Bearing buddies... How do they attach to the axle.

cmb1998 · 05-19-2009, 06:45 AM

I noticed last night that one of my bearing buddies was missing. Just a axle with a retainer clip holding the bearing in place. I need to replace the bearing Buddie, are they universal? How do they attach to the axle?

Is this a common problem? I had the wheel bearing repacked about a month ago. Only used the trailer twice since then as the boat was sitting in the Columbia for the springer season.

Thanks,

Chris

Hellibut · 05-19-2009, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmb1998

I noticed last night that one of my bearing buddies was missing. Just a axle with a retainer clip holding the bearing in place. I need to replace the bearing Buddie, are they universal? How do they attach to the axle?

Is this a common problem? I had the wheel bearing repacked about a month ago. Only used the trailer twice since then as the boat was sitting in the Columbia for the springer season.

Thanks,

Chris

It's only a common problem when whoever repacked your wheel bearings didn't pound it all the way back in. There is no way in heck one of these is going to come off on it's own. It's a pressure fit and it takes a lot of back and forth pounding with a rubber mallet to remove one. As far as being universal I think there may be a couple different sizes. I would go back to whoever did your bearings.

Road Rage · 05-19-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellibut

It's only a common problem when whoever repacked your wheel bearings didn't pound it all the way back in. There is no way in heck one of these is going to come off on it's own. It's a pressure fit and it takes a lot of back and forth pounding with a rubber mallet to remove one. As far as being universal I think there may be a couple different sizes. I would go back to whoever did your bearings.

I beg to differ... a little. I've lost a couple of bearing buddies in the past, all of which were fully seated in-place. While the pressure-fit is very tight, I believe that buddies that have been removed and reinstalled are not as tight as new, and can be "pushed" out of the hub if too much pressure builds-up inside. 1) by over-filling, and 2) from the heat. I think that the pounding from side to side to rock a buddy out of the hub causes deformation of the mating surfaces, and results in a "looser" fit.

After seeing a buddy fly off my trailer at 60MPH (fortunately on the "shoulder" side, and it flew into the median), I devised what I call "Buddy Keepers." I found a rubber collar in the plumbing dept of my local big-box hardware store that is desingned to couple a 2-1/2" pvc pipe to a 2" pvc pipe. The 2-1/2 end fits over the hub, and the 2" over the buddy. It's held in-place with pipe clamps. Haven't lost a buddy since. I did have to add a small nut-driver to my road-side tool kit, in the event I need to service a hub while away from home. (murphy's law)

There are THREE sizes of Bearing Buddies. By far, the most common size is "1980," (1.980 inches in diameter), which will fit most 5-lug hubs. There is one size smaller, and one size larger. Typically the smaller fits 4-lug hubs, and the larger for 6-lug hubs, but not always.

Hellibut · 05-19-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Rage

I beg to differ... a little. I've lost a couple of bearing buddies in the past, all of which were fully seated in-place. While the pressure-fit is very tight, I believe that buddies that have been removed and reinstalled are not as tight as new, and can be "pushed" out of the hub if too much pressure builds-up inside. 1) by over-filling, and 2) from the heat. I think that the pounding from side to side to rock a buddy out of the hub causes deformation of the mating surfaces, and results in a "looser" fit.

After seeing a buddy fly off my trailer at 60MPH (fortunately on the "shoulder" side, and it flew into the median), I devised what I call "Buddy Keepers." I found a rubber collar in the plumbing dept of my local big-box hardware store that is desingned to couple a 2-1/2" pvc pipe to a 2" pvc pipe. The 2-1/2 end fits over the hub, and the 2" over the buddy. It's held in-place with pipe clamps. Haven't lost a buddy since. I did have to add a small nut-driver to my road-side tool kit, in the event I need to service a hub while away from home. (murphy's law)

There are THREE sizes of Bearing Buddies. By far, the most common size is "1980," (1.980 inches in diameter), which will fit most 5-lug hubs. There is one size smaller, and one size larger. Typically the smaller fits 4-lug hubs, and the larger for 6-lug hubs, but not always.

You've lost "a couple"! I stand by my post. Not to say it couldn't happen but I could also win the lottery. If one has to have something to hold the Bearing buddy in you've got other problems.

weekender · 05-19-2009, 08:37 AM

I lost a bearing buddy on my last trailer. Since then I just always put a couple drops of locktight on the mating surface before I pound it back in. Never had another problem.

Gopher · 05-19-2009, 09:49 AM

I also have lost a bearing buddy. I believe it was from the pressure inside along with the fact that I may have gotten some grease on the pressure fit portion that goes inside the hub. Was also driving on a bumpy road. I think if you make sure you have a dry fit where it goes into the hub or use locktite as one person suggested you should be OK. I have had no further problems.

Good luck

Road Rage · 05-19-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellibut

You've lost "a couple"! I stand by my post. Not to say it couldn't happen but I could also win the lottery. If one has to have something to hold the Bearing buddy in you've got other problems.

Yes, I have lost a couple... It happens. They were fully seated, with a hammer and block. One was on the freeway (saw it in the mirror), one (I think) was lost when I scrubbed a super-tall curb in a rediculously tight boat ramp parking lot. As I stated, I believe the problem is primarily with buddies that have been removed and reinstalled.

The "Keepers" are insurance IMO. I don't want to be responsible for one of my "Buddys" flying through someones windshield at 60MPH. Maybe I don't need 'em, but it's my piece of mind.

baitsauce · 05-19-2009, 04:51 PM

I did a thread on this. IMHO the biggest reason for loosing them is they are simply overfilled. Don't ask me how I know this!

Now, I'm careful to NOT overfill them. I also put some gorilla snot on the mating surfaces and (so far) have had no problems.

If you look closely you can see what I'm talking about.

However, Road Rage has a good solution. If I loose another one then I'll do what he did.

BTW, Road Rage you are my hero!!

Just look how rusty those lugnuts are. You can tell that boat gets used!!!

//

weekender · 05-20-2009, 10:23 AM

It's slightly off topic, but worth noting. These things aren't meant to be filled to the top with grease. If you pump it until the spring is fully compressed your probably going to loose a bearing on the road, or worse blow out your rear seal.

jfa686 · 05-20-2009, 06:50 PM

you guys are right..do not overfill. Also i have noticed that cleaning the dust covers and the outside of the buddies very thoroughly with thinner you get an air/water tight seal. I have not lost one in a long long time since doing this. Or maybe i'm just lucky?

FCJ · 05-30-2009, 06:52 PM

The plumbing part you are looking for is called a 'Fernco' from the manufacture. Most plumbing supply places carry these in various sizes and they are used on all types of pipe. They look like the flexible connectors used on cast iron drain and vent pipe.