Analog VFOs with clutch-style, ball bearing reduction drives are THE SUCK when the OEM grease dries out and they get "notchy".
Anyone who's ever owned an older TS- series Kenwood hybrid, FT/FR/FL series Yaesu from the mid-70s-early 80s and a number of other models from assorted manufacturers knows exactly what I'm talking about.
It's never simple to get the damn thing out of its radio, either - and rebuilding in place is "challenging", to put it mildly.
Two Hole (sic) Daze (sic) spent on the #*^{#ing project and I finally got the tuning smooth enough to work properly.
Disassemble the clutch bearing race, bearings, tuning shaft and tensioner springs, carefully clean everything (including stationary race and bearing holder) with brake cleaner on a Q-Tip. Use a toothpick to finish the cleaning process. Reassemble with no lube and moderately snug the race tensioner nut, then rotate the tuning shaft while checking for grittiness and proper function.
If all looks good...remove the race tensioner nut, springs (if used) and outer race. Then squirt a little Bel-Ray, Spectro One or similar "no fling" chain lube onto the ball bearing area. Use a clean toothpick and pack a little Slick 50 "One Grease" between the bearing balls in the stationary race then install the outer race, tensioner nut and springs. Slowly tighten tensioner until side-to-side shaft play disappears then check for smoothness throughout the tuning range.
That lubrication mixture and procedure cured my FR-101's VFO of a major mechanical glitch. Figured someone else might benefit from it.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by K6BSO
Moving on, my posts are not helpful 
