...might not be such a good 'buddy' to you after all (smile)....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was picking up roof cleaning supplies at my local dealership, and mentioned that last week I did the 'grease nasty' and took care of my two axle bearing repack. He said, "you did? Here let me show you something...".
He led me over to a shop bench that had a brake drum backing plate and shoes, covered in black and dirty axle grease.
He said that a customer complained of little to no braking, and a smell that could be noticed when attempting to brake. So, they pulled off his four drums, and found all badly contaminated with axle bearing grease. They then called him to advise what they found, and what they needed to do ($$$$'s) to give him back a brake system.
They also advised him to never again use the bearing zerk nipples and or install a Bearing Buddy on the axles.
The customer emphatically stated that he was aware not to use too much pressure on the grease gun, for to not compromise the back grease seal...but the mechanic stated also emphatically that no matter how LITTLE hand pump lever pressure you use, the old and solidified grease that does NOT come out the front bleed holes, will act like a 'punch' ram rod and will push out, and compromise the seals..with the result that was seen on this customer's T.T.
The bottom line, from the mechanic as advice to this customer, is to NEVER use grease zerk fittings and/or 3rP Bearing Buddy set ups. You must always (for the best and controlled) outcome, 'get your hands dirty' and manually disassemble, wash the bearing sets, clean them, dry them, apply and work in grease (if they are in a good state) and then adding some grease to the wells, reinstall with a new grease seal. Doing that, will avoid grease compromised and contaminated brake chambers.
I have always taken a few hours to hand service my bearings, and I only have to use a can of brake dust cleaner in the brake chambers, and then put all back together again for another 10,000 miles.
I just thought to post, as to make readers aware of what could happen with using a grease (in place) zerk fitting (nipple) or Bearing Buddy set up on your M.H. or T.T. Boat trailers need them to drive out the water as soon as one gets home....but that is only because of the tires and axles get submerged at the boat ramp.
Linear Mode
