Help With Trailer Advice

Post by **Pinnochio Fisherman** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:38 pm

Hi,

I tried posting before - but I think my message ended up in Japan, so here it goes again...

I've got a 2001 trailer which I've used fairly often each season since then. It has Bearing Buddies on it, and I've never had a problem.

Someone recently told me that it is time to have the bearings inspected and repacked. Given that the only thing I know how to pack is groceries, I'm not sure what it all means....

Last season I also gave each Bearing Buddy a quick shot of new grease to keep'em fresh, but maybe this was wrong?...

If I do have to have the bearings repacked, where in Ottawa can this be done? Is it costly?

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers,

Post by **Trophymuskie** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:48 pm

Repacking bearings means taking them out cleaning them, inspecting them and if they are still good pack them with new grease. Filling up the bearing buddys every year or maybe more if used a lot is a good thing to do but every couple of years you should have them repacked as you do not want a bearing faillure, let me tell you I know as I have had a few.

Every spring I have my auto mechanic repack my bearings and if they show any signs or overheating they get replaced.

Post by **skooter** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 8:08 pm

Trophymuskie wrote:Repacking bearings means taking them out cleaning them, inspecting them and if they are still good pack them with new grease. Filling up the bearing buddys every year or maybe more if used a lot is a good thing to do but every couple of years you should have them repacked as you do not want a bearing faillure, let me tell you I know as I have had a few.

Every spring I have my auto mechanic repack my bearings and if they show any signs or overheating they get replaced.

When you replace the bearings, ...keep the old ones in a plastic bag, ...packed in grease, .....just in case you have one fail in the middle of nowhere, you have a temp. replacement to use....

Post by **Wall-I-Guy** » Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:32 pm

Hey PF, welcome abaord!

You don't mention wether or not you have see through hubs on you wheels. Some wheels come with them and it's so you can tell when the grease needs replacement. If you have non see through, I'd recommend checking them at least every other year, unless you use the trailer a whole lot, then every year as TM suggests

You can likely find the "how to" do it for bearing buddies in the internet. It's really quite simple, just have to be willing to get your hands dirty

Goodluck

Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:03 pm

WoW!

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I'm going to start by taking off the bearing buddies and seeing what lies beneath. I've seen a couple of "DIY" articles on the web about how to repack the bearings and might give it a try.

Anyone know where you can purchase the seals ? Apparently, there are specific seals to be used for marine applications...

Next challenge.... convincing my wife that I need to fish like she needs to shop.

Cheers,

Post by **steve-hamilton** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 12:26 pm

ok, i am in the same position as the poster, and i have followed your advice...

but am stuck on step one.

my bearing buddies wont come off....maybe they havne't been off in years. i bought the boat used last year, and haven't touched the wheels on the trailer.

all i do is check for temperature when i'm done towing...i've been told if its cool, i'm ok.

how should these bearing buddies come off (it also seems my nipple doesn't want to allow any grease through...maybe its clogged...hmmm...)

Post by **BigSim** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 3:15 pm

Straight from the website:

6. How do I remove Bearing BuddyÂ®? Lay a block of wood against the side of the Bearing BuddyÂ® and strike the wood with a hammer. Place the wood on the opposite side and hit again. Continue this procedure until you "walk" the Bearing BuddyÂ® out of the hub. Don't disassemble the Bearing BuddyÂ® to attempt to remove it.

As for the nipple problem, you're sure its the trailer nipple your working on? j/k. I dont really know. hope I helped.

BigSim

Post by **SkeeterJohn** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 4:57 pm

Steve you can buy replacement bearing buddies from anywhere that sells trailer parts and also such places like cdn tire/walmart...

I bought some great red-eye bearing buddies to replace my existing ones as i had a similar problem with the zerk(grease nipple) on one side. BUT i measured incorrectly and needed 1.98" not 1.78"

the strange thing is i bought some covers last year and i distinctly remember them being 1.78".

Anyways to cut a long story short i now have a new set of 1.98" bearing buddies installed and ready for the 2005 season.

Speaking of which i should put up my brand new 1.78" bearing buddies to see if anyone wants them.

Post by **nippisingboy** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:17 pm

the barring buddies should come of by taping them side to side, it should free theme up and come of. They take the place of your dust caps they are just press in

You are able to replace the nipples as well there thereded in and come out so you can replace theme.Auto supplier store carries them.

Post by **Rideaufish** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:20 pm

If in doubt bearings are cheep like 15-20 US cheep insurance and I like the idea of keeping the old good ones as spares I have a spare hub off another trailer I bring with me.