Blown bearing buddy seal

[Thegreatfloundini]

Hey guys, need some advice. Went to get the shorelander ready for the boat. Did the tires and added grease to the bearing buddies. All but one, rear left. The seal is blown. Should I just replace the bearing buddy or do a complete bearing change? I haven’t inspected inside the hub yet due to wx. Here are a few pics.

V/R
Brian

 

[2kwik4u]

I would start by removing the bearing buddy. Then jacking up the trailer to get that wheel off the ground. Check the wheel/bearing for extra resistance turning, and any side/side or top/bottom play. If the bearing feels good, throw another bearing buddy on it, and let 'er rip. If it feels suspect at all, tear it apart and inspect futher.

 

[sapperfitz]

That's quite strange. How much grease do you pump in there? It should be just enough that a little pressure on one side will rock the cap, don't fill until the spring is completely compressed.

 

[anmut]

For peace of mind, i'd remove the whole thing and inspect then get strategic.

 

[Wishfull1]

Looks like the cap where the zerk is attached is deformed? I have a cheap grease gun and have to wrestle the damn thing off the zerk every time. I am going to get a new one before I cause any damage.

Anyone else ever service the trailer? That doesn't look like overfilling to me. But, a new bearing buddy is definitely needed.

 

[Thegreatfloundini]

Actually, I found it this way. No grease added. I’ve ordered some new ss bearing buddies off of amazon. going to replace it and see if it holds. We keep our boat in a marina on a lift, so the trailer has not been used since I bought the boat a year ago.

 

[Thegreatfloundini]

I’m going to remove the bearing buddy and jack the trailer up. Check motion and see if there’s any resistance. My guess is previous owner Damaged the zerk fitting when he serviced the trailer.

 

[ripler]

I had those on my trailer and they are crap, I'm not even sure those are real bearing buddies brand.
I just changed mine to these this week.

Amazon.com: Bearing Buddy (4) 1.980 Boat Trailer Genuine Stainless Steel with Protective Bra & Auto Check Wheel Center Caps 1980A-SS 42204 (2 Pairs): Automotive

Amazon.com: Bearing Buddy (4) 1.980 Boat Trailer Genuine Stainless Steel with Protective Bra & Auto Check Wheel Center Caps 1980A-SS 42204 (2 Pairs): Automotive

www.amazon.com