Installation manual

9.4. Changing the bearings

You will need to check the bearings every year and replace if required (note our warranty

terms require annual replacement if automatic grease cans are not installed). Bearings are

inexpensive and easy to replace. We recommend you hold a spare set of bearings on the

shelf. Some of our Pelton turbines have been running on original bearings at customer sites

for over three years, though we do not recommend that you do this unless an automatic

grease can is fitted.

For turbines running at high pressures (above 130 m head) or at high output power (above

1600 W) you should seek our advice. Generally units running above our approved ratings

carry a limited 1-year duration warranty. The PowerSpout PLT is available in a high power

(HP) special version that is capable of 1.6kW at 1600 rpm on a 120m running head.

Standard turbines are rated for up to 1200W.

9.4.1. To replace bearings

 Remove the bearing block, shaft and bearing from the turbine.

 Remove shaft retaining nut. Hold the shaft in vice to do this.

 Hit the end of the shaft with a raw-hide mallet (hit the end the Smart Drive attaches to).

You may need to use a small workshop press to push the shaft out.

 Remove the shaft.

 Use a punch to knock out the old bearings from the bearing block and recycle.

 Thoroughly clean the bearing block

 Using a large socket as a drift (on the outer ring of the bearing) tap the new front

bearing fully home as shown.

 The rear bearing can be tapped home on the outer ring of the bearing with a hammer as

shown.

 Clean the inside contact surfaces of the bearings and shaft with a solvent so the Loctite

will adhere well.

 Apply Loctite 680 (bearing mount or similar anaerobic adhesive) using the rear bearing

inside diameter as shown.