Install Bearing Buddy: A Comprehensive Guide to Keep Your Trailer Hubs Protected

Why Bearing Maintenance Matters

Your trailer's wheel bearings are critical components that support the weight of your trailer and allow it to roll smoothly. Without proper maintenance, these bearings can fail, leading to catastrophic consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bearing failures account for over 10% of all trailer accidents.

Benefits of Installing a Bearing Buddy

A Bearing Buddy is a device that helps protect your trailer's wheel bearings from water, dirt, and other contaminants. By keeping these contaminants out, Bearing Buddies can significantly extend the life of your bearings and prevent costly repairs.

Benefits of Installing a Bearing Buddy:

• Extends bearing life by up to 5 times
• Reduces the risk of bearing failure by over 90%
• Improves trailer handling and safety
• Saves you money on bearing replacements

How to Install a Bearing Buddy

Installing a Bearing Buddy is a relatively simple process that can be completed in under an hour. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper installation.

Materials you will need:

• Bearing Buddy kit
• Grease gun
• Rags
• Jack and jack stands

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Safety First: Park your trailer on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.

   

2. Remove the old bearing caps: Using a wrench, loosen and remove the bearing caps from the wheel hubs.

3. Clean the hubs: Use a rag to clean any dirt or grease from the wheel hubs.

   

4. Apply a ring of grease: Using a grease gun, apply a ring of grease around the inner edge of the wheel hub.

5. Install the Bearing Buddy: Place the Bearing Buddy over the wheel hub and push it down until it snaps into place.

6. Tighten the Bearing Buddy: Use a wrench to tighten the Bearing Buddy according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Fill the Bearing Buddy with grease: Using a grease gun, fill the Bearing Buddy with grease until it starts to ooze out from the edges.

8. Reinstall the bearing caps: Replace the bearing caps and tighten them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

9. Check for leaks: Spin the wheel and check for any leaks from the Bearing Buddy. If you find any leaks, retighten the Bearing Buddy until the leak stops.

Tips for Installing a Bearing Buddy:

• Use a high-quality grease that is specifically designed for trailer bearings.
• Do not overtighten the Bearing Buddy, as this can damage the seals.
• If you are not comfortable installing a Bearing Buddy yourself, consult with a qualified mechanic.

Effective Strategies for Installing a Bearing Buddy

• Plan ahead: Gather all the necessary materials and tools before you start the installation process.
• Follow the instructions carefully: Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific steps and torque specifications.
• Use the right tools: Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening of the Bearing Buddy and bearing caps.
• Lubricate regularly: Fill the Bearing Buddy with grease every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep the bearings lubricated.
• Inspect the Bearing Buddy regularly: Check for any leaks, cracks, or damage to the Bearing Buddy during routine trailer maintenance.

3 Humorous Stories and What We Learn

1. The Missing Bearing Buddy: One trailer owner diligently maintained his bearings but forgot to install the Bearing Buddy on one wheel. After a long road trip, he heard a loud grinding noise coming from that wheel. Upon inspection, he discovered that all the bearings had disintegrated due to lack of protection from water and dirt.

Lesson: Always install a Bearing Buddy on both wheels to avoid costly bearing failures.

2. The Overtightened Bearing Buddy: Another trailer owner overtightened the Bearing Buddy, crushing the seals and allowing grease to leak out. This caused the bearings to overheat and fail prematurely.

Lesson: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper tightening of the Bearing Buddy.

3. The Misaligned Bearing Buddy: One enthusiastic DIYer installed a Bearing Buddy but failed to align it properly with the wheel hub. This caused the Bearing Buddy to rub against the hub, wearing down the seals and allowing water to enter the bearings.

Lesson: Ensure that the Bearing Buddy is correctly aligned with the wheel hub before tightening it.

Comparison Table: Bearing Buddy vs. No Bearing Buddy

Call to Action

Protect your trailer's wheel bearings and ensure your safety on the road by installing a Bearing Buddy today. Its easy installation, low maintenance requirements, and significant cost savings make it an essential investment for any trailer owner.