Systemdek IIX maintenance

[51514brad]

I have a Systemdek IIX that I picked up years ago for a song. I downloaded the manual here and read that when first assembling a Systemdek, oil was to be added to the bearing. After all these years should I clean and re-oil the bearing to ensure continued operation? If so, what would I use to clean the bearing and what oil would be recommended on the bearing afterwards?

If anyone has photos of this process, I would appreciate them as I'm a bit hesitant to start taking my turntable apart without a visual aid.

Thanks in advance,

Brad

[JaS]

It's worth doing if you don't know how long the oil has been in there?

It's basically a matter of carefully lifting the sub-platter/spindle assembly from the bearing well (don't lose the bearing ball from the bottom when lifting out!) and cleaning all bearing surfaces with a lint free cloth/ear buds/degreaser* as necessary. Check the bearing ball (if not captive) for wear and replace if worn/pitted - these can be bought cheaply from any bearing stockists. For oil, Systemdek recommend 0.8ml of HP90 gear oil and if you have the older 'oil pump' bearing (teardrop armboard, grooves on the bearing) I'd avoid using anything thinner, whereas later plain spindle bearings seem to run happily (and quietly) on EP80 / medium gear oil / SAE20/30 machine oil. It's worth grabbing a couple of small syringe bodies, one for removing any old oil in the bearing well and one for dropping the new oil into the well. Also don't force the spindle into the well; give it time to settle naturally.

Regards,
JaS

* Lighter fuel, isopropyl alcohol, meths etc

[goatbreath]

I'm pretty nervous to do my old wood framed Planar 2,Rega warn against it etc..They say it is hard to reseat the bearing..Is this just Rega strangeness like tonearm height and geometry being questioned..Is it harder to change the oil on a rega..???

[JaS]

Is it harder to change the oil on a rega..???

No, it's a doddle Ignore Rega's advice to remove the bearing from the plinth though..

1. Undo hub nut and remove washer. Remove hub/bearing from turntable. As the brass bearing bush is designed to fit tightly in the plinth, gentle tapping on the base of the bearing bush with a plastic hammer may be necessary. (We advise that this is not done in front of the customer!)

2. Slowly withdraw the hub from the brass bearing bush, (if the hub is pulled out quickly the ball bearing may inadvertently be sucked out and lost). Remove ball bearing by turning the bearing bush upside down and tapping sharply.

3. It is important that both the hub spindle and the inside of the bearing bush are cleaned and degreased thoroughly. This is best done using a solvent cleaner containing 1.1.1. trichloroethane which is available from R.S Components Ltd. A small amount of this can be poured into the bearing bush, and with a finger placed over the hole, shaken thoroughly and poured out. To clean the spindle apply the solvent to a piece of lint-free cloth or kitchen paper. Wipe both spindle and the ball bearing with same and replace.

4. Fit the hub back into the bearing bush and spin to check that it is running freely. If its not, return complete assembly to Rega

5. If all is well, remove hub from bearing bush then tilt the bearing bush and place two drops of Comma Hypoid EP80, Castrol EPX80w/90 or Shell Spirax EP90, as recommended, in the position as illustrated. Do not use more than two drops.

6. With the bush still tilted, slide hub (without twisting) back into bearing bush. This method should ensure a release passage for trapped air.

7. Spin hub to evenly distribute oil and refit into turntable. Replace washer and tighten nut firmly, using an adjustable spanner or Rega tool, to approximately 5Nm, (a full explanation of this torque can be found on Explanation of torque)


IMPORTANT
It is essential that the recommended oil is used as any other lubricant will break down under pressure, causing wear. It is available from most car accessory shops or from Rega, free of charge. Degreasing: RS Components stock a solvent cleaner containing 1.1.1.
trichloroethane which is suitable for degreasing the hub/bearing assembly and lift lower assembly. Please note warning on solvent tin

Regards,
JaS

[51514brad]

Thanks, JaS. As soon as I find the appropriate oil I'll do this. I live in a rural area so that may have to be done via an on-line distributor although I have seen some on that certain shopping site. Here's the link, if you know anything about this particular product, please let me know.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TOP-synthetic-oi ... 4cf2cd85f3

Thanks in advance,

Brad

[goatbreath]

Thanks Jas..

[JaS]

Here's the link, if you know anything about this particular product, please let me know

Sorry, I've no idea if it's suitable as it doesn't give any specs? The seller claims it's suitable for all bearings, which to me implies he doesn't know much about bearings

Regards,
JaS

[51514brad]

I was hesitant myself to order it. I'll look around and see if I can find some on-line.

Brad