Garrard 401 bearing question

[broncobillyo]

My 401 oil bearing - the one with the top oil screw - does not have the inner washer as in this photo. It runs silently, plays at the correct speed, and there is no wear on the spindle but it doesn't spin for ages when the motor is off (and brake not applied) I cleaned the bearing, it was wet. It is not bent. I used 3 and 1 Blue oil.

Two questions:
1. Is the washer needed?
2. Is the "tight" bearing normal or should it spin for ages?

[duficity]

The purpose of the washer is to provide a replaceable wear surface for the bearing to ride in. Otherwise, over time, you may develop a pit in the bearing well. It may also be used as a spacer to raise the platter enough for clearance. Without it, over time, the platter might drop enough to rub. Any hard plastic such as Delrin can used to replace the washer, or even copper or brass. You want something softer than the steel ball or shaft, so it wears and not your bearing.

Of course, it may take a lifetime to wear enough to notice.

[LPfan]

All 401s are oil bearing.

The 401 has a dome shaped thrustpad and the flat bottom of spindle rides on it. If the top of the dome is worn and has developed a flat, the thrustpad should be replaced.

Regards,

LPfan

[broncobillyo]

Thanks guys. The thrust pad looks like the one in the photo.

[folkishienne]

401 spin down times are generally faster (That is to say rotates less) than ball bearing type arrangements. The felt oil washer on the top of the housing / spindle may cause some drag / slowing.The oil type used will also effect spin down times. Most specifically the 'domed' thrust bearing has more surface contact than a ball bearing contact which in turn equals more friction / drag. Many people speak of the benefits of a ball bearing thrust arrangement for the 401 however it should be noted that Garrard themselves were well aware of the ball bearing type arrangement and opted not to go down this route even though the motor incorporates a small ball bearing for the stator. Even the less expensive 4HF has an incorporated ball bearing in the base of the spindle. The domed bearing would have cost Garrard considerably more to make than a ball bearing arrangement, (As would the flat 301 bearing) so the question that arises here is 'Why domed not ball?" Certainly the domed 401 thrust was deemed as an improvement for STEREO reproduction in contrast to the 'FLAT' 301 and very early 401 thrust bearing...

[LPfan]

Certainly the domed 401 thrust was deemed as an improvement for STEREO reproduction in contrast to the 'FLAT' 301 and very early 401 thrust bearing...

So if I replace the flat thrustpad on my 301 with a ball (of softer material than the spindle)will that result in better stereo reproduction?

Regards,

LPfan

[Mark E Smith's Dentist]

So if I replace the flat thrustpad on my 301 with a ball (of softer material than the spindle)will that result in better stereo reproduction?

Regards,

LPfan

I understand that it will lower the noise floor but some people believe it detracts from the "Garrard sound".


JT