BELLOWS-R - FROZEN BEARING

[Geolux]

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3-5-2015

 

Hello:

 

I have a Bellows-R in fine condition, but, the knob to adjust the length of the bellows is frozen. This is really seized up. A big pair of pliers is needed to move it.

 

I am quite sure that it is the plastic sleeve bearing that is frozen. The rack and pinion are both fine. It is almost certainly the bearing for the adjustment knob.

 

I could change it myself in 15 minutes if I could figure out how to get the knob assembly apart, and if I had a replacement bearing.

 

Has anyone else experienced such a frozen bearing in the Bellows-R?

 

Any suggestions for a person to repair it?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Geolux

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[tobey bilek]

Bearings do not freeze, lube does.

 

I have several devices from that period that have a "permanent " lube. Well no, it turns to crystal and totally stops working. The sewing machine repair man did "chemical clean" and replaced with real grease. The Lube was an orange color.

 

I think I used WD40 on the ball bearings for the file cabinet drawers. Then I could knock the chunks out and relube.

 

Try different solvents until you find something that works.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Try leaving it in the airing cupboard overnight if you have one and then maybe the lube will soften. Pliers are not a suitable tool for levering stuck thumb screws/knobs; try using a small diameter filter wrench. WD40 is not suitable as it 'travels' past the jammed thread and the residual stink will last for weeks.

 

dunk