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  1. Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
  2. Bearing Buddy
  3. Caps
  4. Bearing Protector Grease Cap
  5. 1.98 Inch
Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair)

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair)

Item # BB1980A-SS
Retail:$79.99
Our Price: $40.75
You Save: 49%
Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
Shipping Weight: 1.04 lbs
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Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - BB1980A-SS
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Great for marine applications; the stainless steel construction provides the best in corrosion resistance. The design makes Bearing Buddy an easy way to protect your bearings by keeping water out and ensuring enough grease is in the hub. Great Prices for the best trailer bearings races seals caps from Bearing Buddy. Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair) part number BB1980A-SS can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps - BB1980A-SS

  • Caps
  • Bearing Protector Grease Cap
  • 1.98 Inch
  • Bearing Buddy

Great for marine applications; the stainless steel construction provides the best in corrosion resistance. The design makes Bearing Buddy an easy way to protect your bearings by keeping water out and ensuring enough grease is in the hub.


Features:

  • Replaces the grease cap in the axle hub
  • Prevents wheel-bearing failure
    • Keeps water and dirt out of hubs and bearings
    • Allows boat trailer wheels to be completely submerged
    • Stops corrosion and pitting on bearings
  • Provides easily accessible grease fitting
    • Makes adding grease to the bearings quick and simple
  • Maintains slight, controlled pressure (3 psi) with spring-loaded piston, preventing water from entering hub
  • Allows visual monitoring of grease levels with blue indicator ring
    • Ring sits flush with top of cylinder when full
    • If ring is below top, add grease to move piston outward 1/8"
  • Prevents overfilling and rear seal damage with automatic pressure-relief feature
    • Grease seeps around piston edges and into barrel when full
  • Constructed of stainless steel
    • Ensures longer-lasting fit than plastic or aluminum products
  • Includes rubber covers
  • Installs easily
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Fits 1.980" hub bore
    • Works with outer bearing models L-44643, L-44649 and L-44640
    • Works with outer bearing cup (race) model L44610
      • Commonly found on 2,000-lb, 2,500-lb and 3,500-lb Dexter axles
  • Lifetime warranty


Bearing Buddy installed diagram

Bearing Buddy Operation

Replace your existing grease cap with a Bearing Buddy to ensure a safe, easy way to monitor and control the level of grease in your axle hub. To adjust the amount of grease in the hub, use a grease gun to add more through the appropriate fitting. Adding grease moves the Bearing Buddy spring-loaded piston outward 1/8".

The O-ring inside the barrel of the Bearing Buddy maintains a seal from the outside. The interior of the Bearing Buddy is pressurized, preventing water from entering the barrel and diluting the grease.

An automatic pressure-relief feature is built into the Bearing Buddy. When the device is full, grease will seep around the edges of the piston and into the barrel. This prevents overfilling that can damage the inner seal.

The blue indicator ring allows you to visually monitor the amount of grease in your hub. The ring should sit flush with the top of the cylinder. If the ring is below the top of the cylinder, add grease until the piston moves 1/8" outward.



42208 Bearing Buddy Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair)





Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair) - BB1980A-SS

Average Customer Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars   (708 Customer Reviews)

Great for marine applications; the stainless steel construction provides the best in corrosion resistance. The design makes Bearing Buddy an easy way to protect your bearings by keeping water out and ensuring enough grease is in the hub.

by:

Awesome functional and a must-have in my book! These seem to work best if your trailer utilizes ez-lube axles. The stainless steel is the way to go in my opinion. These utilities a spring loaded piston inside to help keep lube packed in the bearings. Corrosions and rust on the interior interferes with the spring/piston function. The stainless steel option is going to give you the best functionality over time. Make sure you order the ones with the Auto-Check Valve, to relieve pressure (grease pressure) and help prevent over greasing.



by:

The web site is easy and helpful. It enabled me to source my bearing buddy by my trailer model and year. The product arrived very soon after my order and I was informed of the shipping progress all the way. Bearing Buddy slows me to insure my wheels are serviced and safe prior to any trip we plan and let’s me relax knowing one phase of our trips are checked off our list.



by:

On my previous trailer I installed Bearing Buddies from etrailer. They were a great product, allowing me to easily keep the wheel bearing greased and prevent the possibility of wheel bearing failure. That experience is why I ordered Bearing Buddies for my new trailer as soon as I got it.



by:

I have a set of Bearing Buddy’s that have been on a utility trailer of mine for 22 years. Now granted it doesn’t get a huge amount of miles each year, but it’s a fair amount.Not once in those twenty two years have I inspected the bearings. I just keep them full of grease, which is so easy. I decided to put a set on my camper so that I could check my grease level at a glance, know that water will never make its way in, easily top off with grease and keep my hubs full, and only have to do a full tear down and inspection of my bearings every four to five years. It’s a no brainer for me. Install can’t be any easier.



by:

I replaced the original Bearing Buddies on my 2004 Shore Land'r that were leaking and loosing grease. Luckily the bearings were in good shape.



by:

Very reliable company to do business wi th.



by:

Love how easy it is to keep the wheel bearings greased with these Bearing Buddy's.
Just pop the cover off, hook up the grease gun, a few quick pumps, and the bearings are ready for another season. The blue inside plate moves out as the grease goes in so you do not over fill the bearing. Slid the cover back on and you are done.

