How to lubricate your router's bearing

[cgallery]

I had started another thread about a noisy router bearing on a DW618 router.

There are no bearing houses open here on Sundays (Milwaukee used to be one of the tool and die capitols of the world, but I doubt they were open on Sundays back then anyway).

I did find some postings elsewhere from people that routinely oil their bearings. So I guess it isn't unheard of.

I started using a little oil on the bearing and spinning the shaft by hand. At the time I had the router out of the table. I could tell it was working its way in. Slow, but sure.

But then I thought, I could put the router back into the down-draft box and use the vacuum to suck the oil into the bearing. I just sealed everything off w/ tape, so the only way in for air was through the bearing.

It works pretty good. I put some oil on the bearing joint, turn on the vac for about five seconds (while spinning the shaft by hand). After turning off the vac I continue to spin the shaft for about another sixty seconds. It doesn't suck in huge amounts of oil, but it sure goes in faster than with gravity alone.

I repeated this a couple of times and it spins pretty much like new. Noise on spin-down is gone.

I guess only time will tell how long the repair will last.

[Andrew Benedetto]

Those bearings have grease in them, sealed automotive type like on an alternator or an electric motor. Try an auto supply store. I doubt the oil will last long, and if oil can get in so can dust. DW has a 3 year parts warranty, maybe you are still covered.
I would be worried if that bearing has excessive runout develop or even explodes you may ruin the whole router, could get hurt too. The bearings on the router bits are lubed w. oil, much smaller, not sealed and not taking the same stress.

[cgallery]

Those bearings have grease in them, sealed automotive type like on an alternator or an electric motor. Try an auto supply store. I doubt the oil will last long, and if oil can get in so can dust. DW has a 3 year parts warranty, maybe you are still covered.
I would be worried if that bearing has excessive runout develop or even explodes you may ruin the whole router, could get hurt too. The bearings on the router bits are lubed w. oil, much smaller, not sealed and not taking the same stress.

Oh yeah, I don't plan on leaving it like this. Only needed something to use to finish a project. I plan on calling my local DeWalt service center in the morning.

I guess if they don't have the bearing they will have to order it and it will probably take a week. I'll continue to use the router during that time but I'll keep track of the heat being generated in that area. If it starts getting hot I'll just wait for the new one.