Raptor 30 mainshaft bearings swap

[SGsailing]

I have some mast play fore and aft but none side to side I can detect.

How easy is changing the mast bearings on a Raptor 30 v2. Can I get them out without splitting the frames?
I think i'll change the starter shaft ones as well while i'm in there as I have spares for these as well.

Steve

[Ade_Law]

its more likely the frames have worn around the bearing if your only getting play fore/aft

unfortunately you need to atleast partially split the frames to get them out. A smeer of epoxy on the bearings might stop it.

if your running a plastic head block this will probably be worn where it sits on the mainshaft too.

Ade

[SGsailing]

Thanks Ade

All the head assy. and swash is alloy.

Looks like the upper mast bearing is the culprit a dab of epoxy is a good idea i will try it.

Well theres plenty of bad weather coming so I will console myself with a major stripdown and clean of inaccesible bits. This way will not be too Pi**ed if I find I need to order any more bits as no flying any way.

Cheers Steve

[Ade_Law]

whilst your in there replace both mainshaft bearings, pinion bearing and starter shaft bearing.

or sods law says they will die in a couple of weeks and will have to do it all again!

Ade

[SGsailing]

Thanks Ade

found it here http://www.raptortechnique.com/repai...t_bearings.htm

I will do the others when I split the frames. Looks like fun..

Steve

[SGsailing]

I have stripped the heli down. Ade you got it spot on there is more play in the bearing blocks than in the bearing's themselves. The mast and starter bearings do sound dry so I will change the lot including clutch bell. Local bearing supplier should be able to source them hopefully better quality at a good price.
Took the backplate off the motor and the bearings have dark tan spots is this normal or an indication of overheating?

Steve

[Ade_Law]

the colouring on the bearing is normal, does the rear crank bearing sound smooth? if not or its done more than 10 gallons its probably worth changing that whilst you have it all apart and buying bearings.

Ade

[SGsailing]

the colouring on the bearing is normal, does the rear crank bearing sound smooth? if not or its done more than 10 gallons its probably worth changing that whilst you have it all apart and buying bearings.

Ade

I have had the head off the motor and there's no detectable play and the bearings are very smooth. Just off to the bearing supplier for the other's I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers Ade

[SGsailing]

I have been away for a couple of days so here's the latest.
I managed to source quality bearings at a simailar prive to the TT one's. The Raptor has been rebuilt with all bearings replaced exept the ones in the motor.
I used a layer of tape around the bearings to secure a tight fit. I will see how this method fare's, there is now no play in the mast bearings.
I just need to refit the the pipe after polishing it to a nice shiny finish should look great..

Steve