Thorens TP-16 horizontal bearing screws

[Dragan Gecan]

Hi,

After I couldn't adjust the play of my TP-16 tonearm I removed the two horizontal bearing screw and found out that there was no balls in either of them.
Now I'm trying to find the replacement but different sources tell be different part numbers and I'm not sure what will fir and what is different between ball bearing screws of different Thorens tonearms (TP11, TP14 etc.)
Would it be possible to get new steel balls and asamble it back? Are the balls suppose to fall out or did previous owner damaged them?

To me it seems there are two possible parts: 7.874.014 or 7.876.005 but I'm not usre what is the difference they look the same to me.

Appriciate any help I can get.

 

[gadget73]

hm, just to confirm you're talking about these yes?

https://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp6-pics/Thorens_Gallery/TP16pics/DSC_5583.jpg

those are supposed to be captive in the screws, though I don't know how they are actually held in.

not sure about a source for them honestly, its never something I've had to figure out.

 

[Dragan Gecan]

hm, just to confirm you're talking about these yes?

https://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp6-pics/Thorens_Gallery/TP16pics/DSC_5583.jpg

those are supposed to be captive in the screws, though I don't know how they are actually held in.

not sure about a source for them honestly, its never something I've had to figure out.

Hi,
Yes that's it. Only mine looks as shown in the photo. Someone before me busted them.
I'm confused a bit with which ones to get becasue the 7.876.005 is apparently for TP16 and 7874.014 is for TP11 and then there are others nad they all look the same to me. The only difference is the tool you need and some need the locking nut and some dont. But there may be more to it.

 

[DavidTT]

I'd send a message to @ddarch who operates Vinyl Nirvana online and guess he could assist. Worst case might be to buy a tear-down arm and scavenge the pivots as required. These tonearms don't cost much on the aftermarket.

 

[Dragan Gecan]

I'd send a message to @ddarch who operates Vinyl Nirvana online and guess he could assist. Worst case might be to buy a tear-down arm and scavenge the pivots as required. These tonearms don't cost much on the aftermarket.

Thank you.

 

[milanomike]

If you need ball bearings, I had an issue some years back with an Elac 40. These guys have all kinds of bearings and shipped the order right away.

Loose Steel, Ceramic Bearing Balls Online

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vxb.com

 

[DavidTT]

Oh and btw for the OP, the TP-16 is a really good tonearm IMO and worth the time and trouble to make right.