> I am overhauling my rotator and thought it would be good to replace my
thrust bearing also.
I have the Rohn TB3 bearing now. It has been in use for 18 years and
feels pretty rough.
That's pretty SOP for a mature TB3. What are you using the tb for? If
you've got all of your mast and antenna on it taking the weight off of the
rotator, that's one thing. If you're just using it as a bushing to help
with horizontal forces, that's another.
With case 1, another bearing might be the way to go. The rough races
will only get rougher (steel ball bearings in an aluminum race will only
take so much abuse).
With case 2, it's probably FB since you're not asking it to do much.
> Im thinking of going with a different bearing this time with a steel
body and greased. (grease fitting)
Looked thru the archives on tower talk to find out what others have used
and can?t find much,
on this type of replacement and I know the bearing supply houses have
them, just haven?t
pursued searching with them yet. I would like to know what others have
used.
I haven't seen a decent bearing like you're describing that'll work
outdoors. US Tower uses a pillow bearing that's designed for indoor use.
There's an Allen screw that holds everything and over time the Allen screw
rusts terminally and you have to drill it out to do anything with the bearing
or mast. Not recommended.
> Array Solutions has their model TB2 which is this type of bearing but
it only has a two hole flange for mounting.
Again, even if you have the bearing holding the weight, you're still
not asking it to do much. I don't see any way to secure the mast from the
picture. If it's got the aforementioned Allen screw, you could be screwed as
well.
IMO thrust bearings are only marginally useful since you want some/all
of the mast/antenna weight on the rotator or just have it act as a bushing
so you might rethink the TB issue and whether you even need one.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH
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