[TowerTalk] Thrust Bearing Concerns

[jim.thom jim.thom@telus.net]

Put a clamp around the mast, so it's sitting on top of the  top thrust
bearing.
I would suggest using 2 x thrust bearings.  one at top of tower, and
another 3-6' down the tower,  with the  PP  below that.

On my rohn  TB-4 thrust bearings (3" mast) the 3 x setscrews all rusted out
and seized up.  The ball bearings also started to grind, water got in
there..and that was < 1 year.

The peer brand  thrust bearings with the eccentric locking collar work
superb, but they also have to be greased.  I use  a pair of those type
thrust bearings on the UST crank up.

Putting a bit of weight on the rotor is to put some weight on the
internal bearing inside the PP.   The mating splines are not going
anywhere.   I also have kurts small PP.   Globs of TQ.  Takes 1 min + 50
secs to rotate 360 degs.   Cap off the top of the mast, so water doesn't
run down the inside of the amst onto the PP.

DXE offers a real HD mast clamp that's superb.  Comes in 2" - 2.5" - 3".

Jim   VE7RF