HEQ5Pro maintenance

[Robert9]

Hi,
I'm trying to dismantle my HEQ5Pro so I can re-grease (or probably just grease) the bearings. Has anyone any good method to undo the black round retaining nut on the DEC axis - the nut just behind the dove-tail head. I am trying with long nosed pliers inserted in the opposing holes on the nut. I can't budge it! :help:
Robert

[Steffen]

I use a small punch that fits the holes, angle it against the wall of the hole in the direction I want it to go and tap it lightly with a small hammer. Be sure to use light taps and alternate between the two holes.

[Robert9]

Thanks for that Steffen. I'll give it a go.
Robert

[raymo]

An alternative to a punch, if you don't have a suitable one, is the plain end of a drill bit that is a neat fit in the hole.
raymo

[Robert9]

I had a suitable punch Raymo, but thanks for the thought. And yes, I got it apart - after quite a bit of tap-tap-tapping. :D
Many thanks Steffen and Raymo. :thanx:
Robert

[Robert9]

OK Guys,
Would you believe - next problem. The grub screws holding the counterweight collar. They're deep down and only the allen-key can reach. I reckon I'll twist the key into a spiral before any of those little !@#$%^s will move. Any thoughts please.
Robert

[raymo]

If you are afraid of breaking off an Allen key, either use a small adjustable spanner [shifter]on the key, at a 45 degree angle across
the 90 degree bend in the key, so the torque is only on a short section of the key, and it therefore won't twist, and possibly snap off, or get a short straight Allen key that clicks onto the square end of the appropriate ratchet type tool.
raymo

[Robert9]

The grub screw is quite deep in the collar and I have to use the long leg of the key which is quite flexible as the key is only 2.5mm. As I try to turn it I can feel the twist in the key. I have also tried tapping the key while applying torque but to no avail. Methinks this unit was put together by a butcher of the non-meat variety.
I would have preferred to leave the unit alone except it is quite noisy and has started stalling while slewing. Hence the decision to work on it.
Robert

UPDATE: A drop of Penetrene, a sustained twist and bingo!
As suspected, very little grease on the cone bearing. Will continue on it tomorrow.
Robert

[raymo]

If the key is of reasonable quality, it is amazing how far you can twist them. If it is a neat fit in the screw just keep twisting. It will come with
a snap, and maybe make your finger sting a little. You can use a shifter on it, of course.
raymo

[Robert9]

Raymo, perhaps you mis-interpreted my "Bingo" in my "UPDATE". It meant I managed to undo the blighters. Yes, I used a little shifter to rotate the key and just maintained a steady pressure until it moved. Thanks again though for your helpful advice. :thanx:
Robert

[raymo]

I didn't misinterpret the update, I didn't see it, but I'm glad you got it undone.
raymo

[Steffen]

Make sure you wash out the old gunk before regreasing. I usually use a spray called brake cleaner/degreaser or something like that. It foams and smells good :)

It leaves all parts completely free from dirt and grease without attacking paint or plastics.

For regreasing I use my trusty old Mobilgrease HP (aka XHP 222) which will not separate, run, harden, dry out or anything, but there are lots of other quality greases that work well.

[speach]

Don't use a punch or the 'end of a drill please. get a 'C' spanner that fits from a tool supplier. If you use those you'll damage the holes in the nut and in time it will become useless.

[Steffen]

That's easier said than done. Refer to this image from Astro Baby's website:

http://www.astro-baby.com/heq5-rebuild/dec010.jpg

How do you get in there with a C-spanner?

[Robert9]

Had to use the punch Simon as the nut was inaccessible to anything else including a C spanner. Its really a job for a specialist tool. I was very gentle and there is little obvious damage to the holes. Hopefully, I won't have to pull it apart again.
Steffen, I'm cleaning things in Shell X2 solvent which I have on hand and I have some BP Energrease L lithium based grease, which I think should do the job OK.

Thanks again for all the input. Much appreciated.
Robert

[Robert9]

Purrs like a kitten. :D
Robert