Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair)
(704 reviews)
Price: $40.75
In Stock
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%
In Stock
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
- All Info
- Reviews (704)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
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 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:
98% were satisfied with this product
2% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- etrailer mistake
- Product did not meet expectations
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 (704 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: Ron F04/21/2024
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: Spencer09/11/2019
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: Jim S.09/05/2023
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: Arctic Ptarmigan06/12/2019
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.
by: Mark 08/22/2022
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: Harvey04/06/2024
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: Robert 04/26/2024
Very reliable company to do business wi th.
by: Gary12/01/2023
Good quality replacement hub for my trailer. Easy to install.
by: Gary R07/16/2020
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: LarryM06/02/2016
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: Lyall08/08/2023
I LIKE THE BEARING BUDDY THE FIT IS GOOD
IT STOPS THE WATER FROM THE BEARING
WILL BUY AGAIN THANKS ETRAILER
by: Rick M.02/12/2018
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: Dean 10/01/2023
Easy way to maintain grease for the wheel bearings
by: Justin 02/10/2024
Easy installation and SUPER FAST SHIPPI NG!!
by: Ryan08/26/2023
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: Robert Sr.08/07/2014
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: Mark-P02/16/2017
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: Matt 03/28/2023
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: Dimitri03/20/2024
Excellent product, installs in minutes, well worth it for peace of mind.
by: James R03/15/2024
I continue to be very satisfied with your product and the quick delivery.
by: John 05/10/2023
FAST AND UNDAMAGED SHIPPING! THE BEARING BUDDY BEARING PROTECTORS FIT PERFECTLY AND WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS! THEY REALLY WILL MAKE MY BEARING MAINTENANCE SO MUCH SIMPLER! THESE UNITS ARE WELL MADE WITH QUALITY MATERIAL; I EXPECT THAT THEY WILL OUTLIVE THE 2010 TRAILER, AND ME-LOL!THANKS ETRAILER FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN RESEARCHING THESE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY WOULD PROPERLY FIT MY RIG!
by: Paul07/04/2020
Replaced bearings, races, and seals + installed bearing buddies on my boat trailer. Everything went together without any problems.
by: James 09/20/2023
Lost a few going down the highway… perfect replacement. Excellent quality. Perfect!!!
by: Richard10/05/2023
The product is fine, but the caps came off within about 2 weeks of use.
by: David04/04/2018
People at Etrailer were great to work with. It took me three tries, but with their help I finally got the size I needed and they are now successfully installed. Big thanks to the Etrailer folks.
25
703
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Bearing Buddy Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for Hub Bore of 1.998-InchAll sizes of our Bearing Buddy bearing protectors are shown on the linked page. The Bearing Buddy size to match the hub bore dimension is the 1.98-inch type, such as # BB1980A-SS in stainless steel or # BB1980A in chrome finish. These are non-threaded. For a threaded Bearing Buddy in this size use # BB1980T-SS.
view full answer... - How to Choose Correct Bearing Buddy Bearing ProtectorIn 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...
view full answer... - Replacement Bearing Protectors for Older Boat Trailer With 1-63/64 Hub BoreThe size bearing protector (Bearing Buddy) or dust cap needed is based on the hub bore diameter. 1-63/64 translates to roughly 1.98 inches which is what the # BB1980A-SS stainless or # BB1980A are designed to fit. The easiest way to confirm this is to pull the hub and check the reference number on the side of the outer bearing cage. If it's L44649, L44643 or L44640 and your existing bearing protector is driven in and not threaded in, either of these would work perfectly for you. Since you're...
view full answer... - Difference Between Bearing Buddy 1980 ModelsThe model 1980 Bearing Buddy simply means that they fit a 1.980 inch hub bore. There is one difference of note between Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A (Chrome Plated) or # BB1980A-SS (Stainless Steel) and the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980T-SS which is that the latter - with the "T" in the part number - means that it is threaded and fits internally threaded hubs.
view full answer... - Bearing Buddies To Replace Grease Caps That Measure 1.977" Diameter The most accurate way to chose a Bearing Buddy Protector is to measure the diameter of your hub bore opening of your trailer hub. It sounds like you most likely have a 1.98" diameter bore for that I recommend to use the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel or part # BB1980A for chrome plated. I do recommend to double check the measurement of the hub bore with a digital caliper.
view full answer... - Recommended Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors For Dexter 3,500 Lb Trailer Hub AssemblyThe Bearing Buddies that work with the Trailer Hub Assembly, part # 8-248-50UC1 are part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel and part # BB1980A for chrome plated. These fit a hub bore that measures 1.98 inches inside diameter. These come with 2 Bearing Buddies in a package. These are a great way to keep water out and making sure you have enough grease in the hub.
view full answer... - Correct Bearing Buddy for Bear Trailer with 3,500 lb AxlesThe Bearing Buddy you would want would be the # BB1980A-SS or # BB1980A since you have bearing L44649 as the outer bearing. # BB1980A-SS is the stainless steel version which will resist corrosion better than the chrome plated # BB1980A.
view full answer... - Buddy Buddy Recommendation for Trailer Hub with Bearings L44649 and L68149The correct Bearing Buddy to use with the bearing numbers you listed of L44649 and L68149 is the # BB1980A or # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel.
view full answer... - Bearing Buddy Fitment for a Malone MicroSport TrailerThe Malone MicroSport trailers use a grease cap with a 1.98" outer diameter so you need the 1980 Bearing Buddy kit which comes in the following: - Chrome # BB1980A - Stainless Steel # BB1980A-SS
view full answer... - What is the Length of the 1.980" Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SSI have linked a picture showing that the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A has a full length of 1-3/16" while the part that inserts into the hub is 5/16". This means that the Bearing Buddy will stick out 7/8" from your hub. The only difference between the Bearing Buddy # BB1980A and the Bearing Buddy # BB1980A-SS that you referenced is that the former is chrome plated while the latter is stainless steel. They both have the same dimensions though.
view full answer...
