Hubs

[slowdog]

My hubs have a wing nut on the bearing buddy how do they work ?

 

[dscribner]

I've never seen a bearing buddy with any type of fastener. The usually just drive in. Is it possible the PO pulled the grease fitting out and put a thumb screw in its place? Post pics

 

[WayneH]

My question is "Is it really a bearing buddy?" So, yeah, dawg, post pictures. I might even learn something new.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

It would be interesting as I wonder too gents.

crazy dave

 

[LloydB]

Probably actually water wings just inflate them

 

[Douglast]

maybe a knock off system...the wing nut operates the grease plunger to pressurize..??

 

[centerline]

the wing nut holds the stiff spring from pushing the grease out of the seal prematurly if it gets too warm or the seal fails.... the wing nut can be backed off an eighth or quarter of a turn just before backing the trailer in the water to let the spring pressure down on the grease...
the object and purpose of all types of bearing buddys are to maintain pressure on the hub so that when you back into the cold water, the instant cooling effect doesnt suck cold water in thru the seal.... the spring will have a preload to fill the void if it needs to, rather than the water filling it.

the wing nut version is just someones idea of a cleaner way of doing things and so the seal doesnt have constant pressure on it at all times. I think the spring may be a bit stiffer than the other types but it doesnt seem to be any better or worse, its just different....

 

[finding41]

My Bearing Buddys throw grease. I think I just haven't found the sweet spot for filling them. I'm going to lay off the grease for a bit and clean the rims again. I'll let it go until it stops making a mess or until they need grease.
Here is a pic of one of my hubs and rim. That all from a 4 hr drive at 100km/h. Messy.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Looks to me like you need new grease seals- that's where the grease is coming from on the rear of the hub