I've been reading all the threads and googling my heart out in preparation for The Big Event. The rattles from the motors and the slight looseness in my EQ6, much less the eggy stars, pursuade me that a tune up is advisable, plus at least I then have a known good item to remove from the list of potential image problem sources.
I have gotten good advice, parts and assistance from Peter 4059, Allan and others, thanks guys, and I've collected all the other bits and pieces necessary, except the six large bearings, which in total cost about $180 for SKF brand. I don't mind paying this amount, but I would like to feel that it was money well spent and not just "hobbyist overkill", as there are other factors that come into it, which are the root of my indecision.
Obviously the total worm gear setup is top priority for tuneup. including new ceramic bearings, etc, plus cleaning, paint & swarf removal, re-lube, clearances, etc.
My question is: Will replacement of all or some of these six larger bearings really achieve anything worthwhile for a "happy snaps" imager such as myself? The other larger bearings simply support the RA and DEC shafts in rotation, and two more taper roller bearings provide end-thrust support for the shafts. All of these bearings rotate at far less than 1rpm, and max load is in the small tens of Kg. Considering the size of these bearings, quite trivial, one would think. They're the size of car axle bearings! Naturally they need to be checked for cleanliness and good grease during the tune up. I bought some Nulon "Lithium + PTFE" grease at Supercheap which I plan on using.
Removal and replacement of these bearings may involve some effort and need for bearing pullers, etc if they are a tight fit. These additional tasks, needing to be done without assistance, plus the potential to screw something up, are the main reasons why I am tempted to "leave well enough alone" in this area.
The flip side, of course, is that if the final Hypertune result doesn't make much difference anyway to my imaging, one may always be thinking "should have replaced those damn bearings when I had it open!".
So...open for comments. (The major factor for Brissy folks is that the longer I have it open on the workbench, the more clear skies everyone else will get