Arctic P.

6/14/2020

This product has proven it is the best choice for the job of keeping my utility trailer rolling trouble free.



by:

Only 4 stars because I just installed them and they fit great and this is the only trailer of the 6 I have currently installed on! Give it some time and it might be 5 stars or less

Mark

8/23/2023

Working great!! Used them in the past and don’t expect any problems



by:

Good quality replacement hub for my trailer. Easy to install.



by:

Just what I needed. Haven't used the trailer since installing the Bearing Buddy but expect they will be as advertised. Installation was easy.

Larrym

6/2/2017

I couldnt be happier with the Bearing Buddy after using them for the past year.



by:

Easy installation and SUPER FAST SHIPPI NG!!



by:

Great product. If I had them on my trailer earlier I might have saved myself a lot of money and aggravation having to change the hubs and bearings that failed due to salt water damage. Don't go without bearing buddies ... Much easier to maintain your hubs than without them.



by:

Easy way to maintain grease for the wheel bearings



by:

I LIKE THE BEARING BUDDY THE FIT IS GOOD
IT STOPS THE WATER FROM THE BEARING
WILL BUY AGAIN THANKS ETRAILER



by:

It is a 500 mile trip to launch my handmade, mahogany drift boat..wanted the security of bearing buddies on my axles.. the units were easy to install, filled them with marine grease,check periodically..good to go..good service from e.trailer..good product



by:

I bought a set of 2 for my boat trailer. The one seemed to work fine the other seemed as if the outer seal leaked from the get go.



by:

Excellent product, installs in minutes, well worth it for peace of mind.



by:

Lost a few going down the highway… perfect replacement. Excellent quality. Perfect!!!



by:

I installed the Bearing Buddy on my motorcycle trailer before towing my Harley to Connecticut. The grease caps were easy to install and provided good grease protection while on my trip.



by:

I continue to be very satisfied with your product and the quick delivery.



by:

Great price, fast service and easy install. Just purchased a teardrop trailer and it is a simple hub design with no zirk fitting. So unless you like pulling the tires and hubs off, Bearing Buddys are the way ti Go! Grease Gun, pump pump, done.



by:

The product is fine, but the caps came off within about 2 weeks of use.

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

10/6/2023

The coverings are available as a separate part, part # BB19B.



by:

The bearing buddy's work well for easy service of my hub bearings. The only concern I have is the covers dust covers don't fit vert tight. I wrapped a zip tie around them for a more secure fit to the buddy. Make sure and measure your hub to get the correct fit.



by:

A little expensive but makes it easier to maintain the bearings. Quality material.



by:

Replaced bearings, races, and seals + installed bearing buddies on my boat trailer. Everything went together without any problems.


