Emerson motor bearing replacement

rcplaneguy · Post by **rcplaneguy** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 4:00 pm

I'm replacing the bearings in my Emerson motor (1 1/8 hp), and I find this "keeper" in the fan side motor end, to hold the fan side bearing. It looks bent, and I think there should be two rather than one. Can you buy replacements? If not I guess I could use bolts, washers, and nuts.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 4:05 pm

Hmmmmmm! Where have I seen this before?:D

Only one also!

Any straightening must be done veeery carefully.

If it still 'retains the bearing, I would not attempt straightening.

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 4:30 pm

You only need one bearing retainer. I have successfully straighten this retainer before so you do not want to over tighten the nut when installing it. You do need a lock washer or star washer under the nut. I have been unable to find any of these retainer bolts or any similar item to replace it. I cut the head off on a couple bolts and put a 90 deg bend in them to hold the bearing in the past. You must be very careful to have clearance for the rotor and fan sheave if you make up any replacement bolt. There should be a spring loaded bearing spacer in the other end cap. I sometimes find extra spacer washers along with the spring washer. The spring washer is what keeps the rotor from having any end play on some motors. I have been able to use these washers in place of the retainer bolt on this type of motor but explaining what I did would be lengthy.

rcplaneguy · Post by **rcplaneguy** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 6:10 pm

Thanks guys. I straightened it "a little".
Now to re-assemble. What kind of grease to apply (very little) in the motor bearing areas? The original stuff looks amber, thick. I think I should wipe that grease clean since it is old/thick and contaminated by sawdust.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 6:32 pm

Looks good to me!

Remove the old grease.

Just about any grease would suffice, but use it sparingly.

Not sure but what the old grease wasn't leakage from the old bearing.

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 10:26 pm

Shielded and sealed bearings do not need any extra grease. I only use a spot of grease to hold the spring washer in the end cap to assemble the motor. Grease collects dust and dirt, not what you want in a headstock or motor. Nice job on straighten the bearing hold down bolt. Does anyone know where to find a replacement bolt? I cannot find a breakdown parts diagram for any Emerson motor as the company no longer exists in the US. I cannot get any infro from the company that says they took over support for Emerson but appears not for the motors.

rcplaneguy · Post by **rcplaneguy** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 12:16 am

Thanks Bill and JPG!
The motor is reassembled and back in the 510. Smooth, no problems!
This forum is great, there is no way I would have tackled that job without your help!

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 12:52 am

rcplaneguy wrote:Thanks Bill and JPG!
The motor is reassembled and back in the 510. Smooth, no problems!
This forum is great, there is no way I would have tackled that job without your help!

Hoooooraaaayyyy!:)

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 8:22 am

I looked at the bolt and was wondering why a "thumb screw" with the right threads could not be ground down to replace the original? I would post a pic but right now I am getting ready for our Woodworking Club's annual chicken dinner fund raiser.
Bill V

rcplaneguy · Post by **rcplaneguy** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 9:07 am

wa2crk wrote:I looked at the bolt and was wondering why a "thumb screw" with the right threads could not be ground down to replace the original? I would post a pic but right now I am getting ready for our Woodworking Club's annual chicken dinner fund raiser.
Bill V

Great idea on the "modified" thumbscrew! I'll use one as a substitute if I ever go back in.