How Do You Install Bearing Buddies

Installing Bearing Buddies is a simple yet effective way to prevent water intrusion and keep your trailer wheel bearings well-lubricated. This guide walks you through the entire process—from gathering tools to final testing—so you can do it safely and correctly the first time.

Key Takeaways

• Protects wheel bearings from water damage: Bearing Buddies create a pressurized grease reservoir that keeps moisture out of the hub.
• Easy DIY installation: With basic tools and about 30–60 minutes, most trailer owners can install them without professional help.
• Requires compatible hubs: Not all trailer hubs work with Bearing Buddies—check for a smooth, machined outer spindle surface.
• Regular maintenance is key: Check and refill the Bearing Buddy every 12 months or after long trips to maintain proper pressure.
• Improves trailer longevity: By reducing bearing wear and corrosion, Bearing Buddies extend the life of your trailer’s axle and hubs.
• Use high-quality marine grease: Always fill with water-resistant, high-temperature grease rated for trailer use.
• Test for leaks after installation: Spin the wheel and inspect for grease seepage to ensure a proper seal.

Why Install Bearing Buddies on Your Trailer?

If you’ve ever pulled your boat trailer out of the water and noticed a wobbly wheel or heard a grinding noise, you’ve likely experienced the early signs of bearing failure. Water intrusion is one of the most common causes of premature wheel bearing damage—especially for boat trailers that are frequently submerged. That’s where Bearing Buddies come in.

Bearing Buddies are simple, spring-loaded grease caps designed to maintain positive pressure inside your trailer’s hub. This pressure prevents water from entering when the trailer is dunked in a lake, river, or ocean. Instead of relying solely on seals—which can fail over time—Bearing Buddies add an extra layer of protection by continuously supplying fresh grease and pushing contaminants out.

Think of them like a self-filling, self-regulating defense system for your wheel bearings. They’re affordable, easy to install, and can save you hundreds in repair costs down the road. Whether you’re hauling a fishing boat, a pontoon, or even a utility trailer through muddy terrain, Bearing Buddies offer peace of mind and long-term reliability.

How Bearing Buddies Work

At the heart of every Bearing Buddy is a spring-loaded plunger inside a cylindrical housing. This plunger sits behind a grease-filled cavity and gently pushes grease into the hub as the bearings consume it during operation. When the trailer is submerged, the internal pressure created by the plunger prevents water from seeping past the seals.

As the wheel spins, heat causes the grease to expand slightly. The Bearing Buddy accommodates this expansion by allowing a small amount of grease to escape through a visible weep hole. This “weep” is normal and actually a good sign—it means the system is working. If you see a steady stream of grease, however, that could indicate overfilling or a damaged seal.

The beauty of Bearing Buddies is their simplicity. There are no moving parts that require electricity or maintenance beyond periodic refilling. They’re made from corrosion-resistant aluminum and stainless steel, so they hold up well in harsh environments. And because they’re installed in place of your standard grease cap, there’s no need to modify your axle or hub assembly.

Benefits Over Traditional Grease Caps

Standard grease caps are passive—they just cover the hub and keep dirt out. But they don’t actively protect against water intrusion. Once a seal fails, even slightly, water can slowly seep in and mix with the grease, creating a gritty paste that accelerates bearing wear.

Bearing Buddies solve this problem by maintaining constant, low-pressure grease flow. This not only displaces water but also flushes out old grease and contaminants. Over time, this results in cooler-running bearings, reduced friction, and longer service life.

Another advantage is ease of inspection. With a standard cap, you’d need to remove it and check the grease manually. With a Bearing Buddy, you can simply look at the weep hole and plunger position to gauge grease levels. If the plunger is flush with the end of the housing, it’s time to add more grease.

For frequent boaters or those who trailer in wet conditions, the investment in Bearing Buddies pays for itself quickly. You’ll spend less time repacking bearings and more time on the water.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start installing Bearing Buddies, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and help you avoid mistakes.

Essential Tools

You don’t need a full mechanic’s toolbox, but a few key items will make the job much easier:

– **Jack and jack stands**: You’ll need to lift the trailer off the ground to remove the wheels. Always use jack stands for safety—never rely solely on a jack.
– **Lug wrench or impact wrench**: To remove the lug nuts. An impact wrench speeds things up, but a manual wrench works fine.
– **Socket set**: Typically, you’ll need a socket that fits your lug nuts (common sizes are ¾” or 13/16”).
– **Torque wrench**: Important for tightening lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification after installation.
– **Grease gun**: A standard hand-operated grease gun with a flexible hose works best for filling the Bearing Buddy.
– **Clean rags or paper towels**: For wiping down parts and cleaning old grease.
– **Brake cleaner or degreaser**: To clean the spindle and hub area before installation.
– **Rubber mallet**: Sometimes needed to gently tap the Bearing Buddy into place.

