smoker craft
06-09-2002, 08:19 PM
I have a older yacht club trailer that has no bearing buddy on it I would like to put some on it what is good what is not.
THANK YOU
Phil T.
06-09-2002, 09:33 PM
"Bearing Buddy" is a trademark for a premium pressurized hubcap. There are a number of lesser quality imitators.
If you trailer over rough roads or gravel roads, I'd recommend one of the cheap imitations. The Bearing Buddy is made of stainless steel, extends well beyond the end of the hub, and is quite heavy. They are more rigid than the malleable steel hub, so the hole in the hub expands when the B.Buddy is installed. Therefore, they have a tendancy to shake loose on rough roads. You then get dust, sand or gravel in the bearing, which ruins the bearing. You will also only lose one of the Bearing Buddies, and they are only sold in pairs. Been there, done that repeatedly until I gave up on them.
Auto parts stores sell a cheaply-made plastic imitation that's also spring loaded so the hub is pressurized. They weigh next to nothing and friends who have them are satisfied. They don't expand the hole in the hub either.
I've just resorted to ordinary dust caps, and the need to service the hub/bearings and replace the grease in mid-season and again in the fall before storage.
No pressurized hubcap will make up for a poor seal on the inboard side of the axle. In fact, they will make the leakage more evident. Their purpose is to keep slight pressure on the grease pack, even when it contracts while you back your warm hubs into cold water.
Miller Mi.
06-10-2002, 05:05 AM
Several years ago, after burning out a bearing while on the Ohio turnpike, I gave up on the Bearing Buddy system. I'd heard of Liqua Lube but felt it was too expensive. WRONG. That one time cost a lot more than changing. I've been using Liqua Lube for the last five years and have no problems and no more re-packing bearings twice a year. I'd advise you to take a look before you decide whats best for your needs. Larry
Gone Again
06-10-2002, 06:09 PM
Smoker Craft
Check these out at www.liqualube.com. You won't be sorry!