Bearing buddies on long hauls

ghone · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 4:14 pm Post subject: Bearing buddies on long hauls

Hi folks, just a question. I'm running a tandem road runner trailer with bearing buddies. I had the trailer all serviced in mid August. I check my bearings each morning to see that the little plate in there can still be moved a bit, if not a couple squirts of grease go in. I stop after the first 40 or 50 miles and check for heat. So far all are running about body temperature which I think is pretty cool. One on the back seems to want a bit of grease every few days. When I first started out they were all slinging grease so too much in there to start with. I will keep on checking daily and adding a bit of grease but am wondering what others do and is it normal for one to run dryer than others? I had a nail removed from my truck tire in Susanville and so had the boys lift the trailer and check all around for grease out the back and for play etc. All was good. I have about 1800 miles on the trailer and all the tires look new so I think I'm in good shape. How do some other long haulers deal with bearing buddies? Thanks all George

thataway · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 4:43 pm Post subject:

I have used bearing buddies in the past. One problem is to put too much grease in them and blow the rear seal. It sounds as if yours are fine. But watch the one which seems to be decreasing in the amount of grease. Don't fill the BB so that the plate is touching the outside of the inner hub lip.

ghone · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:51 pm Post subject:

thank you Bob, I'll keep an eye on them, bearings are simple things but seem to casuse lots of problems.

Jack in Alaska · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 12:42 am Post subject: bearings

Mine made a 5500 mile trip w/o any problem other than losing one rubber cap. Fla. to Alaska. No greasing on the trip.

NewMoon · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 9:04 am Post subject:

The last 2-3 years I've pulled to Prince Rupert and back (3700 miles) without adding grease, and I'm delighted to say that the grease seals which used to pop out regularly no longer do so.

I pack the inside full of grease, so it doesn't have any air to heat up and expand, and leave it at that. I don't squirt grease into the BB at all anymore, and it seems to have reduced brake and bearing problems.

Still have to pull things apart, inspect, and re-pack yearly, however. Triple axle trailer, almost 12,000 lb total.