Isofurl Bearing Replacement

Isofurl # 8
Rod Measurements: 17.55mm (11/16") fore & aft x 20.5mm (13/16")
Equivalent Wire Size: 7mm (9/32")
Luff Tape: #6 (3/16")

Isofurl # 10
Rod Measurements: 7/8" (fore & aft) x 15/16" (side to side)
Equivalent Wire Size: 10mm (3/8")
Luff Tape: #6 (3/16")

Isofurl
Luff Rod Profile

Isofurl Bearings
Isofurl systems have a set of 3 highly specialized torque bearings with special spacers and seals in an aluminum housing on each end of the rod.
The need for Bearing Replacement is quite infrequent in Isofurl Systems, and is usually the result of Seal failure allowing water to enter the Bearing Housings. When that happens the bearings will seize and cease to rotate, but the structural integrity of the system is not compromised. We know many Isofurl Systems over 20 years old that have never needed a Bearing Replacement. When necessary though, Bearings can be replaced, extending the life of the system until the next time.

If your Isofurl System doesn't rotate as smoothly as it used to, you should examine your bearings. The Bearings might just need to be cleaned and greased. If necessary you can replace the Upper and/or Lower Bearing Assembly complete with Bearings (recommended), or you can purchase a Bearing Replacement Kit and replace the Bearings yourself. Special tools are required, as bearings are press-fit.

To Remove Bearing Housing from the Rod End:
It is strongly recommended that your Isofurl System be on the ground and removed from the mast before attempting to remove the Bearing Housing(s). Bearings are located in the Top of the System (Upper Bearing housing (#1)) and in the Bottom of the System (Lower Bearing housing (#17)).

Upper End
1) With the system down, remove the Set Screw (#2) in the Bearing Housing.
2) While holding the Rod (#8) turn the Bearing Housing counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the Rod End (#21).

Lower End
1) With the system down, Remove the Lineguard and Drum.
2) Remove the Set Screw (#2) in the Drum Cup.
3) While holding the Rod (#8) turn the Drum Cup (#16) counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the Rod End (#21).

To access the Lower End Bearings:
1) Remove the Set Screw (#3) in the Bearing Housing (#17).
2) While holding the Adjustment Screw Socket (#18), turn the Bearing Housing (#17) counter-clockwise.

Lower End Bearing Detail showing Rod End (#21), Upper end of Lower Bearing Ass'y (#16), & Lower Bearing Housing (#17)

ISOFURL Bearing Components
All Isofurl Bearing Components are still available. In all cases, for every part, you will have to provide the measurements specified. When reattaching Isofurl Aluminum threaded components new Teflon thread tape (a standard plumbing item) should be used on the screw threads to help prevent water intrusion.
Upper Bearing Assembly w/ Eye This unit threads directly onto the Upper Rod End and contains the Bearings that allow the rod to rotate, as well as an Eye that connects the system to the Forestay Toggle. *Forestay Toggles are required for use with all Systems.* When reattaching the Upper Bearing Assembly to the Rod End new Teflon thread tape (a standard plumbing item) should be used on the screw threads to help prevent water intrusion.
Isofurl Upper Bearing & Eye Ass'y for 10mm Pin: Isofurl UBE-10-___: Isofurl Upper Bearing & Eye Ass'y for 12mm Pin: Isofurl UBE-12-___: Isofurl Upper Bearing & Eye Ass'y for 14mm Pin: Isofurl UBE-14-___: Isofurl Upper Bearing & Eye Ass'y for 16mm Pin: Isofurl UBE-16-___: Isofurl Upper Bearing & Eye Ass'y for 20mm Pin: Isofurl UBE-20-___: Isofurl Upper Bearing & Eye Ass'y for 1/2" Pin: Isofurl UBE-1/2-___: Isofurl Upper Bearing & Eye Ass'y for 5/8" Pin: Isofurl UBE-5/8-___: To order, specify Pin size and the length of the Assembly from the bottom of the unit to the center of the clevis Pin hole.
Bearing Replacement Kits If your Bearings require replacement, we recommend that you Replace the Upper Bearing Assembly w/ Eye, above, and/or Lower Bearing Assembly, below. Isofurl systems have a set of 3 highly specialized torque bearings with special SS spacers and seals in an aluminum housing on each end of the rod. Special tools are required, as bearings are press-fit. Isofurl #8 Bearing Replacement Kit: Isofurl 8-BK: Isofurl #10 Bearing Replacement Kit: Isofurl 10-BK: Bearing Replacement Kits contain all the bearings and seals necessary to rebuild Both ends of the System (Special SS Bearing Spacers last indefinitely, your existing ones are reused). Kits include all components necessary to replace Bearings and Seals in Both Ends of the System. Bearing Replacement Kits are recommended for use by Professionals only, Special tools are required, as bearings are press-fit. If this service is not available locally, we will install them for a small additional charge - send us one or both aluminum housings as unscrewed directly from the rod ends.
Lower Bearing Assembly Lower Bearing Assembly contains the Bearings that allow the rod to rotate, as well as the toggling assembly that the lineguard clamps to. It threads directly onto the Lower Rod End and onto the Adjustment Screw Socket for the Adjusting Screw with Toggle that attaches to the deck. Unit is 5 1/16" (130mm) long. When reattaching the Lower Bearing Assembly to the Rod End or the Adjustment Screw Socket, new Teflon thread tape (a standard plumbing item) should be used on the screw threads to help prevent water intrusion. Isofurl #8 Lower Bearing Assembly: Isofurl LBA-8: Isofurl #10 Lower Bearing Assembly: Isofurl LBA-10:
All Isofurl components not listed here are available, See: Isofurl Main Page.

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