Our nEXT turbomolecular pumps are maintenance-friendly and we encourage you to service your own pump.
How to change the cartridge and bearing in nEXT 55 and nEXT 85 turbomolecular pumps?
Built on decades of experience, nEXT turbomolecular pumps offer superior performance, reliability, and end-user serviceability, setting the benchmark for turbomolecular pumps. nEXT pumps are maintenance-friendly and we encourage you to service your own pump. Read on or watch the video below to learn how to change the cartridge and replace the bearings in the Edwards nEXT 55 and nEXT 85 turbomolecular pump. We recommend undertaking maintenance approximately every 35000 hours. You will need the B8E200845 nEXT55/85 Bearing exchange tooling kit and B8G200811 nEXT55/85 Bearing & oil cartridge kit to complete the procedure. Read the B8G200840 nEXT55/85 Service Tool Kit instruction manual beforehand.
- nEXT55/85 service tool kit instruction manual 1.6 MB, PDF
Step-by-step process to change the oil cartridge and bearings on the neXT55 and neXT85 pumps
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Step 1: Select the right pin The first step is always to select the right pin according to your pump’s size: there is one for the nEXT55 and another one for the nEXT85. Check that the pin is placed correctly and moves easily in the holder before using the tool. |
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Step 2: Check the bearing preload Check for a clicking sound for preload within recommended travel. |
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Step 3: Remove the oil cartridge and oil feed nut Use a 2.5 mm Allen key to unbolt the oil cartridge. To remove the oil feed nut, use the T15 & T10 Torx screwdriver. |
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Step 4: Replace the bearing module Use a ¼’’ square screwdriver bit to remove the bearing retaining nut with the help of B8E200076 – Pin spanner torque adapter. While removing the bearing module, make use of a clean and soft surface to avoid inlet flange damage. Now use the bearing module extractor and insert a new bearing module. |
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Step 5: Assemble the bearing retaining nut Use a torque setting of 6 Nm. For the oil feed nut assembly, the torque setting is to be 2 Nm. When we assemble the new oil cartridge, the torque setting is 4 Nm. |
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Step 6: Do a bearing preload check Always ensure you are using the correct pin size. Dispose of old parts and store your tools for the next service. Reset the service indicator based on the quick guide instructions. |
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Before and during the process
For safe and effective operations from the start, pay attention to the following points. For complete details refer to the B8E200845 Bearing exchange at the end of this page. Always read the full manual before completing the procedure.
1. Unpack and inspect
Remove all packaging and check that all items in Table: Checklist of items for B8G200840 or Table: Checklist of items for B8E200845 have been received. It depends on the set of the toolkit which you ordered. If any items are missing, notify the supplier as soon as possible.
2. Confirm you have the right service kit
Before commencing with the bearing module service, confirm that you have purchased the correct bearing and oil cartridge service kit B8G200811.
3. Pre-service preload
Wait until the pump is stationary and electrically isolated before removing and servicing your pump.
4. Service instructions
Make sure:
- To clean the immediate working area and the base of the pump
- All hand tools are clean and damage-free
- To always wear gloves when handling the bearing unit and nearby parts
5. During bearing module removal
The bearing anti-rotating tube may be used to prevent the bearing from slipping while the extractor sleeve is fitted.
6. During bearing module insertion
The bearing anti-rotating tube may be used to prevent the bearing from slipping while the extractor sleeve is removed.
7. Bearing preload check
The bearing preload tool checks that the bearing preload force is correctly set. If necessary, set the bearing preload using the bearing preload tool. Failure to do so may shorten the service life of the turbo pump. It is advisable to monitor the preload force using the preload test plunger.
8. Service counter reset
After completing an oil cartridge change or an oil cartridge and bearing module change, it is important to reset the service interval in order to schedule the next service interval. Following the rest, the pump may enter a short setup / test routine. To ensure safety, install the pump in the vacuum system before connecting the controller to the power supply.
9. Pump checks
Before running your pump, we recommend carrying out a number of checks including a clearance check, vacuum leak check and operational checks. These checks are designed to make sure that the pump is in the best possible health.
- nEXT55/85 service tool kit instruction manual 1.6 MB, PDF