Knowing how to remove a buddy bearing is useful when replacing or servicing the wheel bearings on the hub.
Yet, to do this process, you need to understand buddy-bearing’s function and features.
The buddy bearing must ensure continuous pressure on the trailer hub’s grease. Removing and replacing this component requires careful implementation with detailed instructions.
Keep reading for further information!
What Is Buddy Bearing?
A bearing buddy is a cylinder attached to the hub’s outer component. It has an internal spring that keeps the pressure constant on the trailer hub’s grease.
The pressure prevents water from penetrating the seal with minimal maintenance.
How do bearing buddies work? Axle hubs get full of grease until the grease can push the bearing buddy piston out for 1/8 inch.
The spring-loaded piston helps maintain pressure and make it constant between the external environment and inside the hub by exerting a slight pressure, about 3 PSI, on the hub’s grease. This pressure prevents water from entering the intersection once submerged.
How To Remove a Buddy Bearing?
To remove your bearing buddy, set the wood block against the bearing buddy’s side and hit the wood using a hammer.
Then, put the wood block on the other side and strike it one more time. Repeat these steps until you can move the bearing and remove it from the hub.
Prepare Proper Work Area
Removing a bearing buddy should be done in a neat and proper workplace. Thus, check and clean the work area to prepare for the buddy bearing removal.
Place a paper towel or a clean cloth on the floor to put the buddy bearing after removing it from the wheel hub.
This is because the buddy bearing goes with grease, which may cause unwanted stains on the floor or your surrounding items.
Also if you notice rust on the wheel hub, try to clean it as well.
Put a Wood Block Against Bearing Buddy’s Side
After you prepare the popper work area to remove bearing buddy, use a small wood block and put it against the bearing buddy’s one side.
Strike Wood Block With Hammer
In the next step, you need a hammer to hit the wood block to remove the buddy bearing easily.
Set Wood Block on Bearing Buddy’s Opposite Side
Place the wooden block on the buddy bearing’s opposite side and continue using a hammer to hit it.
Repeat the Previous 2 Steps
You need to take the buddy bearing slowly away from the hub by repeating the previous 2 steps. This process requires carefulness to avoid damage or failure to the part.
Place the Screwdriver Under the Bearing Buddy
Under the buddy bearing, put a small screwdriver or pry bar and pry the bearing out. After that, the buddy bearing of the wheel will begin to slip from its hub.
Pull the Bearing Buddy Off The Hub
Take the buddy bearing out of the wheel hub and place it on a prepared paper towel.
Repeat the Previous 5 Steps to Remove All Bearing Buddies
Try repeating the above 5 steps of the bearing buddy removal until you can remove all the bearings from the wheel hub.
How to Install Buddy Bearings?
Buy Right Size
Purchase the correct size of the bearing buddy cap before taking out the dust cap.
To find the right diameter in inches, add a decimal point after the first digit of the bearing buddy model number.
Buy the model number that matches the diameter of your wheel bearing.
Pry Off Dust Caps
Use a screwdriver to work around the dust cap when you push and pull it like a lever.
Continue prying until the cap is completely unscrewed and may pop off. Keep or recycle the removed dust cap for other purposes.
Wipe Down the Bearing Hubs
Use a cloth to remove any dirt by scraping dirty grease or other contaminants from the bearing hub’s exposed surfaces.
This allows you to inspect the bearing buddy protector to confirm that it is clean and in good condition before beginning installation.
Inspect Bearings
Checking the bearings is important to determine if they need a replacement due to being punctured, damaged, or rusted.
If you notice rust or corroded holes in the metal, stop and change the new bearings instead of continuing the installation.
Hold a Bearing Buddy
Hold the buddy bearing through the wheel bearing.
Besides, orient the buddy bearing protector and align the buddy bearing with the wheel bearings to keep it in place during the bearing buddy installation.
Hammer the Bearing Buddy
Use a hammer and rubber mallet to keep the buddy bearing in place. A rubber hammer helps prevent damage or failure to the buddy bearing.
Whack it on all sides and monitor it until it is snug over the bearings.
Fill Bearing Buddy
Fill grease in the buddy bearing with a grease gun. Slide the grease gun nozzle firmly through the nozzle in the center of the bearing buddy.
Grab the handle of the grease gun and spray the grease onto the buddy bearing until the lubricant squirts around the buddy’s nozzle.
Place Bearing Buddy Cover Metal Cap
Put the buddy bearing’s rubber cover through the metal cap. Slide the black rubber grommet cover completely over the metal buddy-bearing cap.
Firmly press the rubber cover in the center to push out air bubbles.
Repeat Entire Process
Repeat this procedure for each wheel to remove the current dust cap from each trailer wheel. Next, clean the bearings and check for corrosion or failure.
Use a hammer to hold the buddy bearing protector over the bearing, fill grease in it, and use a rubber cap to cover and protect it better.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the detailed guide above has helped you know how to remove a buddy bearing without trouble maintaining or replacing it for better performance.
This removal is necessary to monitor the quality and function of the buddy bearing to determine if it is in good condition or gets damaged or corroded.
Also, you know how to install a new buddy bearing after removing the old one with the comprehensive instructions in this article.