Tom,
Great advice from Dino about making a protective cover for the bearing, I
will be doing that this time.
I would pick a high temperature bearing grease, when I was at the Tashjian a
couple of weeks ago to pick something up at their manufacturing plant, I
asked about grease for the TB-2 bearing and the guy told me they just put
regular wheel bearing grease in there at the plant. I don't know if they
paint them now, but I would put a couple of coats of Anti Rust paint on, and
especially underneath the bearing, it would take a hundred years for that
bearing to rust through, but it just looks better over time.
On my LM-470 I had to drill the holes a little larger in the tower to match
the holes in TB-2, I wanted the bolts to be an exact size to keep alignment
issues to the rotor to a minimum. I used Stainless Steel hardware to attach
the bearing with a liberal amount of anti seize paste.
I am sure you do, but some people do not realize that you have to turn the
TB-2 Mast Locking Collar on the mast until it tightens and then lock it in
place with the set screw.
Good luck with the installation. By the way get the Grease Gun at Harbor
Freight, you can get a nice heavy duty unit for almost nothing compared to
Sears or your local hardware store, I have had one for years with no
problems.
73, Mike K6BR
-----Original Message-----
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Thrust Bearing Grease
This is my OPINION...
These bearings were designed to hold a shaft in the HORIZONTAL position
(this is a fact). They were not necessarily designed to be out in the
weather. However, in this low speed application they will work great
for YEARS, even though they are mounted vertically.
Since this is a low speed, low load (depending on the weight of your
mast and antennas) application, use a lightweight grease rather than a
heavy duty bearing grease. I would even consider a light weight
waterproof grease. Some people have never used any more grease than
what came in it from the factory and they have lasted for years...I
don't recommend that. The bearing does not need the grease for
lubrication, as much as it needs it to displace the dirt and water. A
fresh squirt once a year will push the old grease out and the bearing
will live forever!
I would also recommend making a simple shield that clamps to the mast
and "umbrellas" the top of the bearing to keep the water from building
up on the seal surface. Some have used Tupperware bowls or coffee cans
with a 2" hole in the bottom. I'd look at the PVC or rubber plumbing
reducers like SteppIr uses on the elements. You can also cut one out of
a galvanized roof vent pipe shield you pick up at Home Depot. Just make
sure it doesn't rub against the bearing housing and turns with the mast!
Dino - KX6D
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [TowerTalk] Thrust Bearing Grease
From: "mrlogs" <mrlogs@verizon.net>
Date: Sat, March 14, 2009 2:51 pm
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Hi All..
..Just getting a chance to put my tower up..Got it from Tashjian (& the
thrust bearing too)..It came with a choice of grease fittings..a cap,
and a screw-in type grease fitting..I screwed in the metal grease
fitting. ..Question..What type of grease do I "pump" into this thing
(gotta buy a grease gun too..more money!)
Thanks!
73'..Tom N3ZC
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.13/2000 - Release Date: 03/14/09
06:54:00
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
|