A buddy bearing is a type of auxiliary bearing commonly used in trailer axles or similar applications. They work in pairs, with one bearing often called the “primary” bearing and the other the “auxiliary” bearing. The auxiliary bearing is often located next to the main bearing to provide additional support, prevent the main bearing from overheating, or help maintain alignment and stability of the axle assembly. NSAR offers quality deep groove ball bearings and rod end bearings, talk to our technicians for the latest information.
These bearings are often used in tandem with another bearing to share the load, especially in heavy-duty applications such as trailers, where the added load-carrying capacity can improve performance and extend the life of the bearing.
In short, the buddy bearing helps to distribute weight more evenly, ensuring that the axle can withstand the stress of the vehicle or trailer load while preventing excessive wear on the bearing.

How To Remove Buddy Bearings

To remove a buddy bearing (usually the companion bearing in an axle assembly), the following steps are generally required:
Lift the vehicle: Make sure the vehicle or axle is properly lifted with a jack and secured with jack stands. Make sure the wheels are off the ground.
Remove the wheel and hub assembly: If necessary, remove the wheel and hub to expose the bearing. This may sometimes require removing the brake assembly or disconnecting anything that is blocking the bearing.
Find the Buddy Bearing: Buddy bearings are often used on axles with multiple bearings, such as those in trailers. They are usually located next to another bearing to maintain alignment.
Loosen the locking nuts: Using a wrench or appropriate tool, loosen all the locking nuts that hold the bearing in place. Make sure not to damage the nuts or bearings during this step.
Remove the bearing: After loosening or removing the nuts, carefully slide the bearing off the axle. If the bearing is overtightened or stuck, you may need to use a bearing puller tool.
Inspect and clean: After removing the bearing, inspect the bearing and the area it sits in for wear. It’s a good idea to clean the area thoroughly to ensure that there is no debris or old grease that will get in the way when the new bearing is installed.
If you are dealing with a specific type of buddy bearing (such as a trailer axle), let me know and I can give you more specific advice
TIPS: If your Bearing Buddy comes in several pieces, it was most likely damaged during the removal process. The unit really should be one piece (not including the rubber cover). When removing, be sure not to use too much force (but firm enough) and alternate the contact point (left, right, top, etc.) between each tap.

How often should I grease the Bearing Buddy?

It is recommended to re-grease every 300 to 500 miles. For most people who use the Bearing Buddy on a standard hub, this system is unfamiliar. Since the grease flows through the hub, it needs to be re-greased regularly. Since the old grease will move through the system, it must be replaced.
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