Countershaft Spindle Grease question

[VTdave]

I'm getting some grease coming out of the race areas on the countershaft. Pics attached. Is this normal? The parts diagram shows washers on either side of bearings, and I can detect washers there, but I'm guessing they're pretty worn. From other threads on this, I'm thinking that they're felt. If I should replace the washers, before I take the countershaft off the lathe and dismantle it, does anyone know which size washers or felt this takes? The parts list shows them all as the same part number. Hoping I could l could source them locally before going to Clausing. Thanks.

 

[wa5cab]

They are felt. There was a thread on here within the past few months but I can't recall whether he gave the dimensions or not. As I recall, he got replacements from Clausing. Perhaps he will pipe up.

 

[VTdave]

Thanks. Just found some pretty inexpensively online.

 

[pdentrem]

I also made up a couple small sheet metal covers that were held by a magnet. That way any slung grease would hit the back of the cover and not me! You can just make out the right hand one in the photo.
Pierre