Skywatcher HEQ5 Stripdown and Rebuild (NEW VERSION)

This tutorial takes you step-by-step through the process of stripping down, servicing and re-building your Skywatcher HEQ5 Synscan Pro or Orion Sirius EQ-G astrophotography mount.

The video has been updated from an earlier version to show the correct way to service the sealed bearings. My apologies for the error in the previous video - we are all learning!

The original video was reviewed before being published by David Woods at DarkFrame Ltd, who service and upgrade mounts professionally. His review comments were as follows : "Great video Martin. This has to be one of the best EQ strip-down tuning videos for your HEQ5 on the web. Follow Martin’s detailed guide and your mount will track more accurately, and last longer especially if you service it every couple of years yourself. There’s no need to ever use a metal hammer on an equatorial mount. Good luck and well done! David Woods, DarkFrame Ltd"

Note that the rebuilds/upgrades offered by DarkFrame are not the same as the do-it-yourself procedure shown in this video.

Tools Required
============
Kitchen Paper
Allen Keys : 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm & 4mm
Phillips screwdriver (medium size)
Large flat blade screwdriver
Flat blade Jeweller's screwdriver
A clean toothbrush
12mm 3/8" socket (modified - see video)
3/8" socket driver
Work gloves
Lithium Grease (wide temperature range)
Degreaser (aerosol)
Soft rubber mallet

Time Required
============
Allow 2 hours per axis - Declination & Right Ascension (RA)
Declination and RA procedures can be conveniently performed in separate work sessions.

Replacement Bearing info:
=====================
Worm bearings (4 per mount, 2 per worm) :
9 x 17 x 5, "689 2RS" Ceramic Hybrid Bearing (SKF make high-end ones)

Worm Gear and main shaft bearing (6 per mount)
30 x 55 x 13, "6006 2RS1" SKF Deep Groove Ball Bearing

Declination Shaft Tapered Roller Bearing:
30205 TIMKEN Tapered Roller Bearing

Grease
======
'Geoptik Equatorial Mount Grease Kit, (e.g. Rother Valley Optics)
or can use high temperature Lithium grease (-15 to +135C)


#Skywatcher
#Skywatcher HEQ5
#Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro
#Orion Sirius EQ-G
#Tutorial
#Astrophotography

------------------ Video Chapters -----------------------

00:00 - Introduction
04:28 - Tools Required
05:05 - Declination Axis
57:19 - Right Ascension Axis
1:19:26 - Wrap-Up