Technical information

OM56_Rev G Page 20 of 28
4.3.3 Lubrication
For long life and trouble-free operation be certain not to extend the lubrication schedule beyond the
frequency recommended in the Lubrication Chart. The frequency should be shortened if the antenna is
subjected to an adverse environment (e.g., high temperature, extended periods of rainfall, high humidity,
dust storms, etc). Any component or part should immediately be lubricated if during inspection or operation,
rough, jarring, or intermittent motion is noted, or if squeaky or other unusual noises are heard. Lubrication
is required on all metal-to-metal rolling or sliding parts. Us the lubricants recommended. Do not over
lubricate. Over lubrication can often be as damaging as under lubrication. Prior to the application of
lubricant to any parts, use a clean cloth and/or bristle brush and remove any old lubricant to prevent an
excessive build-up. Be certain to remove any protective caps and clean each lubricated fitting prior to
injecting fresh grease. The Elevation and Azimuth Jackscrew Assemblies are equipped with a grease fitting
and corresponding pipe plug on opposite sides of the jack housing. Remove the appropriate pipe plug and
fill with grease until lubricant seeps from the pipe plug opening. Replace and securely tighten pipe plug.
The following is a list of the lubricant characteristics:
 Lubrication Engineers (LE) 4622: LE4622 is Lithium complex grease. Operating temperature range is -
40 degrees to 400+ degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees to 204+ degrees Celsius).
 Mobil SHC624: low temperature synthetic oil for worm gear reducers. Operating temperature range is -
40 degrees to 125+ degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees to 52+ degrees Celsius).
 Moly Grease: grease lubricant containing molybdenum disulfide. Operating temperature range is -85
degrees to 300+ degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees to 149+ degrees Celsius).
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4.3.4 Lubrication of Jackscrews/Motors
Periodically inspect lifting screws on jackscrew ballscrew assemblies to ensure adequate lubrication.
Loosen Jackscrew ballscrew boot clamps to expose the lifting screw assembly. Fully extend jackscrew
assembly being careful not to exceed preset mechanical limits. Brush thin coating of LE4622 grease on
exposed lifting screw. Replace boot and attach corresponding boot clamps. If lifting screw is rusty, remove
existing lubricant with solvent and wire brush rusted area. Rinse with solvent and apply fresh grease.
Periodically inspect and remove dust or dirt deposits from the motor housings to avoid hindering the heat
exchange with the ambient air. Slight dirt accumulation on the air vent screw through splash oil cannot be
avoided; however, keep vent screw clean to ensure proper pressure compensation.
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4.3.5 Lubrication of Gear Motor/Housing Fill Drain Requirements
Lube points 2 & 4, as shown in the Lubrication Chart (Table 5.1), require removal of the indicated drain
plugs and, by using a measuring cup, to collect and measure the amount of SHC624 oil that drains out.
The specified amount of oil must be added to the gear motor/housing (after the drain plug has been
reinstalled), using a supplied funnel to pour new oil into the fill/vent plug opening. The addition of oil
requires the use of an appropriate filling utensil. Use of a modified level stick will NOT correctly gauge the
appropriate amount of oil that is present in the gear housings.