Sarehole Mill - Repairs to waterwheel shaft and main bearing

In 2019 after many years of successful operation the waterwheel suddenly experienced a serious mechanical breakdown which required extensive investigation.

The investigation revealed that as part of the original restoration project in the 1970’s a sleeve bearing had been fitted to the inside end waterwheel shaft main journal to restore safe and efficient operational rotation.

On inspection it was very quickly evident that the original shaft journal before restoration was so severely worn that the only two options would have been to replace the shaft journal or fit a sleeve bearing.

It was this repair solution that had unfortunately finally failed with the fixings most probably shearing off due to a fatigue or stress fracture.

Ian Clark Restoration were tasked with designing, manufacturing and fitting a replacement sleeve bearing which utilised the same restorative qualities but provided superior mechanical strength and structural integrity. To complete the project a new main bearing foundry pattern was created and new bronze bearing shell was cast, machined and installed.