Protect Your Precious Cargo: The Ultimate Guide to Trailer Bearing Buddies

As a trailer owner, ensuring the safety and longevity of your valuable investment is paramount. Trailer bearing buddies play a crucial role in this endeavor by safeguarding your wheel bearings from damage caused by water, dirt, and debris. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the basics of trailer bearing buddies, their benefits, and how to install and maintain them.

What are Trailer Bearing Buddies?

Trailer bearing buddies are devices that are attached to the hubs of your trailer wheels. They are designed to fit snugly around the spindle and are typically made of durable materials such as aluminum or stainless steel. The primary function of trailer bearing buddies is to:

• Prevent water and other contaminants from entering the bearing assembly
• Help to retain grease within the bearings
• Protect the outer bearing from damage

Benefits of Trailer Bearing Buddies

Investing in trailer bearing buddies offers numerous advantages for trailer owners:

Benefit 1: Extended Bearing Lifespan

By keeping water and contaminants out, trailer bearing buddies significantly extend the lifespan of your wheel bearings. According to the National Trailer Dealers Association, properly maintained wheel bearings can last for over 100,000 miles.

Benefit 2: Reduced Downtime and Repair Costs

Damaged bearings can lead to costly repairs and extended downtime. Trailer bearing buddies help to prevent these issues, saving you time and money.

How to Install and Maintain Trailer Bearing Buddies

Installing and maintaining trailer bearing buddies is a relatively straightforward process:

Step-by-Step Installation:

1. Remove the old bearing buddy (if necessary).
2. Clean the spindle and hub thoroughly.
3. Apply a thin layer of grease to the spindle.
4. Slide the bearing buddy onto the spindle.
5. Tighten the set screws to secure the bearing buddy.

Regular Maintenance:

1. Inspect the bearing buddy periodically for signs of wear or damage.
2. Clean the bearing buddy and spindle as needed.
3. If the bearing buddy is damaged, replace it immediately.
4. Add grease to the bearing buddy as recommended by the manufacturer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overtightening the set screws, which can damage the bearing buddy
• Not inspecting the bearing buddy regularly
• Installing the bearing buddy incorrectly
• Not adding grease to the bearing buddy as recommended

By following these tips, you can ensure that your trailer bearing buddies are properly installed and maintained, providing maximum protection for your trailer's wheel bearings.

Additional Resources on Trailer Bearing Buddies

• Guide to Trailer Bearing Buddies
• How to Install Trailer Bearing Buddies
• Tips for Maintaining Trailer Bearing Buddies