Martyy Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Hi everyone, some bugger flogged one of my bearing buddie dust caps yesterday at the boat ramp while I was out. Didn't realise till wash down at home so it was missing while I retrieved the boat and went underwater. Still heaps of good grease in there, but do I need to pull it all apart and repack? Any advice be good thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonD Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I dont think they actually seal the bearings (more a dust cover), Ive also lost them from time to time and regularly pick them up at the boat ramp. They are super cheap to buy and a good reminder to pump in a little grease when you lose one. Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Incredible Hull Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Depends on the grease. If its marine grade (typically dark blue in color), then exposure to water is fine as it will not mix. If its normal grease, like those Timken tubs of red grease, they are no good and will muddy up and seize your bearings within a few outings. You can usually tell by an muddy grease around your bearing buddy. Also jack up the trailer and spin the wheel on both sides, see if there's any difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingfishbig Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 (edited) If you haven't had any problems before then I don't think there is anything to worry about. Those dust caps don't actually seal out the water and there are still the seal between the bearing buddy and the hub and the other seals to possibly let in water. PS: There is some debate as to whether bearing buddies do any good. If possible don't dunk your bearings in the water if you don't want to regularly re-pack them. Edited January 20, 2017 by kingfishbig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampgecko Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I had bearing buddies on my previous trailer with no caps. Never had a problem with the bearings. when I did finally get around to repacking the bearings the grease and the bearings were fine. A quick spray with some WD40 and a wipe down of the nipple before pumping in the grease always helps to remove any possible contaminates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fab1 Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 5 hours ago, Martyy said: Hi everyone, some bugger flogged one of my bearing buddie dust caps yesterday at the boat ramp while I was out. Didn't realise till wash down at home so it was missing while I retrieved the boat and went underwater. Still heaps of good grease in there, but do I need to pull it all apart and repack? Any advice be good thanks Hi mate,I use insulation tape over the caps and haven't lost one yet.My boat came without caps and I launches and retrieved it for over 3 years without issue.I only added them recently. If your unfamiliar with bearings I've done a few posts on this site in the workshop which will she's some light on the subject you may want to look at. Look forward to seeing more posts from you in the future. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailcraft43 Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 (edited) I'm going to drill and tap the hub edges and fit tiny grub screws to my wheel hubs to lock the bearing buddies in on my 2 boat trailers after reading this. Edited January 20, 2017 by Trailcraft43 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 (edited) 58 minutes ago, Trailcraft43 said: I'm going to drill and tap the hub edges and fit tiny grub screws to my wheel hubs to lock the bearing buddies in on my 2 boat trailers after reading this. They are talking about the plastic caps on the bearing buddies, not the actual bearing buddies coming off, even though they sometimes can if they are not put on properly. Edited January 20, 2017 by Roylo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 I did have a problem once with my caps coming off and at first I thought it was some bugger at the ramp nicking them. I then realised that it was air pressure that was doing it. I'm guessing as the inside of the hub heats up when driving, the air expands and puts pressure on the cap. I have put a pin hole in the caps and haven't lost one in years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailcraft43 Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 11 hours ago, Roylo said: They are talking about the plastic caps on the bearing buddies, not the actual bearing buddies coming off, even though they sometimes can if they are not put on properly. Cool thanx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fab1 Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 11 hours ago, Roylo said: I did have a problem once with my caps coming off and at first I thought it was some bugger at the ramp nicking them. I then realised that it was air pressure that was doing it. I'm guessing as the inside of the hub heats up when driving, the air expands and puts pressure on the cap. I have put a pin hole in the caps and haven't lost one in years. When you put the cap on press the centre in with your thumb to expell the air out in between the cap and the buddy.This creates a vacuum that helps hold them on. For good measure I tape them up also as I use the set and forget method. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyy Posted January 21, 2017 Author Share Posted January 21, 2017 Thanks for the replies everyone, I'm going to pump a bit more grease in each side, put a new cap on and tape them up. Cheers, Marty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 Also, make sure the inside of the caps and where they mount is very clean and has no grease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raymondo Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 These are the go if your serious about water ingress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amkr Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 my guess is I could replace my bearings monthly for a few years for the price of a set of those though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raymondo Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 40 minutes ago, amkr said: my guess is I could replace my bearings monthly for a few years for the price of a set of those though. LoL , not quite but I see what your getting at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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