What is the Glock Spring Loaded Bearing?
Key Components
At its core, the Glock Spring Loaded Bearing is a relatively small but vital assembly located within the slide of your Glock pistol. Its primary purpose is to ensure the proper function of the extractor, a component tasked with removing spent cartridge cases from the chamber after firing. It consists of three primary elements: a plunger (sometimes called a bearing), a spring, and a channel within the slide that houses the entire mechanism. The plunger, usually a small cylindrical piece, is what makes direct contact with the extractor, forcing it outward. The spring, a coiled piece of metal, provides the necessary tension to ensure the extractor engages firmly with the rim of the cartridge case. The channel serves as the housing for the plunger and spring, providing a stable structure and guiding the movement of the spring-loaded assembly. This simple design is deceptively effective. The interplay of these parts is crucial in guaranteeing smooth and reliable operation. Think of it as a tiny, hardworking cog in a much larger, well-oiled machine.
Understanding where the Spring Loaded Bearing is located is essential for maintenance. It resides within the slide, typically found on the right side, near the extractor. The exact positioning will vary slightly depending on the Glock model, but it’s always in close proximity to the extractor itself. You can identify it by finding the small hole that the plunger sits in.
The Function of the Spring Loaded Bearing
The primary role of the Glock Spring Loaded Bearing is to provide the necessary force to the extractor. When a round is fired, the expanding gases force the bullet down the barrel. Simultaneously, the spent cartridge case is pushed backward against the breech face of the slide. The extractor, held in place by the Spring Loaded Bearing, grips the rim of the spent case. As the slide moves rearward during the firing cycle, the extractor pulls the empty casing out of the chamber. The Spring Loaded Bearing’s spring exerts constant pressure on the extractor, pushing it outward, providing enough force to engage with the rim of the casing. When a new round is chambered, this tension ensures the round is properly held in position against the breech face, ready to be struck by the firing pin. The relationship between the extractor and Spring Loaded Bearing is a symbiotic one, both working in harmony to ensure consistent and reliable extraction and ejection of spent casings. Without the proper tension applied by the Spring Loaded Bearing, the extractor may fail to grasp the case rim or may lose its grip during the extraction process, leading to malfunctions.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even though the Glock Spring Loaded Bearing is designed for rugged use, it is not immune to issues. Several problems can arise, typically resulting in malfunctions that can disrupt the pistol’s function. Knowing how to identify, diagnose, and address these issues is a crucial aspect of proper Glock ownership.
One of the most common indicators of a malfunctioning Spring Loaded Bearing is **failure to extract**. This occurs when the extractor is unable to remove the spent casing from the chamber, leaving it stuck. The casing remains in the chamber, hindering the slide’s rearward movement. You might have to manually remove the casing with a cleaning rod or by other means.
Another related problem is **failure to eject**. Unlike failure to extract, in this case the casing does extract but does not clear the ejection port completely, resulting in a stoppage. You may see the casing getting trapped between the slide and the barrel, commonly referred to as a “stovepipe” malfunction. This can happen due to insufficient extractor force, caused by a worn spring or debris in the channel.
**Difficulty chambering rounds** can also be a symptom of a problem with the Spring Loaded Bearing. If the bearing isn’t applying the appropriate pressure to the extractor, the extractor might not engage with the new round during the feeding process.
Lastly, you may observe **erratic ejection patterns** or, in particularly severe cases, **brass to the face**. This occurs when the ejected casing isn’t ejected cleanly and consistently. This often is caused by the loss of Spring Loaded Bearing pressure.
Potential Causes
- Debris/Carbon Buildup: The most common culprit is the accumulation of debris, including carbon residue from fired ammunition, within the channel that houses the Spring Loaded Bearing. This buildup can restrict the movement of the plunger and spring, reducing the force exerted on the extractor.
- Damaged Spring: Over time, the spring itself can weaken, lose its tension, or even break. This reduces the force applied to the extractor, potentially causing extraction or ejection problems.
- Worn or Damaged Plunger: The plunger, responsible for making contact with the extractor, can wear down or become damaged over time. This damage can reduce its effectiveness, leading to extractor malfunctions.
