Re: Help with broken bearing buddy
The bearings need grease, no question. But I will argue about needing pressure.....they're not under pressure when only using a dustcap.
That said, I believe BB's do a better job of keeping water out.
The bearing buddies work by applying a slight pressure to the grease in the hub, so that when the grease contracts by being cooled quickly (launch time) the spring loaded diaphragm keeps a slight pressure on it so it doesn't pull water in past the grease seal. That water intrusion is the #1 failure mode for boat trailer wheel bearings.
When using a dustcap, you need to frequently service, often replacing the wheel bearings. With bearing buddies properly maintained, service intervals can be stretched out to years, as water intrusion is not a problem.
Thanks, let me ask you this since I'm totally new to bearings.
Is there a way to tell if the bearings are greased up properly? I just got the boat not too long ago and thought I would pump them full as maintenance but then the zerk busted off. I don't know when the last guy replaced the bearings or even filled them or topped them off. My plan is to put a new bb on there and fill it up before I go. Is it necessary to remove the bearings, repack, and regrease...or will the new bb (once full) add the appropriate grease if needed?
With the bb removed, I can see the cotter pin/nut and there doesn't appear to be any rust, just some excess grease which looks a little old and grayish. It appears pretty clean overall.
Notice my explanation above. You described pumping a bunch of grease into the bearing buddy, then hearing air escape when the zerk broke off. That suggests that the bearing buddy was installed, but never serviced as it should be. It should have systematically puked grease all over your toes. You have the same dust cap problem I described above.
It looks like it's time to pull the hubs, replace the seals and repack or replace and repack the bearings, and install new bearing buddies. Then you grease them (follow the directions) frequently till the hub is tightly full of grease. Usually takes a dozen short trips and dunks in the lake. After that, if the seal is in good condition, the only service needed is visual inspection each trip.
I pack my wheel bearings with the same marine grease I use on the outboard. I buy it in small tubes at wally world, and keep a small grease gun handy loaded with it.
For now, if you're in a hurry, and the wheels turn smoothly with no excessive play, a strap of duct tape over the cleaned end of the bearing buddy will get you by for 1 trip.
hope it helps
John
