The last piece to go

[Jac Hawk]

So over the weekend I decided to give my Rega based deck the once over, check that all weights and alignments were still bang on, dust clean etc. So whilst doing all of this I noticed that the bearing was a little noisy, so I cleaned it and re-oiled it but the noise was still there, so I tried it with the original sub platter to see if the noise was being caused by upgraded sub platter I had bought a few years ago, but no joy and still the sound was there.

As many of you know this deck is somewhat of a “triggers broom” and the only parts that remain from the original planar 3 are the bearing sleeve and the ball, so I’m a little sad to see it go, but go it must and I’ve decided on a reference bearing and sub platter from Ben at Fidelity Designs as the 2 pieces are made together and matched to each other for better performance, it makes sense to me to buy them like this even if I’m replacing a sub platter that’s only 3 or 4 years old.

[Pigmy Pony]

So over the weekend I decided to give my Rega based deck the once over, check that all weights and alignments were still bang on, dust clean etc. So whilst doing all of this I noticed that the bearing was a little noisy, so I cleaned it and re-oiled it but the noise was still there, so I tried it with the original sub platter to see if the noise was being caused by upgraded sub platter I had bought a few years ago, but no joy and still the sound was there.

As many of you know this deck is somewhat of a “triggers broom” and the only parts that remain from the original planar 3 are the bearing sleeve and the ball, so I’m a little sad to see it go, but go it must and I’ve decided on a reference bearing and sub platter from Ben at Fidelity Designs as the 2 pieces are made together and matched to each other for better performance, it makes sense to me to buy them like this even if I’m replacing a sub platter that’s only 3 or 4 years old.

After you've done this you will be free to give your turntable a new name, as it will be totally unique. I'd suggest MikeDec, or maybe Decky McDeckface :)

[Jac Hawk]

After you've done this you will be free to give your turntable a new name, as it will be totally unique. I'd suggest MikeDec, or maybe Decky McDeckface :)

Ha!! somehow i don't think so.

[Sherwood]

Trigger's broom!

[Jac Hawk]

What a difference the new bearing makes, it turned out the old one was fine it just needed a little more oil, but the new Fidelity Designs Reference bearing is a definite step up from the standard Rega, at high volume it's silent whereas with the old one there was a little background rumble which was audible between tracks.

Ben at Fidelity Designs is a top bloke and his prices are very reasonable, so if you're thinking of going for a groovetracer or tangospinner then honestly Bens prices will make you smile, so photos:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50754347136_4fc0fab8f3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kjZi9C)sleeve (https://flic.kr/p/2kjZi9C) by mike davis (https://www.flickr.com/photos/185433896@N07/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50753616903_2d64e56e13_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kjVy5p)spindle (https://flic.kr/p/2kjVy5p) by mike davis (https://www.flickr.com/photos/185433896@N07/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50753617893_b0f9fc04aa_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kjVynt)splatter1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kjVynt) by mike davis (https://www.flickr.com/photos/185433896@N07/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50754451672_b98b146827_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kjZQdY)splatter (https://flic.kr/p/2kjZQdY) by mike davis (https://www.flickr.com/photos/185433896@N07/), on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/185433896@N07/shares/03sGh2
https://www.flickr.com/photos/185433896@N07/shares/03sGh2

[guy]

How old were the "bearing sleeve" and ball bearing?

[Jac Hawk]

The sleeve and ball were as old as the original donor deck which hailed from the 70’s

[guy]

Not done too badly then :)

[Old Grey Grump]

Mike, forgive me for asking a dumb question, but what does the bearing noise you experienced sound like, and is it audible e.g. when spinning the platter with nothing playing?

[Jac Hawk]

Mike, forgive me for asking a dumb question, but what does the bearing noise you experienced sound like, and is it audible e.g. when spinning the platter with nothing playing?

It was a periodic scraping sound, it wasn't there all the time and got better as i added oil, however as soon as i heard it i ordered a whole new sub platter assembly and bearing from Ben, my thinking is that the spindle and sleeve should be made together, matched so to speak to get the best performance and the new parts certainly don't disappoint.

Once i replaced the sleeve i gave the original a damn good clean and filled it with oil, stuck it in an old plinth and gave it a spin, it's running smooth again with no scraping noises, if i was going to reuse it i'd maybe replace the ball, but to be honest if there is anyone out there that want's the subplatter and sleeve assembly then they can have it gratis.

[Old Grey Grump]

It was a periodic scraping sound, it wasn't there all the time and got better as i added oil, however as soon as i heard it i ordered a whole new sub platter assembly and bearing from Ben, my thinking is that the spindle and sleeve should be made together, matched so to speak to get the best performance and the new parts certainly don't disappoint.

Once i replaced the sleeve i gave the original a damn good clean and filled it with oil, stuck it in an old plinth and gave it a spin, it's running smooth again with no scraping noises, if i was going to reuse it i'd maybe replace the ball, but to be honest if there is anyone out there that want's the subplatter and sleeve assembly then they can have it gratis.

Thanks, I've read a lot about platter bearing wear but not so much about how it manifests, so that's good to know and shall be added to my 'TT maintenance' library.

[Audio Al]

After you've done this you will be free to give your turntable a new name, as it will be totally unique. I'd suggest MikeDec, or maybe Decky McDeckface :)

How about " Hawk 1 "