Bearing buddies?

[blackflamevt]

Do you any of you guys use bearing buddies for your wheel bearings? If not what do you do to keep your bearings in good condition other than repacking them every year?
thanks
Steve in Ct

[264SRinPA]

Bearing Buddies are designed for boat trailers that get submerged in water. They weren't designed for travel trailers.

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Since bearing buddies force the grease into the bearing (that is what forces water out on boat trailers), and out the back once grease gets warm and flows easier. It is the grease that flows out the back that I would fear getting on the electric brakes. Something about grease and brake shoes I wouldn't trust. I don' think I'd even use them on boat trailers that had electric brakes. A single axle, no brake hub, yes. Otherwise, no.

jim

[blackflamevt]

Yeah remember my boat would have grease all over the back of the wheels. So just pack them and off I go? Just asking because my snowmobile trailer has the oil bath kind.

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Yes, pack'em.

[awellis3]

Bearing Buddies should only be used on axles designed for them. These axles have a grease return that allows the old grease out the front of the hub via a passage in the axle itself. Unless your axle has that capability then... what Jim said.

Teach

[nasa42a]

Steve.....

Absolutely agree with the others on avoiding the bearing buddies on RVs.

In PA, an annual inspection is required....which includes removal of a wheel to check on the brakes. I always use this as an opportunity to have the bearings repacked....

It also leads to the discovery of otherwise hidden prospective problems....such as heavy cracking on inner tire sides, etc. Maybe that annual repack could be seen as an advantage...not a bother.

Frank

[luvrque]

Steve,
Bearing Buddies are not the answer. They are Great for boat trailers, I have been using them for 50 yrs. or more & have them on my boat trailer today. They do not push grease out the rear seal (that is not how they work) unless....#1 the grease seal is worn or #2 you force too much grease in the BB. I have never had grease come out the rear seal, only in the case of #1 or #2.

EZ lube hubs came on the QUE & I guess many other Sunline TT. They are GREAT...IMHO
I don't know if you could put the EZ lube hubs on without changing the axle ? I am sure John and others here would know that.
This is a cut away view of a EZ lube hub & it shows how it works, the new grease goes in all the way to the rear & and forces out the old grease out the front.

[blackflamevt]

I'll have to check my axels for the easy lube, but i got new bearings coming in and i'll pack them and go from there. yes good idea to check them, never had a trailer with brakes before.
Thanks guys
Steve in Ct

[Hematite]

The EZ lube hubs came on my T2499. If the inner seals are ever replaced they must be replaced by a double lip seal. That is what keeps the grease going towards the outer wheel bearing and not into the brakes.

[blackflamevt]

Mine are not the ez lube axel's. But i am having a hard time finding the right inner seal.
Steve in Ct

[Steve Collins]

Originally Posted by blackflamevt

Mine are not the ez lube axel's. But i am having a hard time finding the right inner seal.
Steve in Ct

There is a cross-reference chart of hub seals in the Files area under Axles.

[blackflamevt]

Originally Posted by Steve Collins

There is a cross-reference chart of hub seals in the Files area under Axles.

I think i got them, just had to talk to someone from E trailer.
Steve in Ct