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps

  • Picking Out Bearing Buddy for Harbor Freight Trailer
    In order to pick out the correct bearing buddy you will need know the pilot hole of your hub. To do this, remove the wheel and tire and remove the grease cap from the center of the hub. Usually it is a metal cap that is just lightly hammered into place. Use a screwdriver to pry off the cap. Clean the grease off and measure the opening. I have included a video demonstrating the Bearing Buddy. The Bearing Buddies # BB1980A-SS for example are for hubs with a 1.98 inch hub bore.
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Hub and Bearing Buddys for a 2K Axle on a Boat Trailer
    Since these idler hubs will be used for a boat trailer I highly recommend going with the etrailer.com Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-440-2-G-2K over the Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # 8-91-05UC1 because the eatrialer.com option has a galvanized finish that will protect it better than the powder coat finish on the Dexter option. Please note that the seals which come with these have an inner diameter of 1.500" so you will need to use part # 34823 for a grease seal instead as it...
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  • Changing from Oil Baths to Bearing Buddies on an EZ Loader Boat Trailer
    Yes, you will need to replace the inner grease seal when changing from oil baths to the Bearing Buddies. You will also need to make sure that there isn't any grease on the threaded portion of the hubs when installing the Bearing Buddy as this could compromise the seal when using a thread sealer like Permatex. I called EZ Loader and was able to get the information I needed for your trailer using the VIN. However, we do not have a 2-1/8" threaded Bearing Buddy that will work with your hubs...
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  • Which Model Bearing Buddy Will Fit Dexter Trailer Hub # 84545BX
    Yes, you can use the Bearing Buddy 1.98 models with hub assembly # 84545BX. You can use # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel or # BB1980A, for a model with Auto Check. Both are compatible with outer bearing L44649 which is what hub # 84545BX uses.
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  • How to Choose Correct Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector
    In the exact situation that you are referencing the measurement taken was in-between Bearing Buddy sizes so it would have been better to use one slightly larger than one that is slightly smaller as a smaller size wouldn't be able to remain installed properly. If you already have Bearing Buddy protectors installed on your trailer then you can use a digital caliper to measure the inside diameter of your hub bore OR you can measure the outer diameter of the part that fits into your hub from...
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  • How Does the Inner Bearing Get Grease When Using Bearing Buddy's
    When using Bearing Buddy's like the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS which fit 1.980" hub bores you would still want to pack your bearings with grease. But the way the Bearing Buddy's work is that the grease kind of gets thrown into the hub and then as it spins, the grease gets worked though out the assembly getting everywhere greased up. They also prevent overfilling and rear seal damage with an automatic pressure-relief feature. Grease seeps around the piston edges and into...
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  • Replacement Hubs For EZ Loader Adjustable Boat Trailer For Converting To Grease Filled Hubs
    The Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-545-35-G-K can be used as a replacement hub for your 2013 EZ Loader Trailer as long as you replace the grease seal that comes with the hub for the Grease Seal # 168255TB. If you use your trailer in salt water or live in an area that gets a lot of corrosion I recommend going to the Stainless Steel Kodiak Trailer Hub # KH84545S. As this hub only comes with races installed you will need Inner Bearing # L68149, Outer Bearing # L44649 and the Grease...
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  • Bearing Buddy Warranty Coverage
    Bearing Buddies are covered by a lifetime manufacturer's warranty that would cover the replacement of the Bearing Buddies if they were defective, but not new bearings. I would refute what your mechanic tells you, however. I've seen countless trailers where folks have pumped too much grease into the hubs, and blown out the grease seal. To reach the seal, the grease would pass through the inner bearing. The grease has absolutely no problem reaching the inner bearings. You'll want to be sure...
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  • Correct Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for Trailer With 3,500 Pound Dexter Axle
    The correct Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for your trailer are the # BB1980A-SS. These fit a 1.98" hub bore and work with outer bearing # L44649 which is what you will find on your Dexter axle. They have a stainless steel construction and also come with the auto check so you can see when you need to add grease using the blue indicator ring.
    view full answer...
  • How to Pick Out Bearing Buddy Size for Trailer
    In order to pick out the correct bearing buddy you will need know the pilot hole of your hub. To do this, remove the wheel and tire and remove the grease cap from the center of the hub. Usually it is a metal cap that is just lightly hammered into place. Use a screwdriver to pry off the cap. Clean the grease off and measure the opening. I have included a video demonstrating the Bearing Buddy. The Bearing Buddies # BB1980A-SS that you referenced are for hubs with a 1.98 inch hub bore.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Hub Assembly for a Trailer w/ L44549 Bearings
    L44549 bearings have a 1-1/16 inch inner diameter, which is the same as the 1.063 inch inner diameter of bearings item # L44649. For this size you will want the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly item # AKIHUB-440-2-G-2K. This hub is designed for 2,000 lbs axles with BTR spindles, has a 4 on 4 bolt pattern and accommodates wheels that are 8" to 12". The assembly comes with the required bearings, races and grease seal. These are sold individually and they are better. If you would like Bearing...
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  • Installing Bearing Buddys on EZ Lube Spindle
    If you wanted to install a bearing buddy like part # BB1980A-SS on a EZ lube spindle you will first need to remove the zerk fitting. To choose the right bearing kit you will need to remove your hub, remove the seal and get the bearing numbers and seal numbers from what you have right now. I attached a picture that shows bearings, races, and seals where you can see the numbers stamped on them as well as see the dimensions needed for seal replacement. I also attached a video on bearing,...
