Easy Steps How To Remove a Buddy Bearing

Do you know the easy steps how to remove a buddy bearing?

Buddy Bearings are a critical component in maintaining the wheel bearings of your trailer, ensuring they’re properly lubricated to handle higher loads and reduce wear and tear.

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn buddy bearing cap or prepping to replace the bearing, this guide will walk you through how to remove a buddy bearing and install a new one with ease.

Understanding Buddy Bearings

What Are Buddy Bearings?

Buddy Bearings are protective caps designed to keep your trailer’s wheel bearings well-lubricated and free from dust and debris.

They fit over the wheel hub bearing assemblies and are essential for trailers of any type, from those hauling boats to utility trailers.

How to Remove a Buddy Bearing

Removing a buddy bearing might seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a straightforward process.

Tools You’ll Need

• • Rubber hammer

• • Flathead screwdriver or a specialized buddy bearing removal tool

• • Clean cloth

Step-by-Step Removal

1. 1. Prepare Your Workspace:

      Ensure your trailer is securely parked and the tire size and type of trailer are suitable for the work you’re about to do.

      Clean your work area to ensure there’s no debris or tools lying around.

      Lay down a paper towel or clean cloth on the ground.

      This will be used to place the bearing buddy cap once removed, preventing grease stains on your floor or surroundings.

1. 1. Locate the Buddy Bearing:

      Identify whether you have a metal cap or rubber cap buddy bearing.

3. 3. Position the Wood Block:

      Place a small wood block against one side of the bearing buddy. This will help you hit it without damaging the buddy itself.

4. 4. Strike the Wood Block with a Hammer:

      Use a hammer to gently tap the wood block. This force will help loosen the bearing buddy from its seat.

5. 5. Switch Sides:

      Move the wood block to the opposite side of the bearing buddy and strike it again with the hammer. This alternating method helps evenly loosen the buddy.

6. 6. Repeat the Tapping:

      Continue alternating the wood block from one side to the other, tapping each side with the hammer until the bearing buddy starts to loosen.

7. 7. Loosen the Cap:

      For a rubber cap, gently pry it off with your fingers.

      For a metal cap, use the flathead screwdriver or removal tool to carefully wedge between the cap and the hub assembly, then tap lightly with the rubber hammer until it loosens.

7. 7. Remove the Cap:

      Once loosened, pull the buddy bearing cap off the hub. Gently pull the bearing buddy out of the wheel hub and place it on the prepared paper towel or cloth.

7. 7. Clean the Wheel Hub:

      If you notice any rust or debris on the wheel hub after removing the bearing buddy, clean it off to ensure a smooth surface for when you replace or inspect the bearings.

10. 10. Repeat for Other Bearings:

        If your vehicle has multiple bearing buddies, repeat these steps to remove each one.

Installing New Buddy Bearings

Once you’ve removed the old buddy bearings, installing new ones ensures your trailer’s wheel hub assemblies are protected and lubricated.

Installation Steps

1. 1. Buy the Right Size Buddy Bearing:

      Check the model number of the buddy bearing. To determine the correct diameter in inches, place a decimal point after the first digit of the model number.

      Purchase the buddy bearing that matches the diameter of your wheel bearing.

1. 1. Pry Off Dust Caps:

      Use a screwdriver to gently pry around the edges of the dust cap. Work it like a lever until the cap pops off. You can keep or recycle this dust cap.

1. 1. Clean the Bearing Hubs:

      Wipe down the exposed surfaces of the bearing hub with a cloth to remove any dirty grease or debris. This ensures the buddy bearing sits cleanly for installation.

1. 1. Inspect the Bearings:

      Check the bearings for any signs of damage, rust, or wear. Replace the bearings if you find any issues like rusted or corroded spots.

1. 1. Position the Buddy Bearing:

      Hold the buddy bearing and align it properly with the wheel bearings. Make sure it’s set correctly to be installed snugly.

1. 1. Install the Buddy Bearing:

      Using a high quality rubber mallet, gently tap the buddy bearing into place.

      The rubber mallet helps avoid damaging the bearing. Hit evenly around all sides until the bearing is securely fitted over the bearings.

1. 1. Fill the Bearing Buddy with Grease:

      Attach a grease gun to the nozzle found in the center of the buddy bearing. Pump grease into the bearing until you see it begin to squirt out around the nozzle, indicating it’s full.

1. 1. Attach the Rubber Cover:

      Place the rubber cover over the metal cap of the buddy bearing. Press down in the center of the rubber cover to remove any air bubbles and ensure a tight seal.

1. 1. Repeat for Other Tires and  Wheels:

      Follow the same steps to install buddy bearings on each wheel and tire. Ensure each one is properly installed and filled with grease for optimal performance.

FAQs: How to Remove a Buddy Bearing

Can I replace buddy bearings on my own?

Yes, with basic tools and by following these steps, you can remove and install buddy bearings.

However, if you encounter roller bearings or need to address issues with the drive axle,  brake rotors, or the valve stem, you might require specialized tools.

Conclusion: How to Remove a Buddy Bearing

Maintaining your trailer’s buddy bearings is essential for the longevity and safety of your trailer tire and front wheel assembly.

By knowing how to remove a buddy bearing and install a new one, you can ensure your trailer is ready to handle any load and any journey.

Regular checks and maintenance can save you from the hassle and danger of bad wheel bearings, keeping your adventures smooth and worry-free.