FFS fellas - the whole point of the LP12 design WAS the single point bearing in an oil-bath design, the rest 'borrowed' a lot from the TD150 ime.

The two platters weren't ever matched pairs I agree, BUT, any bell modes were all but removed using a two-part platter. The fact they are all but the same size as the donor TD150 design is irrelevant here - they had drifted slightly apart in dimensions so the Thorens originals don't quite interchange with Linn ones, but you can see the broad dimensional similarity side by side

Linn had good long lasting bearings BUT ALSO others from the mid 80's sadly which are highly suspect today in terms of wear and were borderline when new, being 'saved' by the black oil Linn introduced (there was a bad batch in '85 or so and the worst ones failed in half an hour of use I remember, the spindle tip having a burn mark at the bottom rather than a polished 'running mark' on the very tip). One deck I set up recently from the early 80's (from memory, dark bearing sleeves) was absolutely perfect, with not even a running mark on the spindle tip. Other white sleeved pre-Cirkus bearings (and sadly, apparently one or two Cirkus ones as well!) can show pronounced wear after thirty odd years, the polished 'flat' on the spindle tip becoming 'dirty' looking despite the effectiveness of Linn's 'black' oil in bringing wear in borderline-hardened thrust plates down. This does seem to have an audible effect on a good system.

For the stock Linn bearing in good order, Tiger Paw do a magnetic arrangement which involves two opposing magnet 'rings,' one which fits around the bearing well on the sub-chassis (it seems to fit without stripping anything down) and the other a ceramic? ring attached to the underside of the sub-chassis. It works superbly to reduce loading on the spindle and bearing thrust plate (I was told by around 75% but can't be sure), is easily removed if necessary and I was told by 'ears' I trust it has definite sonic benefits too... I can't find it, but if you contact them, they can help and Roger knows how to set the deck up in stock form too so can advise if you find some Linn dealers a bit much

Parting shot - old geriatric LP12 wrecks have MANY potential issues structurally and sonically, believe me, the current offering in a different sonic world to early 80's models fitted with Ittoks and similar (I've done the comparisons and have huge regard for the current issue LP12, if not the stupidly ott prices Linn want now for a 'blue printed' TD150). The main bearing in good order is one of the quietest out there and with good tolerances in the sleeving supporting all that mass and any noises in the deck at all are usually motor or old belt related (fifty quid for a belt is an absolute joke methinks). Go back to the stock bearing unless it's knackered and get the sodding thing properly set up. they don't drift so much these days and if the deck is years old as many are now, the wooden parts should have compressed in nicely, not needing such regular attention.

Sadly, Derek Jenkins is no longer with us, but he was an LP12 expert in southern England and worked around one or two London dealers (KJ and Infidelity at least). Surely he had trained acolytes to take over from him now he's sadly passed away.

I dunno, just chuck the bloody thing out and replace with a Spacedeck, Rega 8 or Technics or summat - They'd save many headaches and may well sound tons better too....