Grizzly G0769 Power Feed bushing replacement

[bionicback321]

In my previous post I wrote about the issue I had with the power feed (the gear assembly kicked forward, out of engagement). At the time I decided it would be a good idea to replace the three bushings (two keyed, one not), so I put them on order. With parts on hand, it was time to install them. The two upper gear groups (84T/30T and 20T/80T), which have the keyed bushings, came off with a minimal amount of wiggling. I successfully replaced those bushings, but I could not get the bottom gear to slide off. The owner's manual states that you just remove the nut and washer and pull the gear off, but this is not the case as no amount of wiggling, prying or grunting could get the gear to budge. I have a kit for removing pulleys and bearings but I'm reticent to use brute force when it seems that you should just be able to pull it off. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[markba633csi]

I would go ahead and use a puller- it's a steel gear so it should be sturdy. Be sure there isn't a pin securing the gear to the shaft
You might want to lube the area with some penetrating oil or wd40- make it easier to pull off

 

[bionicback321]

I've looked at both the IPB and the text in the manual, it says to unscrew the hex nut, flat washer and pull the gear off, no mention of any pin. The first two were so easy, I thought third time is supposed to be the charm . I guess it's time to get out the gear puller.

 

[GrifterGuru]

Carefully use the puller on it. Apply a little bit of light pressure at a time until it starts moving.

Even on the 7x platform these supposedly "just pull to remove" gears can be extremely tight on the shaft.

I ended up reaming and deburring all my gears so that they were a slip fit and also deburred the shaft around the key slot to avoid just this situation. I would suggest you also consider the same thing.

IPB?? Not heard of that acronym before... at least, I don't think I have?

 

[bionicback321]

IPB?? Not heard of that acronym before... at least, I don't think I have?

"Illustrated Parts Breakdown". I spent my entire adult life either in or working for the military (you know how much they love acronyms), so some habits die very hard. I have several binders next to my Grizzly containing the manual, the IPB (in plastic sleeves), conversion charts, you know, the usual stuff. I bought the G0769 this summer, from the original owner (who bought it in 2020) and I'm trying to address some of its issues and shortcomings. Besides the bushings (which were inexpensive and why not) I'm also replacing the spring clips in all the handwheels, the compound rest leadscrew is slightly bent (at least it feels that way, it binds every 360 degrees) and I swapped out the 4-way tool post for an OXA quick change, which has made life so much easier. I'm finishing up my first "practice" project, (pictured below) which requires me to learn basic turning and milling techniques. My nephew was accepted into the Air Force Academy and his squadron name is "The Jedi Knights" so I thought a Lightsaber would be appropriate. I'm still struggling with getting the speeds right, sometimes I got nice chips and a good finish, and other times it would chatter and squeal like a stuck pig. Still learning.