Bandsaw upper bearing question

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:22 pm

The upper bearing on my bandsaw started squealing intermittently, so I took the wheel off and greased the bearing. Problem is it now squeals constantly so I guess the bearing has gone bad. I checked the bandsaw service parts list to order a new bearing. Apparently you can't order "just the bearing". You have to order the complete UPPER WHEEL ASSEMBLY which includes the upper wheel & bearings with the tire for $118.30. I don't need a new wheel and tire, just the bearing.

My question is; Can the bearing be replaced and if so Is there a replacement bearing available without buying Shopsmith's entire inventory? I feel that $118 is WAY too much to shell out just to replace a stupid bearing. Besides the bandsaw doesn't have more than a couple of hours use and there is no reason for the bearing to be going bad this soon. Before you ask... YES I RELEASE THE TENSION WHEN NOT IN USE.

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 11:00 pm

George,
You can replace the bearing, I think there are two in the upper wheel. I will see if I can get the number for you tomorrow. Torrington ½" needle bearings I think.
Larry

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 11:37 pm

Are you absolutely sure it is the bearing? The wheel hub is not rubbing something?

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 12:55 am

JPG40504 wrote:Are you absolutely sure it is the bearing? The wheel hub is not rubbing something?

Don't know anything for sure as yet. Could be the wheel hub. I will have to give a closer look tomorrow. It is coming from that area.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 4:43 am

Tracking bearings, maybe.

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 8:32 am

dusty wrote:Tracking bearings, maybe.

I don't think so, Dusty. I have pretty much narrowed it down to the wheel hub area.

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Sat Jan 12, 2013 11:36 am

George,
E.B.Atmus Co., Inc.
Part Number Manufacturer Description Price Quantity
GB-88 KOYO CORP. PRECISION NEEDLE BEARING 0.018 LB $7.93
½x11/16x½
Larry

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Sat Jan 12, 2013 3:03 pm

Thanks, Larry. I appreciate your efforts. Eight bucks sure beats the hell out of $130 or more (after tax/shipping)

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jan 12, 2013 3:41 pm

curiousgeorge wrote:Thanks, Larry. I appreciate your efforts. Eight bucks sure beats the hell out of $130 or more (after tax/shipping)

The old has not yet been removed, and the new one not yet pressed in. Only after that can you say the above.

Do proceed cautiously as that wheel is easily warped or the hub cracked. Finess all the way!

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Jan 12, 2013 3:58 pm

JPG40504 wrote:The old has not yet been removed, and the new one not yet pressed in. Only after that can you say the above.

Do proceed cautiously as that wheel is easily warped or the hub cracked. Finess all the way!

Do you mean to convey a warning that the needle bearings is fragile???