I need to repair an Oracle TT bearing

[240z4u]

I can definitely get the old bushings out, thats no problem. I have an arbor press at work.

I am just really worried about getting in "too deep" and not being able to put it back together.

My buddy is giving me his kenwood turntable, which I can use for a temp table while this project goes underway.

Evan

Sounds like oillite is not the bushing of choice for this application.

I am really sorry if I am being too timid about this whole project, I am just not the finest machinist LOL. I don't want to ruin anything Haha.

[Vinyl-Addict]

Originally posted by 240z4u
I can definitely get the old bushings out, thats no problem. I have an arbor press at work.

I am just really worried about getting in "too deep" and not being able to put it back together.

My buddy is giving me his kenwood turntable, which I can use for a temp table while this project goes underway.

Evan

Sounds like oillite is not the bushing of choice for this application.

I am really sorry if I am being too timid about this whole project, I am just not the finest machinist LOL. I don't want to ruin anything Haha.

Oillite bushings are great. You just have to perform the correct process if a precision fit is important. If you do remove the bushings, make sure you measure how deep they are pressed into the bearing housing. If you can't get someone to do the job I may be able to help but I am swamped right now and wouldn't be able to touch it for a few weeks. Can you post a top and bottom image of the bearing housing when you have time?

[240z4u]

No problem on the pictures. I would be willing to wait for months if I knew that someone cared enough to do it right.

Ill snap some photos.

Evan

[240z4u]

Here are the pictures. The bearing assembly unbolts from the subassembly. The bottom bearing looks just like the top. Its hidden behind a little plate that has the thrust bearing integrated into it.

Note the MDF, this is the remains of one beatup oracle alexandria.

Evan

[240z4u]

Heres the bottom picture.

[Nanook]

if the plinth is mdf, painted , then it is a Mklll. If aluminum , then a Mkll. How did the bushing get beat up? I've owned my Alex for more than 15 years with no problems.

Except the mistake of putting an old SME 3009 on it, and never getting it "right. Finally put a magnesium 309 and magic...

any machinist worthy of his job should be able to make a new bushing for you. Too bad Oracle didn't sell you a new bearing well...

[240z4u]

I don't remember which one it is.

The original plinth was a composite plastic. The spring tower mount broke off of the table.

As for the bearing, if you do some reading you will find that most of the bearings in these tables are worn. its very common.

I could never figure out why I wasn't happy with the sound of my table and after the advice of some guys online I took the bearing assy. apart.

The top bearing was absolutely fine, however the bottom one is not as tight as it should be. I took apart the bearing assembly and flipped it over and slid it onto the shaft with just the bottom bearing. Lots of play.

Just for an experiement to see if it was the bearing, I ran a heavier (well tempered silicone) oil in it. The sound quality was dramatically better.

The old plastic plinths in these things sag, and then its impossible to level the table. My solution was to gut the oracle (since its already broken) and build a new plinth. Another common problem is the aluminum subassembly warps/twists. Mine is in good shape.

Also, the genious who had this table filled the whole damn table with lead!!! Thing was rediculously heavy, and it screwed up the suspension. No doubt was the reason the plinth broke.

I just don't want to go any further until I figure out that the bearing is pristine. Does not make too much sense to build a table around damaged goods.

Evan

[240z4u]

Oracle was not in the least bit helpful. They didnt offer me parts or anything!

Doubtful I will ever own another.

Evan

BTW, I have a well tempered classic on my table.

[Nanook]

your experiences haven't been good with Oracle. Here's a real problem: the company moved from Quebec to New Brunswick for tax purposes (I always question the financial stability of a company that does this if it isn't some large multinational), and back to Quebec.

The worst thing that has happened to Oracle is that the Riendineau brothers (if I recall correctly) had a squabble, and Marcel became Oracle. Oracle has always seemed to struggle (as many high end manufacturers do). ASFAIK, the Mklll bearing is different. I've never had an issue, although perhaps I need to check out the play with a local machinist. I am unsure if I have the same style bearing/bushing set up as your table. I'll take a closer look.

The best thing I can recommend to any with an Oracle is to ditch the "Prelude" arm if they haven't already...it was/is a completely bad arm. If an MDF plinth, then please remake it. I do know some who filled the bottom of the plinth with a mixture of lead shot and epoxy, to good effect, but personally I wouldn't do that. I'd use fun-tack or similar non-hardening putty to fill the plastic. Several I know swear it improves the table--I would just do something that was reversible if I didn't like the results.

[240z4u]

I would definitely reccomend checking out the bearing. Yours might be different. I checked mine by feel, its obviously worn. There is a definite rocking motion present in the bottom that its not there on the top side.

I have the plastic plinth, ill have to take pictures, its broken so I really need to make something nice if I am going to go to the trouble of making it work.

IMO the plastic plinth is kinda cheesy, seems like it would warp if you put too much weight in it.

I have a well tempered tonearm, so I am set there. I never knew the prelude was not a good arm though.

Thanks - Evan