[TowerTalk] thrust bearing lubrication

[N6FD]

On 5/18/2010 8:39 AM, Brahmangou at aol.com wrote:
> Unlubricated bearings? Maybe the reason you are wearing out the races. I
> use Moly grease on all of mine, no problems yet. Every bearing needs
> lubrication, even old windmills from 100 years ago have oilers, and windmills  only
> turn at about 75 rpm. Where I live dust and dirt above 50 feet is not a
> problem, maybe in West Texas or Arizona the big dust storms could deposit
> enough  to make a difference.
>    
Yep! Here in the desert, flying grit and sand is a real problem.  Check 
out these pictures of the local weather:

http://www.navair.navy.mil/nawcwd/weather/chinalake/web/pics/gallery/GF67.jpg
http://www.navair.navy.mil/nawcwd/weather/chinalake/web/pics/gallery/GF98.jpg

>
>   The grease would not make a  negative difference in  the grit problem.
> Once grit gets into the races the damage is done,  grease or no grease. No way
> to get the grit back out either way. Actually the  grease would help keep
> the grit out. Once a bearing is put through several  rotations, excess grease
> is forced out through the races. There is no way to get  this grease back
> into the bearings.  There is no grease pump to move grease  back onto the
> bearing surfaces.This is why you repack wheel bearings. The excess  grease can
> act as a semi-seal for the races.
>
> Also the only way to get grit into this bearing is for it to blow in an
> upward direction through the small crack between the two halves. Grease in the
>   bearing would prevent airflow through the bearing. No airflow, no grit.
>
> FWIW,
> Marty ab5gu
>
>