Skoda Live Cemtre

My live centre is 40+ years old and used very rarely. When I came to use it recently (after a gap of many years) I found the point rather stiff to turn.

Should it revolve quite freely?

Underneath the box a label says "grease centre before using". I removed the larger screw on the body and saw that there is a fairly thick grease inside but the cavity is not full.

Does this grease need changing because of age and if so what grease should I use? Will I have to take the unit apart to clean and regrease?

Is the smaller crew there to take the unit apart?

Be very grateful for your advice and guidance on this.

Thanks

Martyn

Hi Martyn

I have the same make centre about the same age as yours and have never re-greased it but it is still in good working order, and free to turn without much effort.
You could try placing the tool in a warm place for a few hours, that may release any congealed grease.
Best not to overfill with grease as with all bearings.

Emgee

Edited By Emgee on 09/02/2019 22:09:36

Hi Emgee,

Very good point as it has been rather cool lately. I will certainly try bringing it indoors for a warm up before trying anything else.

Thanks for your help.

Martyn

From experience of freeing-up solidified grease on microscope mechanisms, I would add [literally] a drop or two of PlusGas Formula A Dismantling Fluid via that large screw hole.

It is predominantly Kerosene, and seems to thin such greases very effectively.

MichaelG.

.

P.S. ... I find the blue can with a spout is much more convenient and economical than the aerosol.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 09/02/2019 22:33:27

Thanks Michael, I will hold that tip in reserve if needed. I note ‘a drop or two’ and not a jugfull.

Pleased that nothing drastic seems warranted.

Martyn

Grease is a suspension of oil in a soap, over many years the lighter fractions in the oil will evaporate and the soap can also degrade and set, a Lithium Soap based grease is more stable and lasts longer and in a Synthetic Grease the oil component is "Built" from molecules rather than refined and so doesn't have lighter fractions to evaporate.

I use a Skoda live centre. Here is a quote from the note in the box of a new centre: According to the Czechoslovak Standard CSN24 3303, the live centres are only preserved.
Before use, lubricate with grease for antifriction bearings, on sodo basis, drop point 135*C, penetrationat 25*C 260 to 300, consistancy class 2. Maximum water content 0.1%. (without removing the preservative coating).

Lubrication of bearings to be done through the holes covered with a screw and plug.

The screw is the one on top, and the plug is at the end of the MT.

My first centre died after about 15 years of over work (its an MT #2 size), although the agents offer a repair service it was cheaper to buy new, so centre no 2 has done over 10 years, and should see many more.

The front grub screw locks the front retaining ring in place, undo this and you can take out the screwed ring to change the grease. The rear plug needs a pin wrench.

Ian S C

Nick and Ian, just seen your posts, many thanks for explaining everything.

Martyn