First, I doubt that your observed fault is that bearing. Although I am not familiar with this particular gyro compass. The fault
you mention is usually caused by a faulty gyrosphere. Gyrospheres have finite lives ranging between 3 to 7 years of continuous
running. They are only serviced by the factory and typically cost between $7,000 and $10,000 without installation. This fact
limits their use to commercial shipping. I also have a gyro compass and it is not my first, but I assure you the only reason to
have one in a non-commercial craft is redundancy to satellite failure. Gyros are required by the IMO for craft 500 Tons and
larger. If a true heading is required, the new Sat compasses are both affordable and reliable. The Furunos appear to be the least
expensive at around $4,000. Sperry Marine and most others are around $8,000. When my C Plath gyrosphere fails, I'll junk it.
Steve

"scarlett99" wrote in message ...

There is a bit of hard and brittle black plastic like substance that has
leaked from my gyrocompass gimbal (likely varnish from the gimbal motor)
into the gimbal bearing.

The gimbal's rotation is not as smooth as before, and sometimes take a
long time to settle to true north and has slow rate of turn alarm.

I tried cleaning the bearing with contact cleaner solution but this
doesnt really work. I cant use WD40 because the bearing is actually
part of a slip ring with carbon brush; WD40 will form a film and
hinders the electrical contact on the carbon brush.

The manufacturer refused to help on this and replacing the whole gimbal
as suggested by manufacturer is very expensive. The gyrocompass is
actually TSS Meridian.

Do you guys have any ideas how to clean up the bearing? Thanks.




--
scarlett99