I repacked all 4 of my wheel bearings last week. When done I pounded the Buddy Bearing protectors back on and they all seated fine. On the way to the lake I lost 1 and on the way back I lost a second one. I was thinking about putting some Locktite blue on them to help keep in place. At $26 a pop I would like to keep the ones I have. If there are any tricks or tips I would appreciate. The ones I took off to repack were on there for 3 years without any problem.
Thanks in advance
John
I use red RTV on the lip before installing. If there is not enough of a friction fit and are 1.98”, can tap on a 2” hitch ball to expand it a little. I lost a UFP Trailer Buddy on the way to the lake and didn’t launch and went home. I got 4 basic dust caps to keep in my truck in the event I lose a bearing protector.
2006 Triton TR-21 XD, Mercury 225 Pro XS, S/N 1B287870
I always used black RTV on my old Ranger. Never had any issues there.
I think Vault uses Loctite, so that would probably work too.
2011 Skeeter ZX225
225 Yamaha HPDI Series 2
Minn Kota Ultrex 112 52"
Console: HDS 16 Carbon
Bow: HDS 12 Carbon, Solix 12 G2, Mega 360, Garmin 106 SV, LVS 34
If 1.98 size put them over a 2in hitch ball, hold a block of wood on them and give it a few wacks with a hammer. Work slow as it is easy to over size them. You could also go around the inside with a punch and hammer to do the same.
2006 Stratos 294 Pro XL.2005 Yamaha 200 VMAX 3.1L. 8" Hydro Dynamics Rapid Jack. Ultrex 112 I-Plot link. 2 Helix 10 Chirp Mega SI GPS G2N.
Take a screwdriver and score the lip edge in 8 places, across from each other (12, 3, 6, 9 etc) before placing the caps back on. Tap the screwdriver down on the edge with a hammer.
I’ve used blue loctite on the rim ever since I lost one. Been fine since.
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions
John
Are you taking about the plastic covers? I just use electric tape to attach to metal bearing. Peels right off when I need to pump in more grease
Not the black cover, the whole bearing protector. Black cap went with it!
I stumbled upon Permatex sleeve retainer compound recently doing google searches and in the reviews guys are using it for bearing buddys
Sounds like the hubs are to loose. Had that exact issue before.
This ^^^^^Originally Posted by whussey202
Tom
I bought my Champ in 1989. I've had Bearing Buddy(s) off few times for maintenance. I've never lost a Bearing Buddy in 35-years, never used any Loctite (or other stuff), never score anything with screwdriver or whatever.
Lakes around here are few hours away, been to Beaver Lake, Grand Lake, Table Rock, Stockton, Bull Shoals, Wister Lake (eastern OK). Pulled boat to Plano Texas and back to get new Mercury installed in 97 (same day). Lot of miles.
Last edited by tj; 04-24-2024 at 02:34 PM.
Champion 184
Mercury 175 EFI
I've always figured they get ever so slightly out of round when removing them. I've had it happen multiple times on my old boat where I did bearing maintenance and reused the bearing buddy and they came loose or fell off within 20 miles of travel. Put on new bearing buddies and they last till your next maintenance
I quit having bearing issues when
I tossed the buddies in the trash.
Quality seal on the back and regular
cap on the front.
I have heard of this method. Another method is if your towing draw bar has a 2" ball you place the bearing buddy on it and then a small block of wood on top of it. Give it a wack with a 2lb hammer to slightly "flare" out the lip. This makes it a more snug fit when you go to install it.
great, thanks for the tip
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