- Incorrect Assembly: Occasionally, issues can arise due to improper assembly of the slide components, leading to improper interaction between the Spring Loaded Bearing and extractor.
- Incorrect Ammunition: Using ammunition outside the manufacturer’s specifications can sometimes contribute to extraction and ejection issues, potentially accelerating wear and tear on the Spring Loaded Bearing.
Troubleshooting Steps
Effective troubleshooting involves a systematic approach:
- Inspection: The first step is to disassemble the slide and carefully inspect the Spring Loaded Bearing. This involves removing the slide from the frame, and then carefully field stripping the slide. The process for field stripping will differ based on the Glock model, but usually involves pushing out a retaining pin and then sliding the extractor assembly out of the slide.
- Visually inspect the plunger, spring, and channel for any signs of wear, damage, or debris. Look for any obstructions that could hinder movement. Check for any signs of rust or corrosion. Inspect the Spring Loaded Bearing components under good lighting to ensure you can see everything, a magnifying glass can be useful.
- Check the spring’s tension. It should feel firm and provide a consistent push to the extractor. If the spring feels weak, it may need replacement. Compare it to a new one.
- Cleaning: Cleaning is essential for preventing and resolving many Spring Loaded Bearing related issues.
- Properly clean the slide channel. Use a quality gun cleaning solvent and a small brush or pick to remove any carbon buildup or debris. Ensure all residue is removed.
- Use the right cleaning supplies.
- Be careful not to damage the slide components when cleaning.
- Lubrication: Once the Spring Loaded Bearing and the channel are clean and dry, proper lubrication is crucial.
- Use a quality gun oil or grease specifically designed for firearms. Apply a very small amount of lubricant to the spring and plunger. The goal is to facilitate smooth operation, not to create a dripping mess.
- Apply the lubricant only where it’s needed, avoid excess.
- Replacement: When inspection reveals a worn, damaged, or broken Spring Loaded Bearing component, replacement is necessary.
- Replace the spring if it’s weak or damaged.
- Replace the plunger if it shows significant wear or damage.
- Replacement parts can be found online and at most gun stores.
Maintenance and Preventative Care
Preventive maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and reliability of your Glock Spring Loaded Bearing. Following a regular maintenance schedule can minimize issues and keep your pistol functioning smoothly.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean and inspect the Spring Loaded Bearing every time you clean your Glock, ideally after each shooting session or at least at regular intervals.
- Proper Lubrication: Apply a small amount of high-quality gun oil or grease to the spring and plunger.
- Use the Correct Ammunition: Avoid using reloaded or non-spec ammunition.
- Storage: When storing your Glock, keep the slide components clean and lightly lubricated. Store the pistol in a secure location, protected from extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Consider Replacing Components: For Glock Spring Loaded Bearings subjected to heavy use, you may need to replace the spring or plunger at regular intervals as a preventive measure. Consider keeping spare parts on hand.
Upgrades and Modifications
While the factory Glock Spring Loaded Bearing is a reliable component, some shooters choose to upgrade or modify this part. There are aftermarket spring options, allowing for stronger extraction. It’s vital to approach upgrades with caution and ensure that the added components are high-quality and installed correctly. When considering any modifications, safety should always be the top priority. It is highly recommended that you stick with high-quality parts from a reputable manufacture. It’s worth it.
The Spring Loaded Bearing is a vital component and should not be neglected.
Conclusion
The Glock Spring Loaded Bearing plays a pivotal role in the reliable operation of your Glock pistol. This seemingly small component is directly involved in ensuring the proper function of the extractor, and by extension, the extraction and ejection cycle. By understanding the function of the Spring Loaded Bearing, recognizing common issues, and implementing a regular maintenance and inspection program, you can significantly enhance the reliability and longevity of your Glock firearm. The information outlined above will help you maintain the exceptional performance Glock pistols are known for. Don’t take your Glock Spring Loaded Bearing for granted, by maintaining it regularly it will serve you for a lifetime.
