wheel bearings

[Crappie Chatt]

I had to get my bearings and hubs replaced during our CDC to Eufaula in 2009. My left butt check still stings a little bit.

Nate, you are a amazing feller. You break down, prolly your fault. You get it fixed same day(like they were waiting on you & didn't have ANYTHING else to work on). You even got to go fishing with a local while your negligence was taken care of. The price you hafta pay should not even be a issue. Now, have you had them repacked since?? <*)}}}><

[Fish Taxi]

So, when you have "bearing buddies" on your trailer, do you need to do anything more than just pump 'em full of grease in the Spring?

I just check the caps every couple months and if it looks like they are "low" I pump in some more marine grease until I can see the cap and spring move. I've never had any problems before, but I guess I hardly ever take my boat more than an hour from home either.

What's the life of wheel bearings with bearing buddies on 'em?

[springhillwantabe]

i have always had bearing buddies but after miles of driving in and out of the water pumping grease into them we are just guessing about how much grease is going where?used to pack my own every spring that way i know

[Wknd Warrior]

So, when you have "bearing buddies" on your trailer, do you need to do anything more than just pump 'em full of grease in the Spring?

I just check the caps every couple months and if it looks like they are "low" I pump in some more marine grease until I can see the cap and spring move. I've never had any problems before, but I guess I hardly ever take my boat more than an hour from home either.

What's the life of wheel bearings with bearing buddies on 'em?

I have bearing buddies also. I did as you do and pumped mine full of fresh grease when they looked low or every month or so, which came first. Last year I replaced my bearings and races (the metal ring that the bearings ride in). I did them myself in my garage. It took several hours. I bought all the parts at croft trailer, which the people were very helpful. Turns out I wondered the same thing about how long do bearings typically last. My bearings were fine, but after I beat the snot out of them getting them out of the hub, they were worthless. The bearings were most likely the originals, which puts them at 6 years old. I learned a lot...probably that I won't do my own bearings myself again...especially if I can get them done at croft trailer for $30/wheel like HairyV said. Since I did do it myself the first time, I bet I could actually do it in an hour next time if I had the right tools.


My two cents...

[Fish Taxi]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

Wknd Warrior, that's very insightful. You know, whenever possible I try to do something myself (at least once) just for the knowledge and experience. I bet that knowledge about the bearings will benefit you or one of your fishing buddies in the future, even if you choose have the PM done by somebody else from now on.

[prefers shiners]

my experience here is to go to trailor places for that (places that build, sell, rent and repair all kinds of trailors)......on a one axle trailor it is $65 to $70.....for that, they replace bearings and seals....they told me that it was not profitable to take the time to clean and inspect the old bearings....just put in new ones.....they are just too cheap and no risk that a bad bearing could be overlooked....if you have ever been stuck on the side of the road with a bad bearing at 10 at night you will always remember to pamper your bearings.....$$$$$$ well spent.......my new boat has the oil bath and I have brakes.....seems like those systems have problems with leaky seals.....just had a seal replaced and oil changed out for $120.....

good luck

[SCOTTY1094]

Even If You Have Bearing Buddys You Need To Pull Bearings Out To Inspect Them In Case Some Water Got In. I Feel It Is Best To Replace Them Every Year If You Use Your Boat Alot It Is Cheap Insurance So You Wont Be Stuck On The Side Of The Road Some Night Who Knows Where.