When Using Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors Do I Need To Repack Bearings Periodically?

Question

Question:

Does having a Bearing Buddy installed negate the need to take apart the wheel hub and repack the bearings with fresh grease periodically?

asked by: Jesse

0

Expert Reply:

When you use the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors like # BB2441, so you do not need to take apart the wheel hub and repack the bearings. The Bearing Buddy Protectors have a spring loaded seal that keeps the moisture and debris out of the bearings. This pressurized grease will maintain bearing function as long as the seal on the hub stays functional. If this seal is broken, I recommend inspecting and repacking good bearings when you replace the seal. As you maintain the grease in the Bearing Buddy, it continues to fill the bore, so your bearings and spindle stay properly lubricated for proper function.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Mark G.

6/10/2020

How often do I need to grease bearing buddys?

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Jacob H.

6/12/2020

We recommend greasing your hubs on your trailer about every 12,000 miles under normal conditions. If you are hauling heavy loads often then you may want to so it sooner.

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Mark G.

6/12/2020

Thank you!What I mean is how often should I shoot grease into the bearing buddy as a preventative maintenance function?After so many trips,once a month etc.

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Chris R.

6/16/2020

Assuming the seal is in good condition (grease isn't escaping) there really shouldn't be a need to add more grease throughout the year. You're safe to follow the general guideline of once a year or 12,000 miles.

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See All (5) Replies to Mark G. ∨

Mark G.

6/20/2020

Thank you very much!

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Chris R.

6/23/2020

No problem at all!

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Rick B.

7/10/2024

Can you use Bearing Buddies on a boat trailer with drum brakes? Thanks, RB

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Bud M.

7/10/2024

@RickB Yes, Bearing Buddy bearing protectors can be used on a boat trailer with drum brakes. I do recommend using their matching grease seal kit as it is capable of the higher grease pressures you get with a Bearing Buddy. This helps prevent grease from getting into the brake assembly.

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Steve T.

7/17/2024

@BudM I just had my wheel bearings replaced on my single axle boat trailer and Bearing Buddies installed. The tech recommended that I add grease every time before I put it in the water after any trip of decent distance. Don't I run the risk of blowing out a rear seal doing this? If the seals are good, where is all the original grease going to make room for more? We probably tow it enough to get the bearing warm 5 or 6 times a year, and in 15 years of boating, I've never seen anyone else doing it. Is he being too cautious? Am I being to reckless not doing it? Thanks, ST

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Bud M.

7/17/2024

@SteveT If you used the auto check style bearing buddies you can simply check the pressure cap to determine when you need to add more grease. Typically I recommend checking them a few times a year depending on use. As grease doesn't just disappear you would notice if it were come out of the hub.

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Answer 1

The great thing about Bearing Buddy like part #BB1781 is that when you add grease to your system with the included fitting, it will move the spring-loaded piston outward and allow grease to seep around the edges to keep from damaging the seal. You…

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Answer 2

Bearing Buddy pumps grease into the center of the hub all the way back to the grease seal. A double lip seal should be used to prevent grease from blowing out the seal when added. When the hub and seals and bearings are first assembled, they should…

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Answer 3

Technically speaking, once the bearings are initially packed, you shouldn't need to repack them. I'd still recommend breaking the hub down occasionally to inspect the bearings and races to make sure everything's in good condition.

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Answer 4

If you can get me the capacity or diameter of the axle I can figure it out much quicker. Or if you can't get that the diameter of the spindles where the bearings ride will work too.

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Answer 5

The bearings should really be repacked every 12,000 miles or 12 months whichever comes first even if you are not putting 12,000 miles on the trailer. It still a good idea to routinely repack the bearings every 12 months because the grease breaks down…

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Answer 6

Trailer tires and wheels do not typically come balanced from the factory like what you see with standard passenger vehicle tires. This isn't usually needed for trailer tires and most car shops don't have the needed setup to properly balance…

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Answer 7

The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors #BB2441 provide premium protection for your wheel bearings. It is still recommended that you inspect the bearings, races, and seals every 12 months or 12,000 miles to ensure reliable performance on your trailer.…

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Answer 8

It's actually very easy to over fill trailer hubs with grease with Bearing Buddies so I would not recommend continuing to add grease with yours as you'll most likely blow out the seal and cause bigger problems. If you've added a couple…

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Answer 9

It is possible to over-fill a hub that has a Bearing Buddy bearing protector such as #BB1781. The convenience of easy filling through the zerk fitting can often mean we can be tempted to keep adding more grease. ("If a little is good, then more…

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Answer 10

There is no need to further re-pack the bearings with the Bearing Buddies like the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 2441 - Chrome Plated (Pair) #BB2441. So long as you maintain the grease levels, repacking the bearings isn't necessary,…

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