Bearing Buddies: Enhance Trailer Axle Longevity and Safety

Introduction

Bearing buddies are essential components for trailer axles, protecting the wheel bearings from water, dirt, and other contaminants that can lead to premature failure. By keeping the bearings clean and lubricated, bearing buddies extend the life of your trailer's suspension system and improve overall safety.

Benefits of Bearing Buddies

1. Extended Bearing Life

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bearing lubrication is one of the most important factors in extending bearing life.¹

Bearing buddies keep the bearings adequately lubricated, reducing friction and preventing premature wear.

Benefit	How to Use
Extends bearing life	Install bearing buddies on all trailer axles
Prevents premature bearing failure	Regularly inspect and lubricate bearing buddies

2. Improved Safety

Failed bearings can cause a trailer to lose a wheel, potentially leading to accidents or rollovers.²

Bearing buddies reduce the risk of bearing failure, enhancing the safety of your trailer.

Benefit	How to Use
Improves trailer safety	Replace bearing buddies every 3-5 years
Prevents wheel loss	Monitor bearing buddies for any signs of wear or damage

How to Use Bearing Buddies

1. Installation

Clean the wheel bearing and axle before installation.

Apply a thin layer of grease to the bearing and axle.

Install bearing buddies on the axle and tighten the bolts.

Fill the chamber with bearing grease.

2. Maintenance

Inspect bearing buddies regularly for signs of wear or damage.

Lubricate bearing buddies every 6 months or more often in harsh conditions.

Replace bearing buddies every 3-5 years.

Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

Use a high-quality bearing grease specifically designed for trailer axles.

Avoid overtightening bearing buddies, as this can damage the seals.

Regularly clean bearing buddies with a degreaser and water.

Inspect and lubricate bearing buddies before and after long trips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not installing bearing buddies on all trailer axles.

Using the wrong type of grease or overlubricating bearing buddies.

Overtightening bearing buddies or failing to inspect them regularly.

Ignoring signs of wear or damage and continuing to use worn bearing buddies.

Conclusion

Bearing buddies are a cost-effective solution to protect trailer axle bearings, extend their life, and improve safety. By following the tips and tricks outlined above, you can ensure that your trailer is operating at its best and that you are minimizing the risk of bearing failure.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/wheel-bearings ↩

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/vehicle-safety/wheel-end-and-brake-components ↩

Bearing Buddies: Enhance Trailer Axle Longevity and Safety