This is a great bearing buddy to use in salt water since it is stainless steel and therefore will not rust. This bearing buddy measures 2.441 inches at its base. It is designed to be used in most 6 bolt hubs.
Bearing buddys put a small amount internal pressure in the hub (about 3psi). When the hub is submerged water cannot enter the hub because of this pressure. Its a great way to extend bearing life and service your bearings in-between hub re-packs. Bearing Buddy's help keep dirt and water out of your hubs and bearings. The blue indicator ring will protrude out to let you know when your bearing buddy is full, or sink back in to let you know that you need to add grease.
HOW BEARING BUDDY WORKS
The axle hub is filled with grease until the grease forces the piston outward about 1/8 inch. Because the piston is spring loaded, the piston exerts a slight (3 psi) pressure against the grease, which maintains a slight pressure between the inside of the hub and the outside environment. When the hub is submerged, water cannot enter the hub because of this pressure.
An automatic pressure relief feature prevents over-filling and over pressurization. Without this feature, the inner seal will be damaged. Grease can be added to the hub through an easily accessible grease fitting located in the center of the piston. Lubricant level (and pressure) can be checked quickly by pressing on the edge of the moveable piston.
If you can rock or move the piston, the hub is properly filled. These bearing buddy's will last the life of your trailer. The outer barrel is made of stainless steel. The internal parts are also made of stainless steel for maximum corrosion protection.
BEARING AND SEAL INSPECTION
Remove hubs and check the bearings before installing your new bearing buddy. Replace bearings if they are damaged, rusted, or pitted. Clean old grease and contaminants out of the hubs. Check the condition of the inner seals. Be sure they are new, top quality, and running on a smooth spindle sealing surface. IMPORTANT: As you reassemble the components, fill the hubs completely with a high quality, multipurpose, no.2 grade lubricant (e.g., the type used for automotive suspensions). Don't use heavy, fibrous greases; don't mix grease types.
BEARING BUDDY INSTALLATION
Hold the bearing buddy against the hub with a small block of wood, and drive it into place with a hammer. If it cannot be driven into the hub, or will not fit tightly into the hub, don't force it. Your hubs may be slightly oversized or undersized.
HOW TO REMOVE A BEARING BUDDY
Bearing buddy's are held in the hub by an interference fit. To remove one, lay a block of wood against the side of it and strike the wood with a hammer. Place the wood on the opposite side and hit again. Continue this procedure until you walk it out of the hub. Dont disassemble the bearing buddy to attempt to remove it.
Material: stainless steel + silicone case
Buy it now quantity (1) = 4 trailer bearing buddies + covers