- Which Bearing Buddy For Trailer Hub That Uses L44649 and L68149 BearingsSince your hub uses inner bearing # L68149 and outer bearing # L44649 you can use the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protector Stainless Steel # BB1980A-SS that you were looking at or the Chrome Plated # BB1980A. I included videos for both of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
view full answer... - Bearing Buddies that Fit a 1.979 Hub Bore OpeningFor a set of Bearing Buddies that should work with your 1.979 hub bore opening, I recommend using the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel or part # BB1980A for chrome plated. The above Bearing Buddies fit a hub bore opening of 1.980" which is the closest we have to your 1.979 hub bore opening. You will need two sets of Bearing Buddies for a dual axle trailer. I have attached a review and installation video of the above Bearing Buddies...
view full answer... - Bearing Buddy Recommendation for Trailer Hub # 8-248-50UC1The Bearing Buddies that work with the Trailer Hub Assembly, part # 8-248-50UC1 are part # BB1980A-SS for stainless steel and part # BB1980A for chrome plated. These fit a hub bore that measures 1.98 inches inside diameter. These come with 2 Bearing Buddies in a package. These are a great way to keep water out and making sure you have enough grease in the hub.
view full answer... - Replacement Bearing Buddy Recommendation Marked 1980Since yours say 1980 that means the correct Bearing Buddy is the part # BB1980A which will fit and work well as a replacement. If instead you wanted the stainless steel version you'd want the part # BB1980A-SS. I attached an install video for this kit for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Do Trailer Bearings Need to be Repacked on a Trailer Running 200 Miles a YearThe grease in your bearings can break down over time so it is best practice to repack your bearings every 12 months (or 12,000 miles but this doesn't apply to you). Now, if you were to accidentally forget to repack them one season it wouldn't be terrible, but it would be better to notice that the grease broke down and replace it than to let it go and run the risk of having too little grease. One of the best "hassle-free" solutions for repacking your bearings is to install Bearing Buddys....
view full answer... - Bearing Buddies for Trailer with Inner Bearing L68149 and Outer Bearing L44649Are you sure the outer bearing is not L44649? If it is then you can use # BB1980A-SS or # BB1980A. With an inner bearing of L68149 the matching outer bearing is most likely L44649.
view full answer... - Correct Bearing Buddy Size for a Kokopelli Trailer that Takes 7700121 Bearing BuddiesI did some checking and the number they gave you corresponds to the 1.980 Bearing Buddies. There are a couple of options in this size: Stainless steel with auto check # BB1980A-SS Chrome plated with auto check # BB1980A Threaded stainless steel # BB1980T-SS It does not appear that your trailer uses the threaded version so either of the first 2 sets will work. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.
view full answer... - Recommended Bearing Protectors for Boat Trailer Hubs with a 1.98 IDIf you have a hub that requires the protector to be threaded in I recommend the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980T-SS, but if you just need protectors that you tap into the hub with a block of wood and hammer, then I recommend the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS. Both of these will fit a hub with an Inner Diameter of 1.98 and are constructed of stainless steel which will help prevent corrosion. They have a grease zerk fitting to make it easy to add grease and a cover...
view full answer... - Difference Between Bearing Buddy BB1980T-SS and BB1980A-SSThey are not the same. The Bearing Buddy # BB1980T-SS are threaded into place, and not driven in. If your hub bore is threaded, that's the model you'd need. If your hub bore is NOT threaded, you'd use part # BB1980A-SS. The difference between the # BB1980A-SS and your older BB1980SS is the # BB1980A-SS has the auto check feature that allows you to easily see at a glance whether the hub needs grease added, while the older model didn't have that feature.
view full answer... - Do 1980 Bearing Buddies Insert or Thread Into Trailer HubThe 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.
view full answer... - Recommended Bearing Buddies to Replace Old 1.981 Inch Bearing BuddiesIn 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...
view full answer... - Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors for Trailer Hub with 1.98 Hub Bore and L44643 Inner/Outer BearingsBased on the inner and outer bearings, L44643, you should need 1.98 bearing protectors. In this size we have several options: Stainless Steel, # BB1980A-SS Chrome Plated, # BB1980A For threaded hubs, # BB1980T-SS Kodiak brand, # KREB1980AC
view full answer... - How to Pick Out Bearing Buddy for a 1994 Ranger Trail TrailerIn 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 with a dial or digital caliper to get an exact dimension. I have included a video demonstrating the Bearing Buddy. The Bearing Buddies # BB1980A-SS that...
view full answer... - How to Determine Correct Bearing Buddy For Boat TrailerIt is really easy to determine which Bearing Buddies are the correct fit for your boat trailer, though we have no way to confirm a fit on any specific make or model. For you to confirm the right Bearing Buddies I'd need to know either the outer bearing number, or you'd need to measure the hub bores on your trailer's hubs using a digital caliper, then match the hub bore diameter to the correct Bearing Buddies. For example, outer bearings L44643, L44649, and L44640, or a hub bore diameter...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Trailer Bearings Races Seals Cap?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Jackie C
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Robert G
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Reno H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
John H
Expert Research:
Adam R
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Expert Research:
Sarah H
Written by:
Tyler C
Installed by:
Jeff D
Installed by:
Randy B
Video Edited:
Chris R
Video Edited:
Zach D
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
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.