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3.3 Install the Bearing Spindle
Because of the close tolerances in the bearing, both the stainless bearing
spindle and the top journal of the brass bearing housing are
assembled dry
-
with NO lubricant on their surfaces.
This allows trapped air to escape as the spindle seats into the bearing housing.
With normal care, there is no danger of scoring or galling the surfaces.
Add oil to the bearing. Note the ledge about .100" wide (2.5mm) inside the
bearing housing.
This ledge is 1.750" (45mm) from the top of the bearing.
Add oil so that the oil just barely covers this ledge.
If you add a bit too much it will do no harm (minor spillage on the top of the
turntable), but try to cover the ledge with a thin film.
This provides enough oil to fill the small reservoir at the bearing top (the small
rebate on the top surface of the brass housing).
Moisten a paper towel with alcohol and wipe off all oil from:
i. The top journal in the brass bearing housing. This is the surface which
begins at the top of the bearing, extending downward for .750" (19mm)
ii. The stainless bearing spindle
Insert the bearing spindle.
It will meet with resistance as it contacts the oil.
Exert moderate downward pressure on the bearing by pressing the wide
spindle flange with your palms.
The object is to engage the stainless spindle into this lower journal.
The spindle needs to penetrate below the oil level by perhaps 1/8” (3mm).
After you do this, you may install the platter and can spin it to seat the
bearing fully (next section).
The thin oil we specify, in addition to providing superior musical dynamics
than thick oil does, allows for easy seating for a bearing with such fine
tolerances.
Proceed to the next step - to install the platter and fully seat the bearing.
