[DX] thrust bearing LM-354

[David Wright]

Greetings, 

Trying to get a replacement thrust bearing for my Tri-Ex LM-354 tower, &
Tri-Ex is out of business. I took it to a bearing supplier, but the bad
bearing must be removed from the bearing "housing" before they can match
it up.  A local machine shop tried to press it out (30-ton press), &
could not cuz it's apparently held in the housing with a "snap-ring" of
some kind.  

No one knows how to get the bearing out, & the machine shop didn't have
the right kind of "snap-ring" tool. I would like to go with a "sealed,"
stainless steel, or a "marine" style bearing due to the salt air here at
the QTH (nearby salt water.)  But I have to get the bearing out of the
housing first.  I'm currently inactive due to this; anyone have any
suggestions?

Thanks & 73, 

De Dave K6JOX