GrahamWh Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 I am going to replace the bearings in my ASP FS70AR soon as they have developed some play. I can detect some wobble when I pull one prop blade forward and the other backwards. I suspect the rear bearing is a bit loose. One member of the club I go to recommends replacing with stainless steel, but I have read on one bearings supply site that stainless are not as strong as normal steel - can't handle as high a load. Are they suitable for model engine bearings? Also I can only find a stainless one in the size I want with rubber seals. Is it okay to just prise off these rubber seals to make it into an open bearing? Thanks guys, Graham. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 I'd be interested to see the replies here, I've only ever used stock replacements in the past... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Hargreaves - Moderator Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Yep me too....I've seen the stainless bearing & wondered if they would be better...I've also seen ceramic bearings & wondered the same..... I think I would be correct in saying no problem whipping out the rubber seal to make an open bearing.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon H Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Removing the seals will cause no problems. as for the strength I must say I have no experience with them so cannot say for sure. But stainless steel is hardly soft, and the ceramic bearings are good for 300,000 in a turbine so no lack of strength there. The limiting factor (I suspect) will not be the rpm rating of the bearing but how much stock load it can take. And given that every time the engine fires it puts a shock into the bearing that could be a problem. Time will tell! One thing I did hear however is that ceramic bearings don't work very well if they are drenched in oil. even the tiny amount of oil in a gas turbine can sometimes cause them to slip instead of working as they out. I must say I have no direct experience of this myself so cannot be sure, but it might be something to look out for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.. Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 My flying buddy and I both have a couple of Irvine 53 Mk 2 two stokes & as many others have found the original bearings weren't the best. we went through a period of around 12 months where we were regularly having to change bearings. It was a bit of a pain but useful as we learnt a bit whilst doing it. In the end for these engines we found the best replacements were the ceramic ball units, and once we fitted these our problems were sorted. They cost a bit more but they are great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim A Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Don't know about Stainless steel bearings but if you want bearings any bearings try this site in the USA, Really good prices, selections, and the postage is cheap & fast. They have bearings for everything even your pushbike!! **LINK** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon burch Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Replaced quite a few bearings in my 91's in the heli's with stainless to try and reduce the effect of the high nitros. Never had a problem with any failures and those motors are revving hard in a tough environment. Cheers, Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glen johnson Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 I've used both, stainless are better for corrosion resistance and hold up well in engine use. They do still wear out though due to pitting of the races etc from normal engine use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamWh Posted October 27, 2014 Author Share Posted October 27, 2014 Thank you all, I shall go ahead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamWh Posted January 11, 2019 Author Share Posted January 11, 2019 In case it is of help to anyone thinking of replacing engine bearings with stainless steel ones, I can report that this engine is still running fine with the ones I fitted - no discernible play at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted January 11, 2019 Share Posted January 11, 2019 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cymaz Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 Simply Bearings is a good place to start. Also try Modelfixings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamWh Posted January 12, 2019 Author Share Posted January 12, 2019 Yes the same bearings since the entry above in late 2014 - so 4 years ago, and no play that I can feel. I fly this model more than any other that I have, but don't get to the field every week - in bad weather I may not fly for a month or two. I find the puppeteer floats well and is very enjoyable to fly, but with this engine it'll shoot around a bit too. Great fun! I use Simply Bearings as they give a good choice of budget and more expensive makes and are at good prices. Free postage too at the moment unless you select other postage options. Even then, my last two orders arrived 2 days after ordering. Edited By GrahamWh on 12/01/2019 13:49:59 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.