Worn Bearing

Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 10:35 pm     Post subject: Worn Bearing

I have a Seth Thomas A403-001 (Hermle 350-060) movement that refuses to run. As near as I can tell the balance wheel escapement mechanism gets hung up on every revolution of the escapement gear. Upon close examination it looks like the escapement gears' bearings are worn and sloppy.

What can I do about this? Is bushing it an option? If so, how much trouble is it to do?

Jim

Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 4:34 am     Post subject:

Yes the clock can have the bushing replaced. A new movement is $289, so you may want to get the movement inspected to make sure more repairs are not needed which could exceed the cost of a new movement.

Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 1:17 pm     Post subject:

Thanks Amrad,

I relieved the spring tension and checked all the gears in the train and as near as I can tell this is the only one that has a problem. I was planning on bushing it myself. I did a little research on the internet and it doesn't seem to be that hard to do. The only thing that scares me is taking it apart and having all the gears fall out and then trying to get them all back in correctly. Is there a trick that would allow me just to get the one gear out without disturbing the rest?

Jim

Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 11:52 pm     Post subject:

you may be able to loosen the nuts that hold the plates together and remove the gear. To do it right you need to disassemble the works. You may be able to remove the escapement wheel by loosening the plate nuts, and then there may be enough clearance to remove the gear, but then when you rebush the hole you need something to keep the movement level, and also metal particles can fall into the works causing bigger problems.

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 4:48 am     Post subject:

Use a digital camera and take pictures from all sides. Sometimes you can loosen a nut and slide the one wheel out. But, my with my luck, it comes apart 2-3 times. There are some parts that need to be aligned for the clock to work and it depends on the movement, and if it strikes hour, half, or quarters. Post pictures if you can. Good luck.