HEQ5pro Very stiff RA

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Last night I noticed that my HEQ5pro was making a creaking sound when slewing in certain positions. When I took the scope off, I noticed that the RA axis was almost seized. At the moment it can only go around 1/2 way before it really starts to get tight again.

Im trying to follow the instructions on

http://www.astro-baby.com/heq5-rebuild/heq5-m1.htm

But I cant seem to budge the polar scope mounting plate. Probably need to make up a custom tool or something :)

Is this a normal experience for HEQ5 owners? :shrug:

[casstony]

Assuming you've undone the locking screws sufficiently, did you try placing a long screwdriver at right angles between the other two to gain leverage? Or make a tool from two nails punched through a piece of timber.

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That's what I will need to do - tough little bugger.

[multiweb]

I'd say with the very humid weather we've been having lately the grease in your bearings/worms got contaminated with water and turned into glue. I have had the experience on a G11. Time for a service. Turp everything and relube.

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Its quite possible. After a bit of playing, it is back to functional, although I think I need to tweak the worm gear mesh a bit.

[dugnsuz]

Yeah, first up I would try adjusting the worm gear over a complete overhaul.
Playing around with those 2 little Allen screws can make a world of a difference:)
Doug

[White Rabbit]

Aye, and those two wee grub screws can cause you a whole world of grief as well. Be very careful or you'll fine you spend the better part of the day trying to get it back to where it was. Only move them in small amounts, and make sure you move both of them the amount.

Sandy