Best solvent to clean out main turntable bearing?

johnm · 29th June 2008, 01:05 PM

Hi folks.

Can't seem to find any solid answers to this, but I was wandering what the best solvent (available in the UK) is for cleaning out the oil bearing housing of a Garrard 401 (or any turntable for that matter) ?

Is white spirit or methylated spirit safe to use?

Many thanks,

- John

oshifis · 29th June 2008, 05:42 PM

I use dry kitchen paper towel for cleaning the sleeve bearings of my turntable.

wakibaki · 29th June 2008, 05:55 PM

Yes, but do not drink either.

Meth is not a solvent for most oils, white spirit is. Lighter fluid would be my choice out of the things I've got handy. The chance of damage to something as hard as a bearing is small, just don't get anything abrasive in there, and don't leave any moisture.

w

...or you could use WD40.

dnsey · 29th June 2008, 07:42 PM

For anyone reading this thread looking for more general advice, remember that *sintered* bearings absorb whatever they are soaked in. In this case, solvents aren't a good idea. A few hours soaking in a suitable oil (preferably heated) is all that's usually required.

johnm · 29th June 2008, 09:21 PM

Wouldn't think of it (hic!...... damn!).

Thanks for all the advice - will try the heated oil approach. I believe the bearings in the 401 are sintered (according to: http://www.slatedeck.com/turntables/...0Bearings.html)

What's the best way to heat the oil? Hair dryer, or perhaps placing the oil in a container, then placing container in boiling water, or something else?

Thanks,

- John

wakibaki · 29th June 2008, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dnsey
remember that *sintered* bearings absorb whatever they are soaked in. In this case, solvents aren't a good idea.

Thanks, I wasn't aware that sintered bearings were employed here...

w

owen · 1st July 2008, 04:20 PM

Sintered bearings can be solvent washed clean, and should be, if the bearing has been allowed to 'dry-out'.

It will need re-filling with oil - best done as a heat soak, rinse with clean oil (to ensure all solvent is driven off), and a final heat soak.

The longer the better for both stages, and it will STINK...

Afterwards, wipe the exterior, and degrease the base of the bearing, before applying a new gasket using something like blue hylomar.

Add some oil, and gently insert main shaft - if you use the felt ring, it will soak up some of the excess, and ensure continuing lubrication...

Owen

dnsey · 1st July 2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Sintered bearings can be solvent washed clean, and should be, if the bearing has been allowed to 'dry-out'.

Agreed, I meant that they shouldn't just be rinsed in situ, then a smear of oil applied, as one might with ballraces etc.

I just heat the oil in a small pan over a stove. I guess there's a degree of risk, but no more than in making chips!

johnm · 1st July 2008, 09:30 PM

In the end I merely poured the oil into a beer glass I had to hand (!) and put the housing in there, leaving it on the window sill - been so hot it's doing the job nicely. Will leave it a day more than clean it up.

Just hope I don't pick up the wrong pint glass..... the colour is exactly the same as a good ale

- John

29th June 2008, 01:05 PM	#1
johnm diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Hampshire	Best solvent to clean out main turntable bearing? Hi folks. Can't seem to find any solid answers to this, but I was wandering what the best solvent (available in the UK) is for cleaning out the oil bearing housing of a Garrard 401 (or any turntable for that matter) ? Is white spirit or methylated spirit safe to use? Many thanks, - John

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29th June 2008, 05:42 PM	#2
oshifis diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Budapest, Hungary	I use dry kitchen paper towel for cleaning the sleeve bearings of my turntable.

29th June 2008, 05:55 PM	#3
wakibaki Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Blog Entries: 2	Yes, but do not drink either. Meth is not a solvent for most oils, white spirit is. Lighter fluid would be my choice out of the things I've got handy. The chance of damage to something as hard as a bearing is small, just don't get anything abrasive in there, and don't leave any moisture. w ...or you could use WD40.

29th June 2008, 07:42 PM	#4
dnsey diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Shropshire, England	For anyone reading this thread looking for more general advice, remember that sintered bearings absorb whatever they are soaked in. In this case, solvents aren't a good idea. A few hours soaking in a suitable oil (preferably heated) is all that's usually required.

29th June 2008, 09:21 PM	#5
johnm diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Hampshire	Wouldn't think of it (hic!...... damn!). Thanks for all the advice - will try the heated oil approach. I believe the bearings in the 401 are sintered (according to: http://www.slatedeck.com/turntables/...0Bearings.html) What's the best way to heat the oil? Hair dryer, or perhaps placing the oil in a container, then placing container in boiling water, or something else? Thanks, - John

1st July 2008, 04:20 PM	#7
owen diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Shilton	Sintered bearings can be solvent washed clean, and should be, if the bearing has been allowed to 'dry-out'. It will need re-filling with oil - best done as a heat soak, rinse with clean oil (to ensure all solvent is driven off), and a final heat soak. The longer the better for both stages, and it will STINK... Afterwards, wipe the exterior, and degrease the base of the bearing, before applying a new gasket using something like blue hylomar. Add some oil, and gently insert main shaft - if you use the felt ring, it will soak up some of the excess, and ensure continuing lubrication... Owen

1st July 2008, 09:30 PM	#9
johnm diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Hampshire	In the end I merely poured the oil into a beer glass I had to hand (!) and put the housing in there, leaving it on the window sill - been so hot it's doing the job nicely. Will leave it a day more than clean it up. Just hope I don't pick up the wrong pint glass..... the colour is exactly the same as a good ale - John

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