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    Image 1 for
  • Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for 2018 Jayco Tandem Axle Trailer
    It sounds like you want to add Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors to your 2018 Jayco. To find the correct size you will need to measure your hub bore. This is a precise measurement so I recommend using a digital caliper like the # PTW80157. I'm not sure what model you have, but it is likely you will be able to use the # BB1980A (chrome plated) or # BB1980A-SS (stainless steel). These fit a 1.98" hub bore and work with outer bearings typically found on 2,000-lb, 2,500-lb and 3,500-lb axles. I...
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  • Brake Selection for Tandem Axle Trailer with E-Z Lube Spindles
    If your tandem trailer has E-Z Lube spindles with a grease zerk fitting then you do not need Bearing Buddy bearing protectors like # BB1980A-SS. These are needed on axles without such a built-in lubrication feature. Instead you can use an E-Z Lube grease cap such as one of those shown on the linked page. When a tandem axle trailer is to have brakes installed on only one of its two axles the axle that should have the brakes installed, the front or rear axle, depends on the axle type. If...
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  • Difficulty of Converting Oil Bath Hubs to Grease
    What you're wanting to do is a pretty simple proposition, simply remove the bearings and and clean and inspect them. Repack or replace if necessary. You can use a bearing packer like # PTW1218 and # L11390 grease to repack the bearings. The Bearing Buddy you need will need will depend on the outer bearing used and whether or not the hub bore is threaded. The outer bearing typically found on a 3500 axle (which is extremely likely given your trailer capacity and wheel bolt pattern) is typically...
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  • Recommended Replacement Bearing Saver for Reliable Sure-Lube Axle
    The Reliable Sure-Lube Axles/Hub have been discontinued for quite some time now so exact replacement parts are hard to come by. That said, we do have an option for you in the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors part # BB1980A-SS. I went out to our warehouse and measured the inner diameter which is 1.8675" so you should be able to use this info and determine if it will clear the castle nut on your spindle.
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  • Do 1980 Bearing Buddies Insert or Thread Into Trailer Hub
    The Stainless Steel Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check # BB1980A-SS just seats into the hub. If you're needing the style that threads into the hub then you need the kit # BB1980T-SS instead.
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  • Recommended Bearing Buddies to Replace Old 1.981 Inch Bearing Buddies
    In order to find the correct Bearing Buddies you will want to get the most accurate hub bore measurement you can get. If you can't get the measurement without pulling the hub you will need to pull the hub to make sure. From the measurements and part numbers you provided, along with the old ones you have, it sounds like you need the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980T-SS - Threaded - Stainless Steel (Pair) # BB1980T-SS. This matches your current bearings and fits a 1.98" hub...
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  • Replacement Hydraulic Disc Brakes for 2015 EX Loader Boat Trailer
    For your 2105 EZ Loader TA102B boat trailer I am going to recommend upgrading to stainless steel parts to help ensure less corrosion and a longer life. First is the Kodiak Trailer Hub for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Stainless Steel # KH84545S. These will require Bearings # L68149 and # L44649. Be sure to order a hub and bearing set for each wheel. To keep your oil bath style hub the Kodiak XL ProLube Kit # XLPROLUBE1980KIT will include new seals and the cap for the hub to convert to...
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  • How to Choose Correct Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for Trailer
    To determine the correct Bearing Buddy size for your trailer you will first need to use a digital caliper to measure your hub bore to the thousands of an inch (1.234 for example). After you know this, it is simply a matter of choosing the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors that match the diameter that you measured. Like part # BB1980A-SS fits a hub bore that measures 1.980". Attached are review and installation videos for you to check out.
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  • Recommended Galvanized Trailer Hub And Drum Kit For A 1 Inch Spindle
    When it comes to replacing the hub and drums on your 40 year old boat trailer I recommend TheCE Smith Trailer Idler Hub Assembly w/ Case for 2.5K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized - Pre-Greased # CE13215. This trailer hub and drum has a sturdy iron construction which has a galvanized finish which offers excellent corrosion resistance. It has a zinc plating on the lug nuts, cotter pin, and grease cap that helps to limit corrosion. Everything is included in this pre-greased, marine-grade hub....
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  • Bearing Buddy Recommendation for a Springdale 179RD with 363180 Al-Ko Bearings
    From the research I did it looks like the outer bearing of the Al-Ko bearing number 363180 that you referenced is basically a L-44649, which is what the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS that you referenced are designed to work on.
    view full answer...
  • How to Find Correct Wheel Bearing Kit
    I can help you find out exactly how to determine the correct wheel bearing kit for your trailer. To do this you should take apart your hub assembly and looking at the bearings themselves; wipe away the grease and you should be able to see the part number stamped directly on them. If you are unable to find them, you need to use a digital caliper to measure your spindle to the thousandths of an inch where the bearings ride. You can use the photo I've attached to see exactly where you need...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • How to Pick Out Bearing Buddy for Boat Trailer
    In order to pick out the correct bearing buddy you will need know the pilot hole of your hub. To do this, remove the wheel and tire and remove the grease cap from the center of the hub. Usually it is a metal cap that is just lightly hammered into place. Use a screwdriver to pry off the cap. Clean the grease off and measure the opening. I have included a video demonstrating the Bearing Buddy.
    view full answer...


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