TheSkySearchers

Anybody managed to open up any of the ball bearings in their mounts? In my case, for an lxd75, but really any mount that would use them (seeing as they pretty much follow the same concept). I was going to avoid doing anything to it, as they are notoriously fickle and easy to damage, but I noticed a problem. As I am spinning it slowly, there is clearly some kind of grit or debris, probably metal shavings/shards inside with the ball bearings, because it will suddenly seize and you can feel and hear crunching sounds like someone using a mortar and pestle. I can obviously get passed that point without a large amount of force, but the fact remains that it is randomly stopping cold (not always in the same spot) and not very smooth. When I have ever had to open bearings before, it was for rollerblades, and you could pop the shield off (the little section in between the two spinning surfaces that covers the ball bearings and semi seals the body) In this case, trying to pry it off gently to flush it out just results in the shield bending. And I've read horror stories about people trying to do this and having to replace the entire bearing as a result from trying to pry it open the wrong way. I have tried to flush it out, manually scrape out any visible grit and lubricate it, and the issue remains. So I am left only with the choice to gain access to the inside and flush out the debris or I will be having far worse performance than previously.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Hh6IK ... sp=sharing

Replace the bearings. Do not be tempted to change to seals stay with shields. Much less stiction.

Bruce

Lola Bruce wrote: ↑Fri May 01, 2020 12:51 am Replace the bearings. Do not be tempted to change to seals stay with shields. Much less stiction.

Bruce

The LXd75 is what....about 15+ years old now? I don't think you can get the parts for it anymore short of finding another mount to buy for scrap parts unless i'm mistaken?

I put bearings in a latex glove and tie end off with a lump of grease in the glove and kneed the new grease in which aswell pushes out the old stuff aswell as any junk, it should improve the bearing a fair bit but nothing can fix worn out bearings.

Good day, If you take accurate measurements of the bearing with a caliper you can get a part # from bearing distributors. I use to replace the bearings in my model aircraft engines and remove the seals to allow the fuel to flow through them: there is no way to replace the seals once removed.

Piet Le Roux wrote: ↑Fri May 01, 2020 9:51 am Good day, If you take accurate measurements of the bearing with a caliper you can get a part # from bearing distributors. I use to replace the bearings in my model aircraft engines and remove the seals to allow the fuel to flow through them: there is no way to replace the seals once removed.

So if I'm understanding, unlike other bearings, once the shield is removed, that's it that's all correct? Glad I heeded everyone's advice then