This is topic How 2 Remove Xetron Platter Bearings? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Jim Cassedy (Member # 4115) on 10-25-2010, 10:03 AM:
 
I have a Xetron (Strong) XNR 335 platter with
a bad lower bearing on one of the decks.

The upper bearing is clearly held in place by a
retaining clip. But I don't see one on the lower
bearing.

I tried tapping the lower bearing out from the
inside (using a small piece of wood to avoid damage)
but it wouldn't budge. I didn't want to use too
much force for fear of breaking something.

> So, does anyone know to get that lower bearing
out? Should I just start wacking it harder?

Thanks!
 

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Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 10-25-2010, 12:31 PM:
 
Jim, is that bearing flush with the bottom of the platter deck hub? If so it won't come out as you are simply pounding it onto the ground.

You'll need to support that deck hub with a cut piece of pipe or a socket that will allow the bearing to drop into.

Spray some WD-40 down into the hub, soaking that bearing outer race good, let it set for a bit then one sharp whack should pop it out.

Another trick is to use a heat gun (NOT a torch) to heat up the outside of the hub evenly, as that will expand it enough to loosen the hub's grip on the bearing.

Finally, when you put the new bearing in, put it in the freezer for several hours first to shrink it so it will drop right in.
 

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Posted by Jim Cassedy (Member # 4115) on 10-25-2010, 04:04 PM:
 
Thanks Tony. I'm working on another project today but
I'll give your suggestions a try tomorrow morning.

I like the freezer idea! That sounds like a good plan!
 

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Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 10-25-2010, 04:53 PM:
 
You're welcome.

I got the freezer trick from an old-timer machinist.
 

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Posted by Eric Robinson (Member # 2966) on 10-25-2010, 11:58 PM:
 

quote: Tony Bandiera Jr

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Another trick is to use a heat gun (NOT a torch) to heat up the outside of the hub evenly, as that will expand it enough to loosen the hub's grip on the bearing.

Finally, when you put the new bearing in, put it in the freezer for several hours first to shrink it so it will drop right in.

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I learn something new here all the time. Thanks

I cant tell you how many parts I have lightly sanded with emery cloth to get them to fit. Arrrg
 

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Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 10-27-2010, 01:32 PM:
 
You're welcome Eric. Glad I could help.
 

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Posted by Scott Balko (Member # 438) on 10-28-2010, 11:05 PM:
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the XNR 335 has a tapered roller bearing on the bottom. After the platter is removed and the seal is pulled, the bearing just falls out like an automotive wheel bearing. The bearing race is what's pressed in and needs to be driven out with a pin punch. Any automotive supply store should have the bearing and seal as they are a common item. They should also have the bearing driver to re-install the replacement bearing race.
 

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Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 10-29-2010, 08:37 PM:
 
Scott, you may be right, in which case my advice will still work to remove the lower bearing race.
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-30-2010, 04:50 PM:
 
I used a Sledge Hammer on the last ones... I mean that literally! I pulled every Neumade and Xetron platter out of a chain I service and replaced them all with rebuilt AW-3's. All the trouble went to the junk yard with the old platters!

Mark
 

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Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 10-30-2010, 09:57 PM:
 
I see Louis' system of Preventive Destruction is alive and well!! Louis
 

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Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 10-31-2010, 12:50 AM:
 
What? You mean you don't find it fun replacing IR sensors in feedplates all the time?
 

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Posted by Jim Cassedy (Member # 4115) on 10-31-2010, 09:44 AM:
 
Thanks for all the advice. I haven't actually pulled the
bearing out yet since I had to shift some priorities
around this week and was able to make do by swapping
the deck out from another platter for now.

But I DO need to replace a bad lower bearing in the one
I pulled off. It's definitely shot! You can feel it when
you try to turn it with your finger, and it made a horrible
screeching noise just before it seized up.

. . It sounded like a cat getting a colonoscopy.
 

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Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-31-2010, 01:39 PM:
 
Exactly Louis!

We had monthly sheets with problems listed on them just from the southern end of the state... typically 120+ problems a month. I tackled the problems a couple of times over the summer but it was hopeless both for getting parts and there is still poor reliability factor in those platters. Once I pulled the Xetron and Neumade's out the problem list went to something like 20 to 30 issues a month. And since weeding out the platters I have weeded out much other problematic gear... ORC lamphouses, some automation, etc. and the list has further declined to the point where I can now almost just do normal service runs a few times a year. My previous employer was making a killing keeping all this crap running and now the operators of the chain realize that!! BTW: The cost to replace everythng so far has been less than 15K. The owners are happy, the employees are happy and most importantly customer complaints are now almost non existant.

quote: Sean McKinnon

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What? You mean you don't find it fun replacing IR sensors in feedplates all the time?

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