Celestron Mount Rebuild

[raf.serrano]

Hi all, I just recently got a used Celestron CGEM mount, my first full size mount as I have been using the AZ Gti. The mount has a little bit of wiggle on the dovetail clamp and counterweight shaft so thinking of opening it up to see if its something I can fix and maybe regrease the bearings too.

Problem is I cant see any videos of a Celestron CGEM rebuild, anyone have recommendations? Would there be a similar mount rebuild instructions I can refer to disadsemble the mount? Also what is a good way to remove oil and stuck grease?

Any advice and words of wisdom is greatly appreciated, clear skies :)

[Eldest_Sibling]

I remove Synta's factory glue-grease with charcoal-lighter fluid, used for grilling food outdoors. It's a light grade of kerosene, and cuts right through the old grease...

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The CGEM is considered too complicated to work on by the average user, which is probably why you're having trouble finding renovation material. Of course, I would work on one regardless, so welcome to the DIY club.

There are folks working on theirs on YouTube...

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Celestron+CGEM

[multiweb]

WD40. Soak the bearings in there then rince and dry them and pack them back with bearing grease. If they're sealed bearings then leave them as is. For any other cleaning turp and a bucket with a brush.

[raf.serrano]

Wow there's a lot of resource when you remove the "hypertune" keyword :D thanks so much Alan.

Not sure though if I would pass beyond an average user, the only thing I was able to accomplish at the moment is to fix the play from an AZ-Gti RA and dec but then that is a tiny mount and fairly easy to disassemble :)

I'll also have a look at that charcoal-lighter fluid, I'm planning to clean and regrease the motor reduction gears as well if my comprehension can fathom how to access that :D

cheers mate!

[raf.serrano]

Got it, thanks for the advise Marc, not sure before if I should use the grease removing kitchen chemicals :lol: asking around most likely saved the life of my mount haha

[Eldest_Sibling]

You're most welcome. Do take photographs as you go along, documenting the process. Proceed slowly, patiently, photographing every little thing, and more besides.

I use this heavy-duty grade of Super Lube for re-greasing my mounts...

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But others have used others to good effect.

[traveller]

Raf have a search through cloudy nights as there may be some links there. I found a link in there for my CGX rebuild.
+1 for super lube.
Bo

[raf.serrano]

Thanks again Alan, have Superlube on the way, the grease and spray both with PTFE.

[raf.serrano]

Thanks bo will have a look in Cloudy Nights as well.