Correct Craft Trailer caps

[spenclo123]

I replaced my trailer bearings/seals/caps in March '19 with some bearings from etrailers.com. I popped open the cap yesterday and a ton of water poured out. We used the bearing buddies shown below. Needless to say I was not very happy with these. I want to go back to the original type of cap that was on the trailer before (see photo of my boat/trailer). They had a hard plastic black cap that I just assumed was original Correct Craft OEM (but maybe not)? Does anyone know where I can get these type of caps? I didn't see them on Nautique Parts.
Thanks
Lofton

[SilentSeven]

Who made your trailer? Check the VIN tag to find out. The hub grease system is tied to manufacturer / axle provider.

I have had no problem with bearing buddies over the years. Where exactly was the water? Was it between the dust cover cap and the grease nipple? Totally normal...

Here's how I manage my wheel bearings. Apologies if this is all captain obvious stuff.....

- Make sure the inner hub grease seal is good; if not, you will loose grease + have a point for water and dirt entry.

- Make sure you use a marine wheel bearing grease. These are specifically formulated not to mix with water.

- Keep the buddies pumped up with sufficient grease such that you can rock the cap a bit. That is, the grease nipple plate should be able to tip a bit left/right. This means you have sufficient grease in the wheel bearing so there is spring pressure on the grease to minimize air gaps in bearing. This will in turn minimize water buildup in the bearing. Some water is inevitable; this is why you have the marine grease.

Used this protocol for years; never had a problem. Only times I have had problems is when I didn't follow this.

[SatherG230]

Yes, what SilentSeven said. They all work on the same or similar principle, so if your seals are good and the bearing buddy fits your hub correctly and you keep good grease in them...

If you are still in search of your old style, these may be it:https://www.amazon.com/Reliable-Axle...286164&sr=8-97

[bturner]

If you're getting water 9.999999 times out of 10 it's the rear seals. Biggest problems come from using the wrong seal. I've experienced this when using a conversion chart that ends up using an automotive single lip seal instead of the double lip that all boat trailers should use. The next is a bad surface where the seal rides. I've seen these rusted and pitted. There's no way to get a good seal there.

[SilentSeven]

Just looking at those black caps....I don't see a spring system? How do you know the bearing is packed? One reason I like the bearing buddies is that it's super easy to see if there is sufficient grease. Cap rocks? All good. No rock? Pump them up..

[spenclo123]

Hey guys, thanks for all of the good info and advice. The water was behind the bearing buddy and the bearings, when we popped off the grease cover water came pouring out. I'll have to check with my mechanic buddy that helped me w/r/t to if we used a single lip seal or double lip. I'll get back to you, but appreciate all of the help/pointers.

[SilentSeven]

My guess - bearings weren't fully packed with grease. If they were recently repacked, you kinda have to pump them up multiple times after a few drives until you get hub filled completely. If you didn't do this, it's likely there was a lot of air space in the hub and that's where the water came from.

Another good tip is to after any tow - right when you stop - go out put your finger on each hub. They should be no more than warm. If they are hot, something is likely off. Not sufficient grease, castle nut too tight, brake dragging, bearings dying.. If it's a 100 degree day yeah...they'll be hot but otherwise they shouldn't be.

Good for you for being on this. I never want to be "that guy" on the side of the road. broken...standing around all looking at a smoking wheel bearing.

PS - nice boat. Had one of those...miss it bunches.