TheSkySearchers

I have an ar 102 that the focuser knob has taken a hit and now it has a spot where it slips and is loose. I removed the focuser knob mechanism and found that the problem is in the bearings of the knob unit. I removed the fine tune knob but it looks like I will need a spanner wrench to look at the bearings. Is this correct?
If I can't fix it I would like to buy a focuser knob mechanism for the focuser. However I have not been able to find one online. I have found them for GSO, Skywatcher and ES 2.5 HEX focuser but not for the ar 102. Does anyone know where to get one? I am in touch with ES and they are helping.
Thanks very much for your help .
Michael

It looks kind of familiar, even if I have ACU-2S focuser. The slow speed focusing knob is attached to the little pin. There's the "lump" at the end of the bar. The pin goes in to the other end of the "lump". There is a tightening ring inside the "lump" at the bar end. If that ring is too loose, the slow speed focusing knob rotates without moving the focuser tube, and if looser still, the pin comes out from the "lump". If the ring is too tight, the focusing knobs are heavy to turn. Try to find the right tightness. A little too loose, and it will become looser after you turn the knob back and forth. Takes tens of turns, though.

Thanks for the reply Turbo.
I have turned the tightening ring to make the knobs both
loose and tight. I can still feel the bearings wobble in both directions. I would like to look at the bearings to see if I can fix or replace them. It looks like I need a spanner wrench to do this. I am wondering if this is correct?
Thanks
Michael

Ouch, I wouldn't know how to fix it with out sending it in. But i'd be thinking of looking for an upgrade focuser, A good rack n pinion focuser or even a Moonlight focuser would work great for you.

Just came to mind. If it's too tight, you can feel the bearing balls "jump".
You can easily over-tighten it by pushing with a screwdriver from the slots.

Oh, and for lubrication WD-40 white lithium grease is generally considered good.

Thanks Iostone and Turbo. It works good enough to use but it bugs me. You know how that is. I would still like to look at the bearings and lube them with white lithium grease. Getting a replacement part from ES or buying a new focuser is the next step.
Thanks for your help.
Michael

Did you manage to get this repaired Michael?