[amsat-bb] Thrust bearing maintenance

I have an Yaesu GS-050 thrust bearing that has been installed for about 15 years. The thrust bearing turns, but requires a lot of force.

I disassembled the thrust bearing to find that the grease is very sticky (think candy apple sticky), and not lubricative (if that is a word).

Should I take it to an auto repair shop and ask them to degrease and then lubricate similar to repacking a wheel bearing?

What kind of grease should be used?

Thanks and 73, Steve N9IP -- Steve Belter