Bearing Buddy Spindle Seal Kit For Hub Using L68149 Inner Bearing

Question:

I am unsure as to whether or not I can use the Bearing Buddy Spindle Seal Kit on my trailer axle and need your help to figure it out. I have been using the Bearing Buddy 1.980 on my utility trailer axle and recently noticed a lot of grease coming out of the backside of each hub, pouring into in the wheel wells on both sides of the trailer. My initial impression was that I need new seals. After taking everything apart the seals on both sides appear to be fine. I am still going to replace them and would like to use the Bearing Buddy seal kit this time since it claims to be less prone to leaking axle grease. Ironically I believe the grease leakage is being caused by the pressure the bearing buddy on the end of each axle is allowing when I fill each end of the axle with a grease gun through the grease zerk on the bearing buddy. Regardless I need to know if a Bearing Buddy spindle grease kit will fit properly onto my trailer axle. I have a inner bearing L68149 and a outer bearing L44649. I believe that the seal that was on the trailer axle is 2.565 outer diameter and a 1.719 inner diameter. However I can not tell for certain if this is the seal size because the number is worn off of the seals so this is my best guess after measuring the seals with a digital caliper. I measured the trailer axle spindle with a digital caliper and got a measurement of 3.77 I am really hoping you guys can help me figure out which Bearing Buddy spindle grease kit will work on my trailer axle.

asked by: Patrick

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Bearing Buddy Grease Seal Kit you referenced, part # BB60002 would be the appropriate replacement seal for your hub. It is compatible with your L68149 inner bearing and is the proper replacement for your existing 10-19 seal.

The two most common causes of seal failure are 1) Using a single lip seal instead of a double lip and 2) Overfilling the hub (or a combination of the two.) A double-lip seal incorporates a spring into the seal, providing a tighter seal around the spindle. To fill the Bearing Buddy, you should pump grease into the zerk, watching the center piston. Once the piston moves all the way outward, it is full.

When I first got my PWC trailer, I used to frequently blow out the seals from over filling the Bearing Buddies. Now, I stop pumping in the grease once the piston is fully extended, and I haven't had a single problem since.

expert reply by: Mike L