Bearing Buddy Install

[kwhorne19]

Apologies if this has been covered, I did a search and didn't find what I was looking for..

 

When installing bearing buddies onto the hub, ,do you guys grease the inside of the buddy before installing on hub or just pump it full once on hub with grease gun?

 

Thanks

[Chief 2]

I usually put some grease in the BB, but finish it off with the gun.

[kwhorne19]

Thanks..

 

Do I need to make sure all the old grease is wiped off before I put them on, the instructions say don't mix greases...is that what they are talking about?

[Jig Man]

When I repack my bearings I load all the grease that I can into the cavity.  Then I install my buddy hub and fill it till the blue ring shows.  I take a grease gun with me to the lake and pump more before I launch as the grease spins to the outside as I drive.  When I get home I put more in.  This process can take up to 200 miles as it is 50 miles each way to the lake and back.

[Jig Man]

Thanks..

 

Do I need to make sure all the old grease is wiped off before I put them on, the instructions say don't mix greases...is that what they are talking about?

By mixing greases that means different types.  Just use a general all around grease that is designed for trailer bearings.  Then it doesn't matter.

[kwhorne19]

oh ok, thanks

[Way2slow]

I would recommend you go ahead and get new axle seals.  If it's a small trailer, you can get kits that have new bearing, races, and seal for little of nothing.  You need to knock the inner bearing out, clean everything up good, inspect all bearings and races (cups and cones if we want to be technical) to make sure there is not pitting or discoloration.  Also insect the axle were the seal runs on it.  Many times I've found bad places and welding slag there that damages the seal.  If everything looks good, pack the bearings with the same grease you will be using, fill the hub with the same grease, put the inner bearing in with the new seal and slide it back on the axle.  Put the outer bearing in, the washer and nut, and tighten it down until it's snug.  The wheel should have some friction when turning it and not be able to wiggle it back and forth.  Now back the nut back off about a 1/16 of a turn so the well turns freely and you should be able to feel just a very slight wiggle if you grab the tire and try wiggling it back and forth.  Install the cotter key, making sure you don't bend it over the end of the axle, that's not good on the bearing buddy.  If you have to turn the nut to get the cotter pin in, you may have to loosen it a little more.  NEVER tighten it enough that there is no wiggle in the tire/wheel.  This will not leave room for a grease film and will burn out the bearings.  A little extra wiggle is better than none at all.  

 

Install the Bearing buddy's and pump grease in until the disk the fitting in starts to move out, and stop.   Take you grease gun with you when you take it to the lake, and just before backing it in. grease them again until the disc starts to float.  Grease them again when you get back home.  You may have to do this a few trips until you get all the air worked out.  If you get too much, it will start slinging grease around the tires.  The Bras are handy items to have on them also.

 

As mentioned. don't mix greases.  If you don't know what kind is in there, it needs to be cleaned out and fresh installed.  Mixing one grease with another that's not compatible, and they can make soap, not grease.