Cleaned and re-greased RA worm block

If you haven't already read the post about cleaning the Declination Gear, you should read that first. I used the same procedure again to remove, clean, and re-grease the Right Ascension worm block.

The OTA must be removed from the mount for this procedure, and it is still off from having just done the Dec gear.

Remove the 4 screws securing the cover over the RA worm block.

With the screws removed, slide the cover off the RA worm block.

With the RA worm block uncovered, cover the opening below the gear with a piece of paper to avoid dropping screws other other parts into it. If you lose a screw in there, you will need to take the whole mount off its pier and turn it upside down to get the screw out.

Pull the RA worm block off the mount, and disconnect the motor cable so the block can be set aside.

Here is the main RA drive gear, fouled with old dirty grease.

Here is the main drive gear, after cleaning it with a dry toothbrush and paper towel, rotating through an entire revolution.

Here is the worm gear, after cleaning it with a dry toothbrush and paper towel.

Because of our colder winters, and the fact that I use the mount year-round, I use Molykote 33 grease, which is rated for lower temperatures than the standard grease used by Bisque.

Regrease both gears by applying a thin layer into the teeth with the tip of a clean finger, rotating the gears through a full revolution.

Here is the RA drive gear, re-greased.

Reinstall the worm block and covers.