Bearing buddies wear out?

[Crow Hunter]

I am going to replace the bearings and grease seals on my boat trailer. My question is should I replace my bearing buddies also? does anything wear out on them? They are probably 15 years old, seem to work fine. Thanks for any thoughts

[RebelSS]

Shouldn't have to, CH. Basically they are a spring loaded device that pushes the grease at about 3-4 psi or so against bearings to keep water out when launching into and retrieving from water. The warm hubs suddenly contract when they hit the cool water, creating a vacuum, sucking water in. The bearing buddy helps prevent this. I occasionally took mine apart, checked the backing plates, and gave the springs a bit of a "stretch". 

[Jim Almquist]

I agree with Reb. The only thing I like to do is use the bra that you can get. Smear a little grease around the outside were it slips on. This way it make a waterproof seal and keeps the dirt out of the bearing buddy. I like to smear grease around the zirt as well to protect against rust.

[delcecchi]

It never occurred to me that something like bearing buddies with not much in the way of moving parts could wear out. 

[Surface Tension]

  If they haven't had the bra on them, take them apart and clean them. Otherwise they should last forever.

[Crow Hunter]

Thanks, guys. Mine have always had the bra on them.