On Dec 1, 4:49*am, Andy wrote:
On Nov 30, 2:45*pm, Sam Giltner wrote:

Lubrication was definitely needed!
I recommend that all older Club Class gliders have these bearings
inspected at the next annual. *Thanks, 5U

What type of bearing was it? *Schleicher uses 2 types of rod end
bearings, those with metal seals and those with felt seals. *I know no
way to effectively lubricate the hard sealed bearings but do put a
token amount of lubricant on those I can reach. *The felt sealed
bearings are both easy to lubricate and also very poorly sealed
against contamination. * I lubricate all the ones I can reach but
there are several that cannot be reached without cutting the glider
open.

In my opinion they are best left alone. *If holes have to be cut to
lubricate them I'd rather wait the 30 years until they develop play
then replace them.

Any expert opinions out there? *JJ?

Andy

Hi Sam & Andy,
Our glass slippers are full of bearings that can't be lubed or even
seen without cutting holes. The factory knows this and I assume they
are OK with not ever lubing some bearings, or until a real problem
arises. Older Venti's will develope stiff ailerons due in part to a
hidden bearing that needs lube in the wings. I have a long plastic
tube that fits the spray-can lube nozzle and I'll fish it in as far as
I can see with my 12 volt light also on a long goose-neck and give
everything a shot to loosen the factory grease. That's all we can do
outside of cutting holes. Like I said, the factory must be OK with
this and I only start drilling when the screeching becomes unbearable
or the control becomes stiff.
Hope this helps,
JJ