Bearing buddies are small devices that attach to the outer end of trailer wheel bearings. They serve a vital role in preventing premature bearing failure and extending the lifespan of your trailer's wheels and tires.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 25% of trailer wheel bearing failures are caused by improper lubrication or contamination. Bearing buddies address this issue by:
The benefits of installing bearing buddies extend beyond preventing bearing failure. They also contribute to:
Installing bearing buddies is a straightforward process that can be completed in under an hour.
Materials:
Tools:
Steps:
Prepare the Trailer: Park the trailer on a level surface and chock the wheels to prevent movement.
Remove the Hubcap: Using a screwdriver, remove the hubcap from the wheel.
Clean the Hub: Wipe down the hub and the area around the bearings with a rag to remove any dirt or debris.
Install the Bearing Buddies: Apply a small amount of grease to the threads of the bearing buddies. Screw them onto the wheel hubs hand-tight.
Attach the Grease Lines: Connect the grease lines from the bearing buddies to the grease zerks on the bearings.
Lubricate the Bearings: Using a grease gun, pump grease into each bearing through the grease zerks. Continue pumping until you see grease emerging from the inner side of the hub.
Tighten the Bearing Buddies: Use a torque wrench to tighten the bearing buddies to the specified torque according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Reinstall the Hubcaps: Place the hubcap back onto the wheel and secure it.
Story 1: A trailer owner ignored a loose bearing buddy, resulting in it falling off while driving. The trailer wheel locked up, causing the trailer to swerve and almost flip over. Luckily, the driver was able to regain control, but the experience served as a valuable lesson in the importance of bearing buddy maintenance.
Story 2: A mechanic noticed a trailer owner had overtightened the bearing buddies, causing the bearings to seize up. This led to premature bearing failure and an expensive repair bill. The mechanic emphasized the importance of following manufacturer's instructions when installing bearing buddies.
Story 3: A group of campers set out for a weekend trip but had to turn around when their trailer started making a grinding noise. Upon inspection, they discovered one of the bearing buddies had failed, causing severe damage to the bearing. The campers had to cancel their trip and spend extra time and money repairing the trailer.
Installing bearing buddies is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your trailer's wheel bearings, improve towing safety, and extend trailer lifespan. By following these guidelines for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, you can ensure your trailer operates smoothly and safely for many years to come.
Trailer Type | Bearing Buddy Size | Recommended Torque (ft-lbs) |
---|---|---|
Single-Axle Trailer | 1.25" | 75-90 |
Dual-Axle Trailer | 1.5" | 100-120 |
Triple-Axle Trailer | 1.75" | 120-150 |
Fifth-Wheel | 2.0" | 150-200 |
Trailer Weight | Bearing Buddy Capacity (lbs) | Recommended Grease Quantity (oz) |
---|---|---|
Up to 5,000 lbs | 1,500 | 2-4 |
5,000-8,000 lbs | 2,000 | 4-6 |
8,000-12,000 lbs | 2,500 | 6-8 |
Over 12,000 lbs | 3,000 | 8-12 |
Maintenance Schedule | Frequency | Tasks |
---|---|---|
Daily Checks | Before towing | Inspect bearing buddies for loose connections or damage. |
Quarterly Maintenance | Every 3,000-5,000 miles | Lubricate bearings with grease and inspect for signs of wear. |
Annual Maintenance | Once a year | Remove bearing buddies and inspect bearing housing for contamination, damage, or wear. |
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