Marlec 914i wind charger fault

[StephenMack]

My 5+ year old windcharger has started making a loud grinding noise, and only turning intermittently at higher wind speeds. A chat with Marlec resulted in a handy fault finding guide and I am in the process of checking the bearings. However, I have noticed that my battery bank isn't holding a charge (4 years old). I'm worried that there may be more to the problem. Has anyone had a similar issue?

 

[NormanS]

My 5+ year old windcharger has started making a loud grinding noise, and only turning intermittently at higher wind speeds. A chat with Marlec resulted in a handy fault finding guide and I am in the process of checking the bearings. However, I have noticed that my battery bank isn't holding a charge (4 years old). I'm worried that there may be more to the problem. Has anyone had a similar issue?

PM sent.

 

[neilf39]

Likely the bearings. £12 from simply bearings. Video on replacing on YouTube and quite straightforward. Doesn't take much play for the thing to make horrid noises.

 

[Mistroma]

I replaced mine years ago and it wasn't a difficult task. It think that I have some notes somewhere.

Highlights were (from memory):
Using the set-screws to force the hub apart (i.e. Inserted at rear to push instead of pull)
Avoid any metal tools getting close to the magnets
Buying puller to remove the bearings (Normal ones with jaws were too coarse and I used ones with small toggles to fit inside the bearing)
Getting the correct grade of loc-tite

I'll see if I can find my notes but it was quite a few years ago. A YouTube video should be clear enough if you can find one.

UPDATE:
This looks like a decent enough video. I used a specific type puller to remove the first bearing shown and a more normal one to remove the one on the shaft. I think the latter was very easy to remove. Take extreme care to avoid cracking the magnets (e.g. bring hammer or spanner anywhere close to them and they will whack into the magnet).

 

[ColinR]

I had Marlec for years, if you get them to do a service it comes back looking like new and not unreasonable cost. I don't have one any more, but I remember somewhere in the instructions reading that it should not be left tied off for long periods as the rotation lubricates the bearings. Tying it off let them rust.

 

[StephenMack]

Thanks for advice. Got main body dis-assembled. Do I need special tools to remove the bearings? The video uses a special bearing removal tool.