Bearing/Hub protection.

[memo]

Hi all,
I 've seen these two little devices which seemed pretty to me.

1st one is something like this which allows you to insert grease in the bearing chamber for further protection.



and the other one is for creating an airtight chamber to prevent water in.





Do you think it worths a go?
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...004000_200-4-3

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...004000_200-4-3

[Mollers]

The top pic shows 'Bearing Buddies', superb items. I have them on my trailer. I stripped the hubs down this week, the brake shoes were shot to bits, the bearings were perfect.

[jyasaki]

I've heard of the positive pressure oil filled things, but usually in connection with problems.

Bearing Buddies work pretty well as long as you don't try to overfill them.

To use them correctly, pack your bearings as normal. Fill the inside reservoir of the Bearing Buddy with more grease (this will be at the slack position), and install on the hub (a piece of 2x4 and a mallet should help keep it lined up.) Then, using a grease gun, add grease to the nipple until the cover plate is a little shy of topping out on the outer rim. If you pump more than that in, you will blow out the rear grease seal, opening up an avenue for grease to get out and water to get in. The extra space can be considered expansion space, as well. Use a cover on the BB to keep the grease nipple clean (or cleanish, I guess.)

One other thing I do is monitor the hub temps while towing. Get a remote infrared temperature gauge (about $40 at Radio Shack) and shoot the exterior of the hub whenever you stop. They should not get any hotter than warm to the touch. Mine usually run right around 100 degrees F. A rise in temp means someting is causing friction in there somewhere, and needs to be looked at as soon as possible.

Luck;

jky

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Get a remote infrared temperature gauge (about $40 at Radio Shack) and shoot the exterior of the hub whenever you stop. They should not get any hotter than warm to the touch. Mine usually run right around 100 degrees F. A rise in temp means someting is causing friction in there somewhere, and needs to be looked at as soon as possible.

Luck;

jky

I knew I had something missing in my life. You wont believe it, but i've been using my fingers all these years!

[MikeCC]

Yes, but there's some places you'd rather not use your fingers to find out the temperature!

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by MikeCC

Yes, but there's some places you'd rather not use your fingers to find out the temperature!

Yeah, but I also have my fingers hard-wired to my brain.

What is this? Boating for morons?!!

[Chris]

[ian parkes]

:rolf:


i have been looking for some bearing buddies but can't find a uk supplier .

Found these www.kestrelwheelbuddies.co.uk which look ok .I Like the idea of the pressure relief valve do BB's have one .

As for the pressurised item it looks like a lot of hassle and I can't see it working for long.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by ian parkes

i have been looking for some bearing buddies but can't find a uk supplier .

Try 'bearing savers' in google.

And they do have a pressure relief hole.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by ian parkes

:rolf:


i have been looking for some bearing buddies but can't find a uk supplier .

Found these www.kestrelwheelbuddies.co.uk which look ok .I Like the idea of the pressure relief valve do BB's have one .

As for the pressurised item it looks like a lot of hassle and I can't see it working for long.

When you get your hands on a pair, you'll suss how they work. As with many ideas, simple but effective.