What the thread found

• Gaps between the balls in old PRO pan bearings are normal and result from wear of the white spacing discs, which are typically made of nylon or Teflon.
• A rule of thumb: replace the bearing when the total gap exceeds the size of one spacing disc, or when the gap reaches the diameter of a ball; many bearings remain serviceable for the lifetime of a rig.
• The old bearing type requires frequent cleaning with contact cleaner; Steadicam® later supplied an all-metal version without Teflon spacers, which according to one operator requires no replacement.
• The all-metal bearing variant has been in use since approximately 2013.
• Old bearings should not be discarded: after cleaning and applying a drop of oil, they serve well as reserves; one operator replaced a weak original bearing in a new M2/Volt and observed improved performance.

Depends on

• Longevity depends on frequency of use and cleaning protocol.
• The comparison between old and new bearing designs is based on individual operator experience.

Gear in this thread

Voltcatalog

Parts

Gimbal Bearing

Same gear or parts

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