Repacking bearing buddies

[nightvision]

Hi all,
I have a trailer with bearing buddies. I like to repack the bearings and was wondering if some one can give me the procedures. Any parts to by when repacking?This is totally new to me. How do I maintain them? How do I know I need to add grease? Thanks.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#packhubs

You always wnat to replace your rear seal whenever you repack. Main reason is it is hard to remove without ruining it.

When I get all done and after I pound on the Bearing Buddy, I pump up the Bearing Buddy until I see the cylinder just start to move so that the spring just starts getting compressed. You will want to recheck after driving awhile because there are air pockets that will escape so you will need to add more grease to make up for it.

Make sure the grease you use is compatible with grease that is already in the hub. If you don't know what type(base) the grease is, make sure you clean every speck of the old grease out of the hub and bearings.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

Make sure you have genuine bearing buddies. There are some cheap imitations out there that are simple hub caps with a grease zerk. Pump those up like Bruce says and you will immediately blow out the rear seal. Also make sure you understand what "packing a bearing" really means. It's not just slathering grease on the bearing.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

Also make sure you understand what "packing a bearing" really means. It's not just slathering grease on the bearing.

Exactly...I use a bearing packing tool and then finish it off by hand just to make sure. I put a blob of grease in the palm of my and and force the bearing into it making sure grease oozes out through the bearing.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

Someplace I saw something similar to BB but they used clear plastic and were to be filled with oil. Claimed no more repacking, cooler bearings, longer bearing life, and better MPG. Never tried them though. Have seen the same on 18 wheel trucks so they can't be too bad.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

Repacking bearings is not so much a lubrication issue as it is a bearing inspection issue. Because you "never" need to lub the bearing does not mean a bearing will "never" go bad. You cannot hear a bad bearing on a trailer like you can in a car so when they do go bad, chances are you lose a wheel, break a spindle and effectively ruin a boat trip and possibly get involved in an accident. Now that I think about it, there are lots of people don't know what it's like losing a wheel bearing on a car either. It's pretty obvious when the rear axle with wheel attached is sticking two feet outside the car/truck.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

I never had a double axle trailer so my comment is for single axle only.

If you are attuned to it, a trailer bearing starting to go bad makes a nice distinctive grumble that radiates into the tow vehicle through the frame and hitch. If you pay attention and listen to what your normal towing sounds are, this grumble will be noticeable. If you recognize it right away, you have a few miles left. Better to pull over. Of course, if your boom box is on jet take-off volume, you will never hear it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

The secret is to never get yourself in postion to have to be listening for a bearing rumble. That is why it is important to check your bearings every year.

I go on several long trips during the boating season. Even though I have repacked the bearings in the spring, I throw my floor jack under every wheel and give them a spin and listen before I take off.

I have never had a bearing failure under way(knock on wood) because I always catch things before I leave. My trips can be as far as 1200 miles one way.

 

[tommays]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

This which you will most likely not here will turn into

This in about 50 miles


Tommays

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Repacking bearing buddies

Not arguing with the need to inspect and repack. Total agreement there. Ounce of prevention and all that.
But we all know Murphy's Law and "Stuff Happens".
Better to know what to listen for if it does, rather than drive blithly unaware until the wheel falls off.