Filing bearing savers?

Fishery Pokery · 17 March 2010, 19:34

Hi guys,
I have a pair of bearing savers (I think the cheaper version of bearing buddies) to fit to my trailer wheels, but I just can't get them to fit in the wheels.
I have tried the trick of putting them in the freezer to no avail.
I am thinking of filing the leading edge / face a LITTLE to get them to fit.
Is this a good idea, or does anyone have any others?
Cheers,
Geoff

Nasher · 17 March 2010, 19:44

Assuming you've purchased the correct sized ones for your trailer hubs, they are supposed to be a very tight fit.

I put a block of wood across the top to ensure the force is equal around the unit, then hit them quite hard several times with whatever large hammer/mallet is nearby to to get them in.

You can try putting a very slight chamfer around the leading edge to start them, but any more will effect the sealing.

Nasher.

Ribbie · 17 March 2010, 21:59

I couldn't get the type of bearing savers sold by Indespension to fit, no matter how hard I tried.

http://www.trailertek.com/acatalog/Bearing_buddies.htm

But these are good, as the pressure relief valve is set at a lower value than the seal at the back, also you buy the correct size, so very easy to fit.

Don't know how long they lasted as I sold the rig.

Hightower · 17 March 2010, 22:16

I had to file a leading edge on my ones. Be careful not to damage or flat spot any of the mating diameter.

jyasaki · 18 March 2010, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

You can try putting a very slight chamfer around the leading edge to start them, but any more will effect the sealing.

Not sure the type the OP has, but the ones on my trailer have about 1/4" of surface that slip into the hub. Rounding or chamfering the edge to get rid of the sharp edge will not affect sealing at all.

When using them, don't go overboard filling through the grease nipple; I usually pump just enough to get the front spring loaded thing to move (though some bearing savers don't have the moveable plate part visible.)

As an aside, I saw a trailer on opening day of rockfish season last year - a 2-axle job - every hub had a different configuration. One had a bearing saver. The one behind it had nothing (castle nut and cotter pin exposed.) On the other side, one had aluminum foil wrapped around, fastened with a hose clamp. The last wheel had saran wrap held on with a rubber band. Didn't wait around to see what kind of boat was being carried. Moral of this story: Don't be that guy...

jky

willk · 18 March 2010, 16:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Didn't wait around to see what kind of boat was being carried. Moral of this story: Don't be that guy...

I bet his battery was flat too...

Fishery Pokery · 18 March 2010, 23:04

I will file them then, if others already have.
I will just have to go steady and be patient, not my best quality.

Cheers for your advice,
Geoff

jyasaki · 19 March 2010, 15:28

Go easy on them; all you're trying to do is break the edge to get them to guide themselves in. Then a piece of 2x4, and whack with a mallet until seated.

jky

Searider · 25 March 2010, 23:00

Make sure you are using a big enough hammer.

I had an indespension trailer with indespension bearing savers - so definately the right size and they were difficult to fit.

I used a club hammer and a piece of wood. Small hammer was no use. It's one of those jobs you have to commit to! Don't forget the wooden block though.