Materials and Supplies

In addition to tools, you’ll need the right materials:

– **Bearing Buddies**: Make sure you get the correct size for your trailer. Common sizes include 1.98”, 2.0”, and 2.5” outer diameters. Check your existing grease cap or measure the spindle.
– **High-quality marine grease**: Use a water-resistant, high-temperature grease rated for trailer wheel bearings. Look for NLGI #2 lithium complex grease with EP (extreme pressure) additives.
– **New cotter pins**: If your spindle uses castle nuts, replace the old cotter pins with new ones.
– **Optional: Bearing packer tool**: While not required, a packer tool makes repacking bearings faster and cleaner.

Safety Gear

Don’t forget personal protection:

– **Work gloves**: To protect your hands from grease and sharp edges.
– **Safety glasses**: Especially when cleaning parts with brake cleaner.
– **Sturdy shoes**: To protect your feet in case something drops.

Checking Compatibility

Not every trailer hub is compatible with Bearing Buddies. Before buying, verify the following:

– The spindle must have a smooth, machined outer surface without grooves or damage.
– The hub must accept a standard grease cap—Bearing Buddies are designed as direct replacements.
– The outer bearing must sit fully seated in the hub, with no play or looseness.

If your trailer has a “marine” or “wet” hub system with a separate grease reservoir, Bearing Buddies may not be necessary. But for most standard trailer setups, they’re a perfect fit.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Now that you’ve gathered your tools and confirmed compatibility, it’s time to install your Bearing Buddies. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a proper, leak-free installation.

Step 1: Prepare the Trailer

Start by parking your trailer on a level, solid surface. Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels that will remain on the ground. For example, if you’re working on the left-side wheels, chock the right-side tires.

Use your jack to lift the trailer just high enough to remove the wheels. Place jack stands under the axle or frame for support. Never work under a trailer supported only by a jack.

Once the trailer is secure, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Set the wheel aside in a clean area.

Step 2: Remove the Old Grease Cap

With the wheel off, you’ll see the grease cap covering the hub. Use a flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently tap around the edge of the cap until it pops off. Be careful not to damage the spindle or hub surface.

Once the cap is removed, you’ll see the outer bearing and possibly a cotter pin holding the castle nut in place. If your trailer uses a castle nut, remove the cotter pin and loosen the nut slightly—but don’t remove it completely yet.

Step 3: Clean the Spindle and Hub

Use brake cleaner and a clean rag to wipe down the spindle, hub, and surrounding area. Remove all old grease, dirt, and debris. A clean surface ensures a proper seal when you install the Bearing Buddy.

Inspect the spindle for any nicks, rust, or damage. If the surface is pitted or uneven, the Bearing Buddy may not seal properly. In that case, consider replacing the spindle or consulting a professional.

Step 4: Install the Bearing Buddy

Take your new Bearing Buddy and check the size against the spindle. It should fit snugly without forcing.

Apply a thin layer of grease to the inside of the Bearing Buddy’s sealing surface. This helps create a better seal and prevents dry starts.

Position the Bearing Buddy over the spindle and press it firmly into place. You may need to tap it gently with a rubber mallet to seat it fully. Make sure it sits flush against the hub.

If your trailer uses a castle nut, re-tighten it to the manufacturer’s torque specification and insert a new cotter pin. Bend the ends of the pin to secure it.

Step 5: Fill with Grease

Now it’s time to fill the Bearing Buddy with grease. Attach your grease gun to the zerk fitting on the side of the Bearing Buddy.

Pump grease slowly until it begins to weep out of the front weep hole. This indicates the cavity is full and the plunger is seated properly. Wipe away any excess grease with a rag.

Do not overfill. Overfilling can cause excessive pressure and damage the seal. A small, steady weep is ideal.

Step 6: Reinstall the Wheel

Slide the wheel back onto the spindle and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the trailer slightly so the wheel touches the ground but isn’t bearing full weight.

