Tool/technique for removing blade grip bearings

[jasumx]

I had an issue last night while removing the bearings from my main blade grip. I was able to get one of them out by simply applying alternating pressure on the thrust bearing with a hex driver until I rocked the radial and thrust bearings out.

The other one didn't go so well... The radial bearing in front of the thrust bearuing ended up getting stuck and when I finally got them out (lots of pounding involved) the radial bearing was toast and I had marred the inside of the grip     It was totally my fault for not stopping before damage was done, but I'd like to prevent this issue in the future. Is there a special tool or technique that I am supposed to be using when removing these bearings? I'll have a new grip and bearing set (including thrust bearing for good measure) in a couple days, so I want to make sure I do it right this time.

Thanks,
Jason

[stevehof]

Put the grips in the oven at 250f for 5 to 10 minutes or so. The bearings should then push in or out easily. Be sure to have leather gloves handy...

[jasumx]

Huh... That's interesting. I would have thought that would soften up the metal enough to disform it. Obviously since you suggested it that means it works, and I'll take what works  Thanks for the tip.

[Brandon Bartolomucci]

Not just limited to the E7, my N5c and a friends N5c had some tight bearings in the tail and main grips. (Also seemed to be one side). I had purchased a 10 dollar heat gun (Ryobi) from harbor freight. Cranked that on high and heated the grips up from about 3 inches away for a minute's time.

Tapped them on the table and they fell right out. I use this same method for nitro engine bearings. It goes a lot quicker than the oven it seems and you can distribute the heat where you need it. This also works if you're trying to get them back in and they don't want to go in easily.


Regards,
Brandon Bartolomucci
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[flyalan]

Yes I have found a heat gun very handy. If you use EC5 connectors warm them a bit and the bullets pop in without much effort. Just don't get em too hot!
Also handy for other bearing removals and of course heat shrink tubings.


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[Ross Lawton]

+1 For the above recommendations, a heat gun or even a hair dryer (Just don't tell the wife!) will do the job if needed. The bearings can have a tight tollerance fit or even have a small amount of loctite bearing retainer holding them in place so a little heat will allow the metal to expand slightly and release the bearing and if there is loctite present it will soften that up and also release the bearing allowing it to drop free.

I usually get a couple of towels and use one on the table and one to hold the blade grip, then gently warm the grip with the heat gun/hair dryer for a few seconds and the bearing should drop out with a gentle tap.

To refit new bearings it is just a repeat procedure, first make sure everything is clean by just giving everything a wipe with a towel and then with the heat gun warm the grip up again for a few seconds and then pop in the new bearing and allow everything to cool. When cool the metal of the grip will contract and hold the bearing in place.

Hope this helps, if you have any further questions just give us a shout.
Cheers,
Ross

[RyanW]

I didn't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet, but we have a tool coming out just for this. Keep an eye on FBL Rotors website!

-Ryan

[Brandon Bartolomucci]

Nice can't wait!


Regards,
Brandon Bartolomucci
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