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Technics SL-23 - Cleaning/lubing spindle -- Loose motor [?]

M

MarcCossette

New Member
Hi all,

Looking to do some more maintenance on my Technics SL-23 after getting it earlier this summer.

I already bought some spindle oil from KAB and applied a couple of drops to the motor.

I'm looking to clean and lubricate the spindle as well, but just want to confirm what's the preferred lubricant. From what I've seen online, I'm expecting the spindle to be covered in grease. Once it's clean, is it preferable to use the Technics spindle oil or should I apply white lithium grease instead?

Also wondering whether there should be any play when it comes to the motor. If I pull up gently on the capstan, I can tilt the motor unit off to the side — especially towards the spindle. Is it supposed to be loose that way or should I be looking to tighten that down somehow?

Cheers!
 
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If you download the manual from Vinyl Engine it says no lubrication needed fr motor.

I did add a few drops around the spindle I did not think it would hurt.

As far as play I have the platter on and do not notice any play. But I did not take the platter off.

I veneered my plinth in which I broke a tonearm wire and had to rewire. I used KAB also. Very painful process but it is now up and running great.

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Sweet veneer work. Looks great.

With the table being 41 years old, I figured the motor could use a couple of drops of oil.

Still not sure what's best to use to lubricate the spindle.
 
One bottle will last you a lifetime for most of your hobby related lubrication

A little drop will do you



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You cannot lubricate the main spindle bearing of the SL-23 from above. You have to remove the bottom, remove the retaining screw on the spindle bearing, then pull the spindle out of the bearing. These were lubricated from the factory with a dark grease. That grease has probably seen better days. Clean off all the grease from the spindle and out of the bearing pit with alcohol, then apply a good quality lubricant to the shaft and put several drops in the bearing. If you overfill, it will squeeze out the retaining screw hole or out the top. Reinstall the retaining screw and you're good for another decade or so.
 
As far as car engine oil is concerned, I have used it in the past, but I'm not sure it belongs in a turntable bearing. Engine oil is loaded with additives to clean soot and sludge, suspend by-products of combustion besides lubricate and cool.
 
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Engine oil is OK, just use synthetic. The additives are not that caustic, and today's engines are filled with plastics, so no worries there.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

The cleaning seems to have helped stabilize the speed. I'm thinking any residual movement might just be due to some imperfections in the platter.
 
Good synthetic motor oil works fine on the spindle and the motor too. In fact oiling that motor is good preemptive move. I've seen a number of Technics belt drive motors seize from lack of lube. The play you feel in the motor mounting is also normal. It's mounted with rubber bushings which intentionally have play.
 
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