[amsat-bb] Re: Thrust bearing maintenance

[David Barber]

Right or wrong, I use a Molybdenum Disulphide based grease.  Over here (UK)
Castrol Moly Grease.

I use it for bearings, rotators and mast use.  Always worked for me.

Degrease the housing and balls with spirit, clean and allow to dry.  If the
balls are unduly worn I'd replace them.  Then repack with grease and
assemble.

********

-----Original Message-----
From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On
Behalf Of Stephen E. Belter
Sent: 01 June 2011 13:20
To: amsat-bb at 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