Steve, I worked with bearings for many years as a Gyro overhauler and radar tech for Sperry. The bearings I worked with were all high quality and close tolerance. If you want to, you can remove the grease with a degreaser and repack. Unless it was used constantly spinning, I don't think it could be worn-Just weathered grease. If you go to an auto supply place, you will find the wheelpacking high temp type and it will work fine. Replacing the thrust bearing probably would be the best way to go. It shouldn't be bound up at all and free to rotate. It IS supposed to support the mast to alleviate pressure on the rotor. Your call since you are doing this. 73, Dee, NB2F
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Stephen E. Belter Sent: Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:20 AM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Thrust bearing maintenance I have an Yaesu GS-050 thrust bearing that has been installed for about 15 years. The thrust bearing turns, but requires a lot of force. I disassembled the thrust bearing to find that the grease is very sticky (think candy apple sticky), and not lubricative (if that is a word). Should I take it to an auto repair shop and ask them to degrease and then lubricate similar to repacking a wheel bearing? What kind of grease should be used? Thanks and 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
