Lakewood fan bearings ran dry
 

I have a 21" Lakewood "high velocity" fan which I bought from Sam's
(US). After about 8 months in service, it slowed down dramatically one
day. I disassembled the motor, and found that the bearings were
completely dry. No response from the manufacturer so far. It cost
about 30USD, so there's not much point in sending it back.
It has a shaft about 5/8" in diameter, plain bushings (I can't tell
whether they were supposed to be Oilite), and thrust washers assembled
from an assortment of washers. The bearing assemblies are shrouded in
pressed steel cups about 1 1/2" in diameter. The assemblies are clean
and dry, and show no sign of ever having any form of grease on them
anywhere.
Can these be relubricated? Should they be packed to insure a supply of
lubricant?

"JJR2" wrote in message

It has a shaft about 5/8" in diameter, plain bushings (I can't tell
whether they were supposed to be Oilite), and thrust washers assembled
from an assortment of washers. The bearing assemblies are shrouded in
pressed steel cups about 1 1/2" in diameter. The assemblies are clean and
dry, and show no sign of ever having any form of grease on them anywhere.
Can these be relubricated? Should they be packed to insure a supply of
lubricant?

Unless they are sealed, the lube may leak and cause other problems. OTOH,
so what as it is trash if you don't do something I'd put a bit of good
grease and give it a try, but I'd probably not pack them

Considering the price, don't expect to much in the way of quality bearings.
A good set will come close to the cost of the entire fan.

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On Sun, 21 Aug 2005 20:18:38 GMT, JJR2 wrote:

I have a 21" Lakewood "high velocity" fan which I bought from Sam's
(US). After about 8 months in service, it slowed down dramatically
one day. I disassembled the motor, and found that the bearings
were
completely dry. No response from the manufacturer so far. It cost
about 30USD, so there's not much point in sending it back.
It has a shaft about 5/8" in diameter, plain bushings (I can't tell
whether they were supposed to be Oilite), and thrust washers
assembled from an assortment of washers. The bearing assemblies
are shrouded in pressed steel cups about 1 1/2" in diameter. The
assemblies are clean and dry, and show no sign of ever having any
form of grease on them anywhere.
Can these be relubricated? Should they be packed to insure a
supply of lubricant?

They are probably graphite impregnated bronze bearings.
I always add a few drops of a garaphited lock fluid, like
"LockEase".
The fans are cheap. Either it'll rejuvinate them for a while, or it
won't...



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-john
wide-open at throttle dot info