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I think the dust that gets everywhere during the construction is hard on the bearings. It gets into the pre-lubricated bearings and can cause damage. Mark Mahnke told me not to lubricate any bearings for the first year of flying. After that first year, most of the construction dust has dissipated and shouldn't be a problem. This is probably more of an issue on the push rods than the hinge bearings. The first time around, I think cleaning the bearings before lubricating them make a lot of sense. I flew my plane in primer for quite a while before painting. So I took the time to clean and lubricate all the bearings when I reassembled the plane after the paint shop.
I've replaced a couple bearings on my ES. One was an aileron bearing that was impossible to move with my fingers. Another bearing was on the aileron bellcrank that had developed a large amount of play. So the two failure modes can be either loose or tight. It's impossible to individually inspect the bearings with the control surfaces installed. I had to remove the aileron to isolate which bearing was binding. I think this much effort only makes sense every 3 or 4 years unless you detect some change in control surface friction.
I also had to replace the top rudder bearing block after all the rudder fitting "on and off" iterations. That one wasn't due to bearing wear. The bearing had slipped in the block.
I use LPS 2 every year at condition inspection time.
Mike Easley
Colorado Springs
In a message dated 06/27/10 22:03:43 Mountain Daylight Time, chris_zavatson@yahoo.com writes:
Steve,
I use bearing grease for 'exterior' bearings==> those that are likely exposed to the elements or are subjected to higher loads. This forms a better barrier to resist moisture penetration etc. Any gap between bearing and race is filled with grease.
For interior applications I use LPS2. ==> this spray lubricant has less friction than grease.
Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std
From: Steve Colwell <mcmess1919@yahoo.com>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Sent: Sun, June 27, 2010 12:35:49 PM
Subject: [LML] Bearings for L4 tail
All the spherical bearings supplied in the kit originally are standard bearings available through any bearing outfit like Motion Industries.
What lubricant are you using for these bearings?
Why did you choose it?
Steve Colwell Legacy
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