• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

TD124 bearing vs stop time

cspyon

cspyon

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Re my TD124 mki,
I checked how long it took for the platter to come to a complete stop right after I switched 33 to 0.
It took 1:31".
Does the duration of this stop or spin-down time indicate anything about the condition of the bearing or even the motor, such as the necessity for more lubrication, etc?
Just curious.
By the way, it comes up to speed quickly, in about 3 seconds.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
knotscott said:
AFAIK, the spec is 60 seconds from 33rpm to 0, so you're well ahead of game if my info is accurate.
Click to expand...
What does it indicate in terms of the bearing condition or lubrication? I don't have to lubricate oil in the bearing?
 
tnsilver said:
Meaningless. How many complete revolutions? Anything less than 13 requires immediate attention. 18 is expected after years of neglect. 22 - 24 is OK, but a good bearing yields 32 - 34 revs to a halt.
Click to expand...
Please take a look at this article:
With our specialized TD124 bearing rebuild you can expect a 'blueprinted' close tolerance spindle fit, and a spin down time from 33rpm of over 2 minutes
https://www.woodsongaudio.com/service/thorens-td124-main-spindle-bearing-rebuild#:~:text=With our specialized TD124 bearing,33rpm of over 2 minutes.
 
TL;DR. I caught the 1 minute mark. It means nothing - but I won't be surprised if it boils down to 13 revs. Count the revs.
 
Everyone's entitled to their own method, and I'm sure woodsong do a good job with 124 refurbs. However, the reason you count revs is simply because it's extremely difficult to shutdown a TD-124 and to simultaneously start a stopwatch countdown (phone is even harder), w/o getting the idler wheel to rebound on the platter and screw up the results. Do that right and you might as well have a circus act for left/right hand coordination. Most people can't.
 
I get about 55 seconds of spindown time from 33 rpm using 20 weight 3in1 electric motor oil. The platter bearing is run "wet" meaning that there is enough oil in the housing that by the time the spindle settles completely into the well a little oil gets pushed out of the top. A bit messy but I know she is full and the top bushing is well lubricated. Can't recall the exact ml. of oil, would have to check my notes. I think it was filled to just over the top of the lower bushing.
 
jqp said:
I get about 55 seconds of spindown time from 33 rpm using 20 weight 3in1 electric motor oil. The platter bearing is run "wet" meaning that there is enough oil in the housing that by the time the spindle settles completely into the well a little oil gets pushed out of the top. A bit messy but I know she is full and the top bushing is well lubricated. Can't recall the exact ml. of oil, would have to check my notes. I think it was filled to just over the top of the lower bushing.
Click to expand...
That's good to know!
 
Last edited:
3 in 1 is worst choice for this kind of test. It's temperature sensitive, starts thick, slows down performance, but improves and becomes less viscous as it heats up with use. I think the proximity to the motor is what's heating it up, not internal friction. It takes bloody long. Zoom spout and "Singer" works better.
 
tnsilver said:
3 in 1 is worst choice for this kind of test. It's temperature sensitive, starts thick, slows down performance, but improves and becomes less viscous as it heats up with use. I think the proximity to the motor is what's heating it up, not internal friction. It takes bloody long. Zoom spout and "Singer" works better.
Click to expand...
Well, I bought this one.
Its description:
Thorens TD 124/TD 125/TD 135/TD 150/TD 224 Audio Turntables
Thorens specify the use of Caltex or Texaco Regal Oil B (ROB) to lubricate the following parts.

  • Turntable Spindle Bearing (Not the old Black Bright Nylon Bushing type)
  • Stepped Pulley Bearing
  • Idler Wheel Bearing
  • Motor Bearings (Upper and Lower)
Texaco Regal Oil B is the pre-ISO name for Texaco Regal R&O 46, an ISO VG 46 grade R&O Hydraulic/Turbine oil. Mobil DTE Oil Medium is a suitable replacement for this oil.
Screenshot_20221218-142308_eBay.jpg
 
From England... Right. "Singer" never made it to Maryland I take it, and you guys don't have any gas stations with gallons of Mobile 1... How many revs to shutdown do you get now?
 
You count them! 1 turn of the platter, 2 turns of the platter, 3 turns... and so on. Just stop numbering when the platter stops and post the last number. It gives you something to do while you wait for 90 seconds and gives me a meaningful scale of bearing health.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom