VMC 760 BALL SCREW THRUST BEARING REPLACEMENT

[Interact77]

I pulled the x way covers off my 1993 VMC760 over the weekend because i was getting some noise in the X axis. The thrust bearing on the left side is bad.....I can feel it thunk when i turn the screw. My manual does not cover how to replace it. I almost feel out of my chair when i got a quote on a bearing. $769.00 each!!!!!!!! Must be made of gold.

I need to know to know how to change the bearing. I assume there is a way you preload it with the spanner nuts?

Please help!

[machintek]

Replacement is not that difficult. Make sure the bearing are out in correctly including the orientation to each other. Most have a V scribbled across the outside races.
Usually we hand tighten them, pit a dial indicator against the end of the ball screw and stretch the ball screw about .003 inches using the spanner bearing nut. It takes a lot less force than one would think to do so.

George