I replaced a broken grip yesterday and took the opportunity to replace the spindle. I took pictures as I took it apart and laid it out carefully but still don't think I got it back together correctly.

The exploded parts diagram is not very clear and doesn't provide enough detail for me. Does anybody have any photos or descriptions for the upper head that might help. I specifically need to know which in which direction the various washers and thrust bearing pieces go together.

Any help much appreciated.
Thanks.

I wish that I had a picture for you, but here goes a description. The order of items on the feathering shaft is :
small allen screw(add locktite to threads), small washer, silver bearing race with race facing into the hub, ball bearings with balls facing into hub, silver bearing race with race facing ball bearings(these three pieces are refered to as a single thrust bearing in the diagram), large thin washer, two bearings (doesn't matter which way they face), step washer with "step" facing the bearing, four thin spacers or shims (note: these do not appear in the diagram at all), rubber grommet. Repeat this order on the other side. Add a drop of Triflo to each bearing as you assemble them.

Thanks WSDEPA!
That really helps. The shim washers missing from the diagram was throwing me.

While I have you, what is triflo? A brand or a specific type of lubricant. Also, what do you use to pack the thrust bearing? I used vaseline.

Delete please.

Triflow is a light lubricant that comes in a small bottle with a thin dropper tube. It's perfect for puting a drop of lube right where you want it. Here's a [link=http://www.triflowlubricants.com/Superior_Drip/superior_drip.html]link.[/link] You can find it at most bicycle shops. I just oil the thrust bearings with triflow. Maybe I should pack them. Vaseline sounds ok since you want something that will not be just thrown off by the centrifugal force.

Thanks again. I'll stop by the bike shop and pick up some Triflo. Looks like it might be ideal for many of the moving parts on the heli.

Everything I've read recommends packing the bearings with grease. I'm a big fan of Finless Bob White's videos on helifreak.com and he has several good demonstrations of how to properly assemble a thrust bearing. See this link - http://video.helifreak.com/?subpath=...=sev2part1.wmv Look about 8:45 into the video. It's all TREX 450 stuff but the thrust bearing is pretty generic.

In some of his other videos he gives good demonstrations of how to pack bearings and always recommends grease. I'm yet to find a recommendation for a specific brand or type of grease though so I've just been using vaseline.