[sonnywiehe]

I run a PC 75182 in my router table mounted in wing of cabinet TS. It gets occasional and fairly light duty use (1-2 hrs a week on profile edging and limited production rail and stile cabinet door work). I seem to notice an increase in the spindle bearing noise as it winds down after being turned off. In other words, it sounded very similar to my other hand held units (when I initially set it up) then how it sounds now when I run it. The unit runs fine with no obvious play or run out , but the increase in noise makes me leery of long term performance or maybe premature unit failure. I run the unit with vac system (Oneida Gorilla 3 hp) and keep a solid cover plate in mounting plate when not in use. Does anyone have thoughts on this PC unit being particularly susceptible to premature shaft bearing wear due to router being inverted and dust filtering down into shaft/bearing/armature area of motor? Or might I be missing something in proper use or maintenance that is a user error issue. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[Stick486]

I believe a bearings are fixing to go south..

https://www.routerforums.com/395455-post25.html
https://www.routerforums.com/1266810-post3.html

 

[PhilBa]

I have the same one - well, the full router, not just the motor but it's the same model. Mine is running strong in a router table with a lot more use than yours. But, there are a fair number of bearing failure reports so it's quite possible you are hearing that. From various videos on the net, it doesn't look super hard to replace them but takes a pretty complete disassembly. I'd probably order the parts and have them on hand if it turns out to be the case.

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

I have a few PC tools from a few years back and most of them have had bearing problems. PC used very cheap and crappy bearings.

 

[sonnywiehe]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen!

I have a brand new 7512 motor on the shelf that was slated to be set up on a second router (Kreg mobile platform) router table. I pulled the new one down a couple of days ago and plugged it in to compare the sound of both motors. My cabinet saw top mounted 7512 definitely sounds different ... and likely the shaft bearing(s) "going south" as Stick indicates. Probably a mistake to have invested in a second PC motor, but it's a done deal.

Its sad PC puts out such low level quality today and apparently takes advantage of yesteryear's reputation to keep selling older models. I will say that I have had two older 690's with no problems...and use them regularly for site work and along with the PC hinge butt door hanging template (template originally made by Rockwell, but bought out by PC, I believe). The 690 has proven to be a good size and weight for door work.

Based on Phil's input, I will see about about tearing my older 7512 motor apart and get better bearings-- once I get the 2nd table up and running. Sounds doable. Thanks Phil!

 

[RainMan 2.0]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen!

I have a brand new 7512 motor on the shelf that was slated to be set up on a second router (Kreg mobile platform) router table. I pulled the new one down a couple of days ago and plugged it in to compare the sound of both motors. My cabinet saw top mounted 7512 definitely sounds different ... and likely the shaft bearing(s) "going south" as Stick indicates. Probably a mistake to have invested in a second PC motor, but it's a done deal.

Its sad PC puts out such low level quality today and apparently takes advantage of yesteryear's reputation to keep selling older models. I will say that I have had two older 690's with no problems...and use them regularly for site work and along with the PC hinge butt door hanging template (template originally made by Rockwell, but bought out by PC, I believe). The 690 has proven to be a good size and weight for door work.

Based on Phil's input, I will see about about tearing my older 7512 motor apart and get better bearings-- once I get the 2nd table up and running. Sounds doable. Thanks Phil!

I’m in the same boat . Purchased two 7512’s also , motor only . I have a 690 that’s been great,but probably not a lot of hours on it .
I haven’t used my 7512’s yet , but one day . Guess I should source those bearings

 

[Bstrom]

Wow - that's a sad commentary on PC quality. I'm using a Bosh 1617 but have very few hours on it and can't testify to longevity, but it does have a sterling reputation. For a base model only, you can get a warrantied refurb for $129 or new for $169. I'd see how hard new bearings would be in your PC first...

 

[sonnywiehe]

how to video by Jeff Marner

There's a two part video of a 7518 bearing replacement task produced by Jeff Marner on YouTube (not allowed to post link yet) but easy search on YouTube. Nice job Jeff!
Looks like upper and lower shaft bearings might take a half hour or so...and can be done with readily available hand tools.

I imagine one can get OEM bearings from ereplacement.com parts pretty easy, but was wondering if anyone knew of better quality aftermarket bearings that would fit this model?

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

Industrial supply stores that sell power transmission equipment (belts, pulleys, drive chain, sprockets,etc) will also sell bearings. Ereplacement will probably sell you the same inferior bearing it came with.