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Re: [TowerTalk] Best Grease for Rotor bearings ?

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Best Grease for Rotor bearings ?
From: W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:15:26 -0600
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Contact Rohn then.

They run dry.  If they were meant to be lubed they would have a grease 
fitting on them.

Mike W0MU

J6/W0MU November 21 - December 1 2011 CQ WW DX CW
W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net


On 10/12/2011 9:26 PM, jcjacobsen@q.com wrote:
> Doug has a question:
> ----- Original Message -----
>
>
>
> Would either of you gentlemen please provide for me the instructions from 
> Rohn that states that their TB-3 thrust bearings are to be run dry. I know 
> that they are sold dry. I am looking for facts from Rohn that say that these 
> bearings should not be lubricated. I am not interested in any information 
> except from Rohn.
>
>
>
> Doug
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> I use White Lithium grease. Some rotator manufacturers are using it
>> now. For thrust bearings...It all depends. ROHN says to run theirs dry.
>> 73
>> Roger (K8RI)
> Doug,
>
> #1. I do know that my TB-3 has been in the air since 1991, unlubed, and is 
> still going strong.
> #2. I seem to remember that there was a rather limited instruction sheet with 
> the new bearing that said don't lube, but I'll be dipped if I can find it in 
> my files.
> #3. The fact that it was built WITHOUT a grease fitting, and would have to be 
> removed from the tower and disassembled to grease it says volumes in my book.
> #4. The archives show a couple of entries from YEARS ago saying not to lube 
> the bearings. They weren't designed to be lubed. One of them is from Steve, 
> K7LXC, who should know if ANYONE does:
>
> <SNIP>
>
>
> From: K7LXC@aol.com
>
>
>
> In a message dated 97-01-12, you write:
>
>
>
>> Since this is an open design for a bearing and it's
>> turning slow, one would think it shouldn't need any
>> lube. Right or wrong?
> The LXC Prime Directive for tower and antenna projects is to "do what the 
> manufacturer says". The corollary to that is "don't do what they don't tell 
> you". In other words, Rohn didn't say to lubricate the TB-3 so you shouldn't. 
> Since it only turns one RPM, there's not much that is going to happen to it 
> during normal use.
>
>
>
> Lubricating it will actually cause premature failure because the grease will 
> hold onto any contaminants that are blown through in the wind (dust, rain, 
> etc.). The same is true for crankup cables: do not use a grease on them. 
> There are special lightweight cable lubricants that you should use that will 
> soak into the cables without attracting contaminants. In the case of Rohn 
> thrust bearings, leave 'um alone. And like Rod, N4SI, says, if in doubt - 
> throw it away and get a new one.
>
>
>
> Steve K7LXC
>
>
>
>
> <SNIP>
>
>
>
>
> I hope this helps.
>
>
>
>
>
> Good luck with whatever project you have going.
>
>
>
>
> 73
>
> K9WN Jake
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
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