Tips & How-To Topics

Pump Products is back with another How-To guide. In this video, our expert Nick will walk you through the basic process of changing the bearing assembly on a Bell & Gossett circulator pump. A circulator keeps the water moving through your water system; the bearing assembly is the unit that connects the motor to the pump end. This is a very simple process with minimal tools/equipment required. The pump used in the video is the Bell 102210 in-line circulator: https://www.pumpproducts.com/bell-gos... The listing for the replacement bearing assembly: https://www.pumpproducts.com/bell-gos... Do you have any ideas for other types of simple how-to's you'd like to see Let us know in the comments! Nick and the the rest of our Pump Products' experts are happy to work with customers to figure out the right pump for your application and budget. Call 1800-429-0800 to speak to an expert. Subscribe to our channel for more how-to guides, product highlights and general information about pumps.

Welcome to another exciting edition of Inspector Pumphead's Classroom! In this feature, we'll be talking about various small, simple pump "How-To's" that any homeowner, small business owner or facilities manager can tackle. The purpose of this feature is to help customers become more familiar with the parts of a pump and give them the confidence to make the necessary fixes to keep the system running smoothly. In this edition, Pump Products application engineer Nick, will walk you through the process of replacing a bearing assembly on a three-piece circulator pump from Bell & Gossett. The bearing assembly is the unit between the motor and the volute/pump casing. It contains the connecting shaft that powers the impeller, allowing the pump to move fluid. A good indicator that the bearing assembly needs a replacement, is if you hear strange noises coming from that area on the pump. If a seal or coupler snaps, you might hear a squeaking or shaking noise. You might also see traces of oil or water leakage in the pump area. Since the bearing is what keeps both ends of the pump functioning together, it is important to replace one right away if defective. Pump Products expert Nick walks you through the replacement process in the video below: The pump used for the breakdown is the Bell & Gossett 102210 HV NFI, a top flight circulator. The bearing assembly replacement package is the B&G 189166LF , which includes the attached impeller, a replacement gasket and lubricant. Note: While B&G repair parts are used in the example for this video, Pump Products also carries Taco pump repair parts, Grundfos pump repair parts, Armstrong pump repair parts and Wilo pump repair parts, among others. Tools and supplies --1 ⅝” combination wrench --1 7/16" combination wrench --1 Allen wrench/hex key --Lubricant (should come in the replacement package) --Replacement bearing assembly --Alcohol wipes Process As always when working on a pump, be sure to turn off the motor and shut down the water flow moving through the pump. For this process you will not have to remove the pump end from the piping. Identify the bearing assembly of the pump. It should be between the wet end and the motor of the pump. First you will detach the motor end from the bearing assembly. For this attachment you will use the box end of the 7/16" wrench. Use the wrench to carefully loosen the bolts. Pull the bearing assembly away from the motor, and inside you will find a spring-style coupler which connects the two units. This is where you will use your Allen key. On each end of the coupler will be an indentation where it connects to the shaft. Use your Allen key to loosen the connections and remove the coupler. Take out the coupler and put it and the motor down somewhere safe. Unless you bought a replacement, you will need to reattach the existing coupler. Next, turn your attention to the other end of the bearing assembly, which is also connected by four bolts to the volute. For this part you will use the box end of your ⅝” combination wrench to loosen and remove the bolts. You can now remove the old bearing assembly. Inside the lip of the volute should be a rubber gasket. Remove the gasket and examine the lip area for any impurities or imperfections. This area is important for creating a watertight seal, so be sure to wipe it down with alcohol wipes or a similar cleaning agent until the area is clean. Now you can install your replacement bearing assembly. This will simply be the deconstruction process in reverse. Insert the end with the impeller into the volute, reapply the bolts and tighten in a criss cross pattern to ensure a watertight seal. Next, you will to have reattach the spring coupler. Remove the the piece of cardboard from the impeller shaft in the bearing assembly and find the right indentation groove. Match up the groove on the coupler and shaft, insert the hex key until it is flush to the area and tighten. You will need to repeat the coupler process with the shaft end of the motor unit. Once the coupler is secure, you can reattach the motor end completely and tighten the bolts.  Since there is no watertight seal between the motor and bearing assembly, you do not necessarily have to use the criss cross pattern. Since the pump used in this example is not maintenance free, you will have to apply some lubrication (a bottle should be included with your package). Find the insert cap above the bearing assembly, fill with oil until the bottle is empty or oil starts to accrue at the top of the cap. Close the cap and you are ready to turn the pump and water flow back on. So that's it! It's a relatively simple process. As always, be sure to examine your pump regularly and practice preventative maintenance. If you have any ideas for other 'How-To' guides you'd like to see, let us know in the comments. Pump Products application engineers are standing by to help you find the right pump, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.