New guide bearings on the Craftsman 22401 14" Bandsaw

Jim Fancher

Member
Messages
9
Location
Houston, TX
I've posted this over on SMC and Woodnet, but I thought someone here might be able to use this.

If you haven't replaced your guide bearings yet, be prepared to. I had a grand total of maybe 10 minutes on my new 22401 when it started slinging grease.

Metal seal completely gone
guide1.jpg


Use the 22401's included hex wrench for removal
guide2.jpg


Everything will be reused except for the bearing itself
guide3.jpg


The biggest lump of grease left by the bearings
guide4.jpg


All of the bearings are removed in the same fashion
guide5.jpg

guide6.jpg


The tube of 10 new bearings were bought on Ebay.
guide7.jpg


Reuse the hardware including the sleeve
guide8.jpg


Reassemble in reverse order
guide9.jpg

guide10.jpg


All I have to do is replace the bottom bearings and I'll be done!
 
I, too, have the 22401.
Fortunately, the rear guide bearings on mine are are shielded.
But, they don't look as nice as those you are installing.

Could it be yours had a bearing that was mis-applied and others were correct?
 
I, too, have the 22401.
Fortunately, the rear guide bearings on mine are are shielded.
But, they don't look as nice as those you are installing.

Could it be yours had a bearing that was mis-applied and others were correct?

My bearings had shields too. My top one spun the shield off within the first hour. I had one bearing start leaking within the first ten minutes. Five of the six were leaking when I changed out the bearings.

The rubber shields on the new bearings are designed to keep out water and dirt. I have about 3 hours on the new bearings and they look and perform like new. Check back with me next year. :)
 
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