Replacing your bearing buddies on a trailer is a crucial preventative maintenance task ensuring smooth, safe towing and preventing costly bearing failure. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step process, ensuring even those with limited mechanical experience can confidently tackle this essential job.
Why Replace Your Bearing Buddies?
Bearing buddies, those small, often chrome-plated caps on your trailer wheels, are more than just decoration. They’re designed to maintain a constant, slight pressure of grease inside the wheel hub, preventing water and contaminants from entering and damaging the bearings. Over time, they can become corroded, damaged, or simply lose their effectiveness, leading to bearing failure and potentially dangerous situations on the road. A proactive approach to replacing them is far cheaper and safer than dealing with a seized wheel or a complete axle replacement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Bearing Buddies
Before you start, gather your tools and materials. You’ll need:
- New bearing buddies (ensure they’re the correct size for your hub)
- A hammer (preferably rubber or dead-blow)
- A punch or chisel
- A flathead screwdriver
- Grease gun loaded with marine-grade grease
- Wheel chocks
- Jack and jack stands
- Gloves and eye protection
- Rags or paper towels
Step 1: Safety First
Park your trailer on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the ones you’ll be working on.
Step 2: Jack Up the Trailer
Use a jack to lift the trailer wheel off the ground. Securely support the trailer frame with jack stands. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.
Step 3: Remove the Old Bearing Buddy
Using a punch or chisel and a hammer, carefully tap around the edge of the old bearing buddy. Work your way around the circumference, gently loosening it until it can be pried out. Avoid hitting the bearing buddy too hard, as you could damage the hub. If it’s particularly stubborn, a few gentle taps from the inside with a flathead screwdriver might help.
Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Hub
Once the old bearing buddy is removed, inspect the hub for any signs of damage, such as cracks or corrosion. Clean the inside of the hub thoroughly with rags or paper towels, removing any old grease, dirt, or debris.
Step 5: Grease the Hub
Using your grease gun, fill the hub with marine-grade grease. Pump grease into the zerk fitting (grease fitting) on the end of the axle until grease begins to come out around the outer bearing. Rotate the hub while greasing to ensure even distribution.
Step 6: Install the New Bearing Buddy
Align the new bearing buddy with the hub opening. Gently tap it into place using a rubber or dead-blow hammer. Work your way around the circumference of the bearing buddy, tapping evenly until it is seated flush with the hub. Avoid using excessive force, as this could damage the new bearing buddy or the hub.
Step 7: Grease the Bearing Buddy
Using your grease gun, fill the new bearing buddy with grease through the zerk fitting. The internal spring mechanism will maintain pressure and prevent overfilling. Stop pumping when the spring is almost fully compressed.
Step 8: Repeat for Remaining Wheels
Repeat steps 2 through 7 for the remaining wheels.
Step 9: Lower the Trailer
Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the trailer to the ground.
Step 10: Final Inspection
After driving a short distance, check the bearing buddies for any signs of leaks or excessive heat. If you notice anything unusual, re-check the installation and grease levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about bearing buddies and their maintenance:
FAQ 1: How do I know what size bearing buddy I need?
You’ll need to determine the inside diameter of your trailer’s hub. The best way to do this is to measure the opening where the bearing buddy sits. Alternatively, you can consult your trailer’s owner’s manual or contact the trailer manufacturer.
FAQ 2: What type of grease should I use in my bearing buddies?
Always use marine-grade grease. This type of grease is specifically designed to resist water washout, preventing corrosion and extending the life of your bearings.
FAQ 3: How often should I grease my bearing buddies?
Greasing frequency depends on usage. For trailers used frequently in wet conditions, greasing every 3,000 miles or every three months is recommended. For less frequent use, greasing annually or before any long trip is sufficient. Always check the grease level before each use.
FAQ 4: Can I over-grease my bearing buddies?
Yes, over-greasing can damage the rear seal. The internal spring mechanism in most bearing buddies is designed to prevent overfilling. Monitor the spring compression while greasing and stop when it’s almost fully compressed.
FAQ 5: What are the signs of a failing bearing buddy?
Signs of a failing bearing buddy include:
- Visible corrosion or damage to the bearing buddy
- Grease leaking from the bearing buddy
- A wobbly or noisy wheel
- Excessive heat emanating from the wheel hub
FAQ 6: Can I repair a damaged bearing buddy, or do I always have to replace it?
In most cases, it’s best to replace a damaged bearing buddy. Repairing a compromised bearing buddy is unlikely to provide a long-term solution and could lead to bearing failure.
FAQ 7: What happens if water gets into my wheel bearings?
Water contamination can lead to rust and corrosion of the bearings, causing them to fail prematurely. This can result in a seized wheel, which can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
FAQ 8: Are bearing protectors (similar to bearing buddies) worth the investment?
Yes, bearing protectors are a worthwhile investment, especially for trailers that are frequently submerged in water. They provide a more robust seal than standard bearing buddies, helping to prevent water intrusion and extending bearing life.
FAQ 9: How do I remove a severely corroded bearing buddy?
Penetrating oil can help loosen a severely corroded bearing buddy. Apply the oil around the edge of the bearing buddy and let it soak for several hours, or even overnight. You may also need to use a more aggressive tool, such as a slide hammer, to remove it. Be cautious not to damage the hub.
FAQ 10: Can I replace bearing buddies myself if I have limited mechanical experience?
Yes, changing bearing buddies is a relatively straightforward task that can be accomplished by someone with limited mechanical experience, provided they follow the steps carefully and use the correct tools. However, if you are uncomfortable performing this task, it’s best to seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic.
FAQ 11: What is the difference between a bearing buddy and a standard grease cap?
A bearing buddy is a pressurized grease cap. Standard grease caps simply cover the hub and provide no pressure to prevent water intrusion. Bearing buddies, with their internal spring and zerk fitting, maintain a constant pressure of grease, creating a barrier against water and contaminants.
FAQ 12: How do I dispose of old bearing buddies and used grease?
Dispose of old bearing buddies as scrap metal. Used grease should be disposed of properly at a designated recycling center or hazardous waste collection facility. Do not pour grease down drains or onto the ground.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently maintain your trailer’s bearing buddies, ensuring safe and reliable towing for years to come. Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing costly repairs and ensuring your trailer is always ready for the road.