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Celestron CG5 GT Mount - bent rear latitude adjustment


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My rear latitude adjustment screw jammed at about 45 degrees. On removing the assembly from the central nut and bolt that holds the mount (had to remove both the latitude scale disc and the Celestron disc on the other side)  the rear screw was seen partially underneath the adjuster plate and seriously bent. With careful unscrewing and tapping as it came out there was no damage to the threads. In some cases it might be necessary to withdraw as far as possible, cut the bolt on the outside and then screw back in to remove it completely. I replaced the screw with a stainless steel M8 bolt of the same length with an Allen Key slot to turn it. Lubricated with WD40 Silicon and it works perfectly. Next stage is to re-align the mount to as near 51 degrees as possible using a  guiding angle cut into a piece of ply and refine when fully assembled. I did not realise, still being pretty new, that you need to support the weight of the assembly when using the latitude adjusters to avoid problems like this. Hope this might be of help and perhaps save others some time.

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Unfortunately we have both found out the hard way to take care and support the weight off the latitude bolt on a CG5 mount. A couple of years back I ended up with the same problem which resulted in me having to drill out the offending bent bolt and re-tap the threads before fitting a new sturdier bolt. It appears to be a common problem with this mount. Glad you got it sorted.

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Yes these bolts can give problems. Both the EQ6, and CG5 Mount are susceptible to bending.

Unfortunately, although most of us do have common sense, we tend to leave it behind when doing some tasks, and 

attitude adjusting has been a case in point. 

The supplied bolts are capable, but only when given help by taking the weight of the mount whilst doing the adjusting.

A lot of pressure is needed if no assistance is given, with the result that the bolts will bend under the force applied.

Thankfully, you were able to rectify your problem, and the new bolt will be a lot tougher.

Ron.

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This is a problem that has gained much history. Many new users of the EQ systems over the past years, have in one way or another come to grief whilst using these adjusters, despite the many published complaints, often being referred to as bendy bolts. 

It seems the Chinese manufacturers have turned a deaf ear to it, or at the simplest, give an explanation and warning that damage to the bolts can be done, unless the weight of the weight of the mount is relieved, while adjustment take place. It would put very little on the price of the mount for decent stainless bolts to be supplied as standard. It would seem that a good mount is having black marks against it, for just for the sake of a few bolts  :)

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Thanks everyone. It might help if the manual that comes with the mount was a little fuller in describing set-up and adjusting. Not sure that astronomy is a subject to learn by trial and error and that includes the equipment.

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I had that same problem a few weeks ago, managed to get the bolts out with a pair of pliers and then re-tapped the threads, job done. Just curfully unscrew the bolts with a pair of pliers but don't force, it gets easier at as more of the bolt appears, it took me ages to get the bolt out.

No need to spend over 55 pounds on replacement bolts when you can get these instead from Ebay

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  • 11 months later...

For a bit of (self) closure, I thought I'd help anyone in the future with a half way house. Instead of the Allen Bolts and instead of £55 Ebay ones, I opted for these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcingmap-70mm-Thread-Screw-Clamping/dp/B01480U8V8/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=0GWVCECZ0VSXQ2BYCN7W

http://www.amazon.co.uk/M8x40mm-Lathe-Machine-Adjustable-Handle/dp/B01AUQ32NA/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0632HZSZQ9V2F3F0SXX7

These levers are longer than my originals but not in the way.  I got 4 of each for £17. If anyone feels the need, I am happy to post a couple on for a small donation (maybe £5). If not you know where to get them.

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