losing Bearing buddy

[Dirty Worm]

I have a 1996 single axle trailer without brakes and pull a 17ft Center console. I repacked the bearings but I keep losing the bearing buddy on the right hub. I then replaced the bearings and bought new bearing buddies but still keep losing the bearing buddy. I have done bearings many times in my life and never encountered this problem. Anybody have a clue? I can keep it on for awhile if I apply electrical tape around it.and the buddy is the correct size.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: losing Bearing buddy

I have heard of others using gasket sealer on the lip before installing with good results...

 

[jeeperman]

Re: losing Bearing buddy

If it is loose enough to fall off you will need the gasket sealer or silicone to keep water out. Clean the surfaces with carb cleaner, etc. to get good adhesion.
If you want to, you can also use a center punch on the inside perimeter of the hub in several places where it will upset the metal and create teeth.
And or on the outer surface of the bearing buddy.
Which will bite into the bearing buddy and/or hub when installed along with the sealent to keep water out.

 

[capecodder116]

Re: losing Bearing buddy

I concur with Jeeperman....I had an issue like yours and I dimpled the BB with a center punch multiple times....so far so good couple years now....

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: losing Bearing buddy

Maybe it's time to get a new hub for that side.

 

[rndn]

Re: losing Bearing buddy

You're in need of a replacement hub.

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: losing Bearing buddy

I have a tandem axle trailer and could not keep the buddy in one hub. I drilled and tapped the hub for an 8-32 set screw and have not had a problem since.

 

[cajun1]

Re: losing Bearing buddy

had the same problem and replaced the hub, kept the old one for an emergency spare

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: losing Bearing buddy

...1st choice: I'd lose the bearing buddy. I think they are construed as bearing/wheel savers...but they come afterwards as maintenance products...not system replacements.
Ok, with that off my chest:
2nd: Clean off the area that the bearing buddy presses (somewhat) into to and use Loctite threadlocker to set and seal it in there. It will hold surprisingly well...but first make sure you clean the interface up between the parts to get good adhesion. It will come out if you tap it....but at least it won't 'fall' out....like so many seem to.
Good luck & Keep us posted!!!