More Info: Re: How do I stop a lubrication leak through a bearing?

Long story below, but problem is my Bridgeport (unique setup done by
original re-fitters) uses an oil resevoir at the crossnut. It is
designed so that the oil leaves it and follows the screws inside the
bellows. It is leaking out at the micrometer dial. I took another
look at the problem this morning. There are two potential leakage
points. The first is they used a cloth covered rubber bellows over
the shaft held to a flange on the casting (where the shaft leaves the
table) with a "Jesus" clip. It sounds like that should be a pretty
good seal (but I'm willing to be corrected). They then depend on a
sealed ball bearing where the screw goes through the casting for
their main seal to keep the lubricant in the system. I'm pretty sure
that's where it's leaking.

It may be leaking through the center where the shaft penetrates or
around the edge of the bearing or through the seal plate of the
bearing. Are these supposed to be a liquid tight barrier? If so (or
not), do "O" rings or trying to put sealant around the edge of the
bearing or where the shaft penetrates it make sense? If so, what do
you recommend that will hold up against the lubricant, but be
removable if I have to take off the table or replace the bearing?

I like the idea of the oil reservoir, but if it's going to leak like
a sieve, I'll have to use the oil drip method onto the screw. If I
use the drip, where should I place the spout in relation to the two
axis?

With the Moly oil penetrating everything, my hands now look like a
real machinist's <G>

Jeff

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "washcomp" <jeff@w...> wrote:
> Background:
> My aftermarket Bridgeport table (Position Wizard by Spindle Wizard)
> is "special" the way some children seem to be. It uses linear
rails
> (rather than the more usual dovetails) to reduce friction. They
then
> used the original acme axis screws, but with proprietary anti-
> backlash nuts. Seems to work OK as I was able to easily move my
> table at 270 ipm at an acceleration of 16 in/sec sq. during testing
> before lubrication. Anyhow, there is a resevoir around the
crossnuts
> which is desined to be filled with way oil laced with Moly additive.
>
> Now to the problem:
>
> When I fill the resevoir, the oil runs along the Y axis threads
> through the bellows and leaks out at the micrometer dial onto the
> floor (now a bucket). Any ideas how to seal this (or other ideas)
> would be welcomed.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Jeff