[amsat-bb] Thrust bearing maintenance

[Stephen E. Belter]

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
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Steve Belter