Question about the autotrack bearing on the bandsaw

[jtp]

the enclosed bearing pictured isn’t seized or crunchy sounding but it noticeably does not want to spin as well as the one right above the guide blocks and exterior looks burnt. Is that ok?

New to me unit I don’t know how the saw runs yet.

From reading up I think it’s the autotrack bearing, updated kit version??? From how dirty this unit was inside I know it definitely has seen a lot of use.

And the picture is sideways not sure how I managed that but right side of pic is up on the bandsaw

Thanks - Tyler

[jsburger]

If it is really "burnt" that is not good. However, A new bearing fully packed with grease will not spin freely. It will be smooth when rotated but but it should not spin on it's own with a flick of the fingers. The grease provides some resistance. If a bearing spins freely on its own it is dry.

[jtp]

Makes sense.

Only reason I say burnt is that darker color where the blade rides in the middle, I guess what throws me off is the one by the blade guides goes about 1 1/2 revolutions when I try to spin it but that one just stops, only moves when I move it

[jsburger]

The dark color is normal from the blade riding in the groove.

[chapmanruss]

Tyler,

If the Auto Track bearings turn easily and smoothly then they are okay. As John said they should not spin freely. The same is true for the upper and lower guide bearings. The groove is actually the space between the two bearings that make up the Auto Tracking bearing. You could remove the assembly from the Bandsaw's main casting, separate the parts and clean around them as you work on getting your Bandsaw ready to use. While apart you can check each of the two bearings individually. Once re-installed there is a bit of "play" on the bracket where it bolts to the main casting to allow centering the bearing gap under the blade.

[jtp]

Got it. Just repacked upper wheel bearing and that went pretty good so I’ll take these off for cleaning and see what’s up.

- Tyler