[TowerTalk] thrust bearing

[Cqtestk4xs at aol.com]

If the thrust bearing was new when you installed it and it is functioning  
normally, no maintenance should be necessary.  However, if you obtained the  
bearing used it may need some work.
 
I have come across lots of thrust bearings over the years and they have  been 
"maintained" to death.  Unfortunately, although these bearings do not  
require any lubricant to be added because of the low RPM, lots of guys do use  
various lubricants.  The result can be a gummy, sticky mess that actually  retards 
rotation.
 
Fortunately, the fix for this is easy.  Spray degreaser into the  slit where 
the bearing are, and flush all this crud out.
 
There is one other thing you might want to do.  While you have access  to the 
bearing, check the set bolts that tighten around the mast.  If you  haven't 
already done so, be sure to put grease or NoAlox into the thread sleeve  of the 
opening and then reinsert the bolts.  These bolts tend to seize up  and can 
be impossible to remove as oxidation takes place.  I suggest using  stainless 
steel bolts with the grease.  It works for me.
 
Bill K4XS