Bearing help!
Submitted by Sea goat on Tue, 2025-05-06 20:18
Hey guys. Wondering if can get some advice.
am due to head up to monkey Mia on the weekend, so was preparing the boat, and noted a bit of grease staining on the outside of the hub. Wiped it clean, took it for a spin, and noted a few small drops, and poss a bit of spray? (Pics below). Is this likely to indicate an issue with the seal? Or possibly just over greased? The other day I did put 1-2 pumps in through the bearing buddies.
needless to say I'm very hesitant to tow the boat up if there could be a problem and can't pull it apart before the weekend.
any thoughts greatly appreciated!
cheers!
goat
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blu2fish
Posts: 85
Date Joined: 23/01/13
Bearings
I threw bearing buddies away years ago mainly because of over greasing and now have the bearings serviced before our annual trip to Exmouth ( to bloody old to be crawling around on the ground as it takes me two minutes to get down and five minutes to get up, 78 years old has something to do with it) So in my opinion for what it's worth I'd say you've over greased them mind you I could be wrong.
The Saint
Posts: 482
Date Joined: 30/01/13
I never do a trip away
I never do a trip away without pulling each hub off and checking the condition of all bearings and seals, along with all brake components
Any sign whatsoever of any water ingress and the bearings and seal must be replaced, even slightly milky coloured grease is enough to warrant replacement.
It's much easier to do at home than on the side of the road.
I also carry a spare hub ready to go as well as spare bearings, seals, grease and brake pads.
At the very least, knock the bearing caps off and check that the grease is not water contaminated.
I'm heading up to Denham next week, would hate to see you stuck somewhere on the side of the road.
Sea goat
Posts: 1008
Date Joined: 26/03/17
Yeah my thoughts exactly. I
Yeah my thoughts exactly. I had the trailer serviced about 2 months ago and was told they were all ok. Just unlucky it happened now! Will have the family in the car, so If can't get them properly checked, then will be leaving the boat behind.... tho will probably cry just a little lol!
Rob H
Posts: 5844
Date Joined: 18/01/12
If the only problem is that
If the only problem is that weeping grease, dont worry about it.
Any British or American motorcycle owner could tell you thats just the corrosion protection system!
You can also get a piece of inner tube and 2 hose clamps and tighten on hub and BB to keep it in.
I'm halfway up at Gero if you have any drama
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
The Saint
Posts: 482
Date Joined: 30/01/13
If it was checked and all
If it was checked and all good a couple of months ago I reckon you should be fine. I was under the impression the bearings hadn't been looked at.
I'm heading up Friday next week. What is your boat ? will keep an eye out for you.
Sea goat
Posts: 1008
Date Joined: 26/03/17
hey mate, its a caribbean
hey mate, its a caribbean 2300, will be staying at monkey mia, but launchng both sides pending weather, so will keep an eye out for u at the ramp!
that is...assuming i can git it up there lol!
Mooseknuckle
Posts: 113
Date Joined: 14/05/13
Bearing quick check
Quick check!
Knock the bearing buddy off - should be tight to get off.
If tight all good, if loose knock the buddy downwards onto a towball (use wood block to protect the bearing buddy face and spread the load) to flare it out a bit and make tighter on the hub.
Check grease condtion whilst buddy is off, if milky or dark then service.
I always put a skim of sealant on the bearing cap when replacing (don't run buddies) to prevent the ooze.
Cheers
Moose
The Saint
Posts: 482
Date Joined: 30/01/13
Hey Sea goat, did you end up
Hey Sea goat, did you end up taking the boat ?
Sea goat
Posts: 1008
Date Joined: 26/03/17
luckily managed to get it in
luckily managed to get it in smowhere and had all the bearings done on the wednesday! picked up thurs arvo just in time for the trip.
guys at towsafe in osborne park were absoluite legends to fit it in. luckily no misshaps on the way and a successful trip!.
The Saint
Posts: 482
Date Joined: 30/01/13
Did you get out fishing and
Did you get out fishing and how did you go ?