Suggestions for cleaning and testing bearings

[rangerg]

I have a bunch of vintage bearings (a mix from Kyosho, Tamiya, and Associated cars). What is a good way for me to clean and test these? I'll toss those that aren't good anymore and use the cleaned and tested ones for runners. Looking around online it is suggested that I need specific oil, a case, metric and standard testers, etc. I know you all will have an easier and cheaper way. How do you clean and test your bearings? What unique tools or supplies do I need, if any? Thanks for the help!

[THUNDERSTRIKE1]

I use PB BLASTER TO SOAK THE BEARINGS TO GET ANY CRYSTALised grease an oli out of them for 2to3 days.Then take out let drain on a pile of paper towels in a container so not mess up any surfacesFOR 24 HOURS.Then soak in 3 n 1 multipurpose oil for 24 hours then let drain again then install.This is how we did between race days.DON

[scr8p]

there's only 3 things you need:

1) a garbage can to throw out old bearings
2) http://www.avidrc.com
3) visa, mastecard, or paypal

[GoMachV]

Lol

I use a ultrasonic cleaner for my bearings, and a relube with tri flow....but I don't run mine much hahaha

[scr8p]

i soak bearings in a glass jar for a day or so, giving it a good shake every now and then. i'll then take them out one by one, stick them on the end of a pencil and give them a spin. if they spin nice and smooth and for a long duration, they get oiled up and used again. if not, in the trash they go.

i do the same thing for new bearings too, if they're going in a "race" car. the grease that's in most new bearings is quite thick and doesn't lend itself to a super free drivetrain.

[THUNDERSTRIKE1]

If their gritty still after soaking or the inner race moves in and out alot toss them.DON

[rangerg]

Good advice, thanks! Scr8p, What do you soak them in? I like the low tech pencil for the tester .

[scr8p]

oops, sorry. my mind was going quicker than my fingers.

i use lacquer thinner.

[rangerg]

Good, I have lacquer thinner in the shed. Thanks.

[RC10th]

I soak them in a bearing shaker with motor cleaner. If they are still gritty in the bin they go.

[Coelacanth]

I go the cheap route. If the bearings are fine, why toss 'em? Broken-in bearings are the best, as long as they're not rusting or scratchy, I just soak them for a few minutes in WD-40, then give them a good shake...I put them in a small plastic lidded container so they can be shaken...like a used margarine container or something. Then with most of the crap shaken loose, just blow out the excess dirty fluid and pat them dry on some paper towels...lube and re-use.

[jwscab]

I stick them in a solvent or cleaner. Laquer thinner or simple green. Soak, the rotate with something like mentioned a pencil or pen works excellent. Then back in the soak. After a bit take them out and press between paper towels to wick out the solvent. While on the paper add a drop or two of light machine oil. It will wick through taking out fine crap and leave it in the paper. Repeat that a few time while rotating and pressing between towels till no dirt or grit shows up. Should be good to go at that point. If you are hardcore racing then get new ones. For general use even a crappy ball bearing is better than a bushing.

[Diamond Dave]

For general use even a crappy ball bearing is better than a bushing.

Here here!! I can make a set of bearings last a long long time. I can see the need to toss em after a few runs if you are racing.

But for what I (most of us) do, clean the crap out of em and re use it. If you see some wobble like Don mentioned, toss em and install new ones. They are not that pricey, even for expensive ones.

[RC10th]

You can make a set of good bearings last at least a season or two by keeping them cleaned and oiled. Every 3 race meets or so I take them out and give them a light wipe over to remove loose dirt. If you just dump them in solvent the solvent can act as a carrier for dirt and contaminate your bearings.

Once the outer surfaces are clean then soak them in clean solvent. I'll usually take em out, give em a spin and put them back in clean solvent. Once out I pat them down and re-oil them with light oil.

After the bearings are sufficiently oiled through I'll take a damp (with solvent) rag and just wipe the oil residue off the sheilds to prevent dirt from building up.

It sounds like a tedious process but quite easy and goes quick while rebuilding the car.

[knixdad]

I actually find bearing cleaning to be something I can do during conference calls that keeps my hands busy.

I soak them a bit, wipe them off, remove the shields and clean them out completely. Metal shields are more tedious but a good xacto blade makes it easier.