I decided to cut the housing off and then to try and find a replacement bearing.
Looking at the result I think this was the right decision, - the top of the housing appears to have been forced down over the top of the ball bearings, all of which were very corroded. The C-washer shows signs of wear, and I assume that the second groove on the spindle was caused by the housing after it could no longer spin freely (and was this was what was catching the top of the casing).
I have ordered a replacement bearing and bush that I think will fit and will attempt a repair next weekend. Annoyingly, when I last took the drill apart I was not paying attention when removing the lever that controls the feed and the tiny spring that keeps it in position pinged off (never to be seen again), and I seem to have mangled the thread in the top of the spindle during my attempts to remove the bearing. So one step forward, two steps back . But I am not giving up yet!
Toodles
Nick
PS ball bearing fans should check out simplybearings.co.uk - a top site if you are into that kind of thing.
Looking at the result I think this was the right decision, - the top of the housing appears to have been forced down over the top of the ball bearings, all of which were very corroded. The C-washer shows signs of wear, and I assume that the second groove on the spindle was caused by the housing after it could no longer spin freely (and was this was what was catching the top of the casing).
I have ordered a replacement bearing and bush that I think will fit and will attempt a repair next weekend. Annoyingly, when I last took the drill apart I was not paying attention when removing the lever that controls the feed and the tiny spring that keeps it in position pinged off (never to be seen again), and I seem to have mangled the thread in the top of the spindle during my attempts to remove the bearing. So one step forward, two steps back . But I am not giving up yet!
Toodles
Nick
PS ball bearing fans should check out simplybearings.co.uk - a top site if you are into that kind of thing.