Are buddy bearings still the way to go?

[Captain Morgan I]

I bought an older boat/trailer combo 1 1/2 years ago. Both hubs have buddy bearings on them. One leaks grease all over the wheel. I'm going to pull the bearings and replace them. Should I install new buddy bearings w/bras or is there another device that has proven to be better and cleaner?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Are buddy bearings still the way to go?

I have them on all 4 wheels and like them a lot.
I still service the bearnings though, just not quite as often.
The most important thing with them is not to over grease, it will push the rear seal out of the hub.

 

[evilratgirl]

Re: Are buddy bearings still the way to go?

I agree with Spinner. The pressurized "Bearing Buddy" is still the best thing going. The bearing buddy itself typically doesn't leak. The biggest cause of grease leakage is from being over pressurized and blowing out the back seal.

 

[DJ]

Re: Are buddy bearings still the way to go?

Hey folks, It's all about maintenance.

My BB's don't sling grease because I don't allow them to. If you have one wheel "slinging" and one that doesn't, (read the signs) you have an issue-FIX IT.

People tend to over-grease BB's. Pick up a wheel, "from time to time" and spin it. If it's quiet, it's OK. If not, it needs service.

There's no mystery here. DON'T OVER-GREASE.

 

[JCF350]

Re: Are buddy bearings still the way to go?

or is there another device that has proven to be better and cleaner?

Yep, plain old hub caps.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Are buddy bearings still the way to go?

I agree with Spinner. The pressurized "Bearing Buddy" is still the best thing going. The bearing buddy itself typically doesn't leak. The biggest cause of grease leakage is from being over pressurized and blowing out the back seal.

Hey the new Bearing Buddies have a Pee hole. If you get too much grease it will bleed out until the proper amount of greese and pressure is achieved. That keeps you from blowing that back seal. You just put the grease in very slowly. Remember your only topping it off anyway. When it starts to bleed out stop. Catch what little bleeds out on a rag and your good to go. It's a good idea to have the bearing buddy caps to keep from slinging grease on the back side of the boat. Put the caps on only after the bleeding stops. You won't have much bleeding if you put the grease in very slow.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Are buddy bearings still the way to go?

I think so.

 

[njlarry]

Re: Are buddy bearings still the way to go?

My current rig has them but I much prefer the "Sure-Lube" I used to have. It has a channel drilled in the spindle from inside the bearing area to the outside axle. As you add grease it ciculates through the bearings and then the old grease is pushed out the axle. You can in effect repack the bearings every time you use it. Am considering replacing my whole axle just to have it back.