Replacing my balls

[nimbusgb]

Looking to replace the ball bearings in the drum of my headsail roller furling. Don't really want to buy shed loads of balls and then have lots left over. Cant check the sizes before I start the job because the boat is too far away but manufacturer ( Goiot) reckons 6mm or 8mm depending on model. So a couple of questions for the mob!

1 - Any special tools involved or is this likely to be just an allen key and screwdriver stripdown and rebuild ( except of course for de-corroding of all the stainless machine screws from the cast ali drum that's been in place for 24 years)

2 - How many balls should I buy? 20, 30, or more? ( Goiots parts list doesn't list the number required )

 

[rob2]

Not really much help, I know, but when I dropped the balls from my Harken, the manufacturer couldn't remember how many. They did, however, confirm that they followed the normal procedure for an uncaged race of leaving one short of a crowded race.

Another tip they offered was to use shaving foam to hold the balls in place during reassembly, then flush with warm water to prevent leaving any residue. Brilliant!

Rob.

 

[Poignard]

I bought replacement balls for my ancient Rotostay from a bearing supplier in Croydon - Orbic Bearings Ltd. They had them in stock and sold me just as many as I needed.

 

[impact30]

I did mine during the year, It's a sailspar and takes 102 balls in total. I paid about £15 and used jam but shaving foam is a far better idea.

 

[Bodach na mara]

Never thought of shaving foam, but I don't use the stuff anyway. I used the time-honoured grease and flushed it out with light oil then parafin then water and detergent. As to the number, the top bearing has two races, each with 35 balls of 6mm diameter.

I tried Bearing Services Limited for stainless steel balls with no success and was reduced to buying them through the rigger at the marina yard. They cost 60 pence. EACH!!! A total of £40! (I ordered a few spare.) And BSL said they cost £5 per box of 200 if they had them!