I pulled an old Pioneer PL-41 turntable out of storage and initial check-out is fine. Was able to get tracking force neutralized and adjusted as well as cueing. Need to sort out right channel plug wiring and maybe damping on cueing if that's even an option (may just need to apply oil to shaft to slow it down).
My question has to do with the spindle lubrication. The manual says to apply a 2-3 drops of oil to the spindle and the "lubricating hole" for the motor every 2 months or more frequently for DJ use.
For my description, the spindle thrust bearing is supporting the vertical weight while the journal bearing supports the sides of the spindle shaft (bronze I assume).
I disassembled the spindle and the thrust bearing "cup" and was full of grease from previous owner/maintainer.
The easiest way to describe the spindle assembly (without including pics) is that the bottom of the shaft is a rounded point that rests in a cup with a center divot screwed on to the bottom of the spindle assembly.
My assumption, based on the lubricating recommendation, is that the thrust bearing cup should contain oil and not grease.
I took the spindle apart, cleaned out the grease, cleaned the shaft up, put a couple of drops of machine oil onto the shaft, put about 10 drops of machine oil into the cup and assembled without spilling oil. The spindle movement is a lot more "free" now (lower friction).
The engineer in me says no since the contact point is submerged in oil it should be fine and the journal bearing.
I just wanted to know if, by replacing the grease with oil, I'll do long-term damage?
Beyond that it's a beautiful unit. No dust cover issues or cosmetic damage. I should replace the belt but, in time. Not used to dealing with a table that lacks suspension in some way/shape/form.
My question has to do with the spindle lubrication. The manual says to apply a 2-3 drops of oil to the spindle and the "lubricating hole" for the motor every 2 months or more frequently for DJ use.
For my description, the spindle thrust bearing is supporting the vertical weight while the journal bearing supports the sides of the spindle shaft (bronze I assume).
I disassembled the spindle and the thrust bearing "cup" and was full of grease from previous owner/maintainer.
The easiest way to describe the spindle assembly (without including pics) is that the bottom of the shaft is a rounded point that rests in a cup with a center divot screwed on to the bottom of the spindle assembly.
My assumption, based on the lubricating recommendation, is that the thrust bearing cup should contain oil and not grease.
I took the spindle apart, cleaned out the grease, cleaned the shaft up, put a couple of drops of machine oil onto the shaft, put about 10 drops of machine oil into the cup and assembled without spilling oil. The spindle movement is a lot more "free" now (lower friction).
The engineer in me says no since the contact point is submerged in oil it should be fine and the journal bearing.
I just wanted to know if, by replacing the grease with oil, I'll do long-term damage?
Beyond that it's a beautiful unit. No dust cover issues or cosmetic damage. I should replace the belt but, in time. Not used to dealing with a table that lacks suspension in some way/shape/form.
