[Milsurplus] Bearing Lubrication

[J. Forster]

If you are going to do it, do it right. Remove the bearings from the machine,
carefully noting the position of ALL wave washers and/or shims, and the bearing
positions and orientation. Don't force anything. If the bearings have metal
shields, the shields are usually held in place with thing wire ring springs
which can be removed with the tip of an X-Acto knife. Do NOT disassemble any
further. The ball keepers may or may not come loose at this point. You DO NOT
want to take them out. The bearings and other (non-rubber) parts can then be
soaked in something like Goof-Off until ABSOLUTELY clean. An ultrasonic cleaner
helps. Overnight in a covered jar also works. You will need several changes of
solvent. Rinse with really clean solvent, like trichlor or more Goof-Off and
place in a dust free area to dry. In the last rinse, it is not a bad idea to put
a drop or two of light oil (NOT WD-40) Motor oil is good. It will leave a light
film of oil over everything. You do not want it dripping in oil, unless it was
originally oiled and not greased. Repack the bearings with good quality light
grease and reassemble the whole, in the reverse order from how you took it
apart. When tightening the end plates, make sure the shims are correctly placed
and not pinched.

BTW, write down the bearing maker and number in case you have problems. You
could need a magnifying glass to see them. New ones may only be a few dollars.

Have fun,
-John



Richard Brunner wrote:

> Oh Great Guru's:
> I have acquired an #800-1 dynamotor, which is 28 vdc to 115 volts 800
> cycles, which winds up to 8,000 rpm.  It turns freely, but I am concerned
> that after 60 years the lubricants might be a bit dry, and the first run