Use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s recommended torque (usually between 70–90 ft-lbs for most trailers). Then lower the trailer completely.

Step 7: Test for Leaks

Give the wheel a spin by hand. It should rotate smoothly without binding or noise.

Check the weep hole for a small amount of grease. If you see a steady stream, you may have overfilled. If there’s no weep at all, the plunger might not be seated correctly—try adding a bit more grease.

Take the trailer for a short test drive (5–10 minutes) and then recheck the weep hole. A small amount of grease is normal; heavy leakage is not.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Installing Bearing Buddies is just the first step. To get the most out of them, regular maintenance is essential.

How Often to Check and Refill

Check your Bearing Buddies every 12 months or after long trips—especially if you’ve been in saltwater or muddy conditions. The plunger should be slightly recessed, not flush or protruding.

Refill with grease as needed. Most Bearing Buddies hold about 2–3 ounces of grease. Use the same high-quality marine grease you used during installation.

Signs of Problems

Watch for these warning signs:

– **Excessive grease leakage**: Could mean overfilling, a damaged seal, or a worn bearing.
– **No weep at all**: May indicate a clogged zerk fitting or a seized plunger.
– **Grinding or wobbling**: Suggests internal bearing damage—inspect immediately.
– **Rust or corrosion on the spindle**: Clean and repack, or consider replacing parts.

If you notice any of these issues, remove the Bearing Buddy and inspect the bearings. Repack or replace as needed.

Winter Storage Tips

If you store your trailer over winter, especially in cold or wet climates, take extra care:

– Fill the Bearing Buddy to the proper level before storage.
– Cover the trailer to prevent water exposure.
– Check grease levels in the spring before your first trip.

Saltwater exposure is particularly harsh. Rinse your trailer thoroughly after each use and inspect the Bearing Buddies more frequently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple installations can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Using the Wrong Size

Bearing Buddies come in specific sizes. Using one that’s too small will fall off; one that’s too large won’t seat properly. Always measure your spindle or check the old grease cap size before buying.

Overfilling with Grease

It’s tempting to pack in as much grease as possible, but overfilling can cause pressure buildup and seal failure. Fill only until you see a small weep—no more.

Skipping the Torque Wrench

Lug nuts must be tightened to the correct torque. Too loose, and the wheel can wobble; too tight, and you risk damaging the studs. Always use a torque wrench.

Ignoring Bearing Condition

Bearing Buddies don’t fix worn bearings. If your bearings are already damaged, installing a Bearing Buddy won’t help. Always inspect and repack bearings during installation.

Using Low-Quality Grease

Cheap grease breaks down quickly, especially in wet conditions. Invest in a high-quality marine grease to get the best performance and protection.

Conclusion

Installing Bearing Buddies is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your trailer. They’re affordable, easy to install, and provide invaluable protection against water intrusion and bearing failure. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a full-time RVer, this simple device can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to choose the right size, gather the right tools, and install Bearing Buddies correctly. You’ve also learned how to maintain them and avoid common mistakes. With proper care, your Bearing Buddies will keep your trailer rolling smoothly for years to come.

So next time you’re prepping for a launch, take a moment to check those hubs. A little prevention goes a long way—and Bearing Buddies are the perfect first line of defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size Bearing Buddy do I need?

Measure the outer diameter of your current grease cap or spindle. Common sizes are 1.98”, 2.0”, and 2.5”. Match this measurement to the Bearing Buddy size chart provided by the manufacturer.

Can I install Bearing Buddies on any trailer?

Most standard trailer hubs are compatible, but the spindle must have a smooth, machined surface. If your hub has a damaged spindle or uses a specialized marine seal system, Bearing Buddies may not be suitable.

How much grease should I put in a Bearing Buddy?

Fill until a small amount of grease weeps out of the front hole. This usually takes 2–3 ounces. Avoid overfilling, as it can cause pressure buildup and seal damage.

Is it normal for grease to leak from the weep hole?

Yes, a small, steady weep is normal and indicates the system is working. However, a heavy stream of grease may signal overfilling or a damaged seal.

Do I still need to repack my bearings if I use Bearing Buddies?

Yes. Bearing Buddies supplement grease but don’t replace regular bearing maintenance. Repack your bearings every 12 months or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Can I use Bearing Buddies in saltwater?

Absolutely. In fact, they’re especially beneficial in saltwater environments. Just rinse your trailer thoroughly after use and check grease levels more frequently to prevent corrosion.