubs are not hot after a two hour pull on the highway. Do I still need to service my wheel hubs once a year? FYI the grease is green inside the hub. Thanks

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Do I need to service Bearing Buddies

I would jack the trailer up and check for any looseness in the wheel bearings and take care not to put to much grease in at a time for it can push the rear seals out of the axle. Look on the back side of your wheel and see if you see any grease there, if so, then you might have to put some new seals in. Just my .02 worth.

 

[martinwinte]

Re: Do I need to service Bearing Buddies

I've heard conflicting answers to this question before (with suporting evidence for both sides), so I'll tell you that I service mine twice a season. I have had 1 bearing failure in my life and have alot of resolve not to have another one. The 1/2 hour or so taken to service the bearings (clean, check, repack) is a small price to pay for the piece of mind it gives (IMHO).

 

[Cast-Away]

Re: Do I need to service Bearing Buddies

Thanks for the info guys. Are the Bearing Buddies difficult to remove?

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Do I need to service Bearing Buddies

Rule of thumb that I use is to clean and repack my bearings late fall (or the last time pull the boat out of the water for the summer). That way the bearings are in clean grease for the winter storage.<br /><br />One other thing I do is put the trailer on blocks and put the wheels/tires in the basement on some cardboard. The tires will last much longer out of winter elements. A little harder to steal the boat & trailer that way too.<br /><br />B.Buddies are not difficult to remove but to clean inspect and repack bearings will involve pulling the hub as well. This is not difficult job either but I would suggest having a manual to follow which should also include a list of tools and materials.<br /><br />Mike.

 

[martinwinte]

Re: Do I need to service Bearing Buddies

Castaway they remove like any other greese cap (actually easier I think). Just tap them (lightly) with a hammer and work a screw driver behind them to pry them loose, or just grab them with a BIG pair of chanel locks and wiggle them off. (any greese in them will come out so have a rag (well....several) handy).

 

[Solittle]

Re: Do I need to service Bearing Buddies

I don't pull mine and I submerge my trailer in salt water. I make sure though that they are full of grease. I don't over pack them but I do not worry if a little bit squeezes out of the back seal.<br /><br />If you do pull them a tip on getting them back on the axle is to place a 2X4 on the outside of the bearing and hit the 2X4 with a hammer to start the bearing onto the hub. This gets even force all around the rim of the bearing. When you think they are seated take off the 2X4 and hit the rim of the bearing with a hammer. You can easily tell when they are firmly seated them.<br /><br />Been doing it this way for 30 years & never had a problem.<br /><br />Howard