Thread: Help!!! Bearing Problems

I have recently just received a YYF POPStar yoyo and I have been playing it constantly. All of a sudden the bearing will not spin on the axis. It just makes a kind of metal grinding sound and when I throw it down it makes a large noise. What is wrong with it and what should I do?

What I would do is, take the sheilds off the bearing and put a drop or two of thin lube in it. It will take a few hours of play after that for it to play unresponsive again. Don't put the sheilds back on. Some times just taking the sheilds off and spinning it will get what ever is in there out. Good luck.

Sorry I'm clueless. What is the shields?

Also, just a heads up - you can find solutions to most problems like this by doing a search.

When you look at the side of the bearing it will likly have something blocking the view of the internals of it.(balls/cage.) those are the sheilds, they are held in by small "C" shaped clips.

Could I use rubbing alcohol instead of the paint thinner?

No. Rubbing alcohol has water in it. Get some paint thinner or acetone or lighter fluid.

What about nail polish remover? It is acetone correct?

It is acetone + perfume + oil. Not nearly as good as actual acetone.
Just spend a few bucks at the hardware store and get some actual acetone.

A pint will last pretty much until it evaporates.

Am I the only one concerned how often people suggest buying hazardous chemicals to people on yoyo forums? There is absolutely no warning to, disclaimer made, or consideration taken as to age of, the person who is getting this advice.

This screams incredibly irresponsible on our part. It's half-assed advice, it's lazy, and it's potentially dangerous.. not to mention it can cause damage to many yo-yos if not done properly and with care.

wtf people?

---

To the original poster..

It is possible that something is stuck in the bearing, or that the bearing is damaged in some way. The first step would be to remove the "shields" on the bearing.. sometimes these can trap debris inside your bearing, or they can be damaged in such a way that they rub against the balls that spin inside your bearing.

Follow the steps in the video to see how to do this.. if you remove the shields and the bearing starts spinning well you can stop there, no need to clean it.. otherwise continue to follow the video.

HOWEVER.. PLEASE keep in mind that the chemicals discussed here and in the video are DANGEROUS. They are toxic, flammable, and put off dangerous fumes. Use ONLY in a well ventilated place (ie outside) and wear chemical-resistant gloves.. skin contact in the short term isn't going to burn you or anything, but long term effects of direct contact with these chemicals can be very bad.

Do not use Acetone in plastic containers.. it will eat through most types of plastic. Find glass or metal instead.. actually good advice for any solvent.. but acetone is particularly aggressive on most plastics.

If you are a minor, GET ADULT SUPERVISION.

Kyle

Thanks Kyle.

Originally Posted by Kyo

Am I the only one concerned how often people suggest buying hazardous chemicals to people on yoyo forums? There is absolutely no warning to, disclaimer made, or consideration taken as to age of, the person who is getting this advice. Kyle

Not the only one, I don't ever suggest cleaning bearing, partially because of the hazards and part because it is totally not needed, unless you have managed to get something those chems can melt, into the bearing. Which is just about never.

If you do have something stuck in the bearing that needs to be flushed out after the sheilds have been removed, a thin non toxic lubricant can be used to do this.

Air pressure works well to clean bearings, a couple blasts of air will usually free up a stuttering bearing.
Invest in a can of pressurized air if you have no access to another source.

I am a huge fan of canned air to clean bearings. I've found it to be way more reliable for me than any time I've ever actually cleaned one with mineral spirits. Also: the sound it makes if you put it on a bearing removal tool first is hilariously fun! =D