401 bearing issues

[adrian]

Hello all
I have been servicing my 401 and have a few queries:
1. what oil to use for the spindle lubricant. I have a Martin Bastin thrust pad at the base of the spindle
2, when I replace the heavy platter the spindle does not initially go down to the bottom of the housing. I searched for answers on the web and when I returned to the 401 the platter was in the correct lower position. Might this just be a question of air slowly escaping the bearing housing and the pressure releasing under the weight of the platter? Is it advisable NOT to force the spindle down more quickly?
3. Despite the platter falling into position, there is an intermittent scraping sound when it rotates. It must be sitting fractionally lower. One possible explanation is that 1 of the 3 screws holding the spindle housing in place does not tighten and so the spindle may not be rock solid as befgore. Would I need to go underneath to hold the lock washer and nut in place (somehow!) while I tighten the screw?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions
Best wishes
Adrian

[IslandPink]

I pinged a friend of mine who used to service these, he might offer some advice tomorrow, he said.

[adrian]

Hi Island Pink
thanks very much for that. In fact, further digging found some old threads on the oil to use, so I will re-read those. In the meantime it seems pretty well lubricated for now. On the other issues I re-installed the bearing housing nice and tight, by going at it from above and below, and the scraping has gone. It must be running flatter.
I am about to fettle my Grace arm with NOS Grace HS-5 headshell and Denon 103 cartridge (which I got from Gerry, who many of you will now, yesterday).
Bit of a false alarm all in all, but I would be keen to hear your friend's opinion nevertheless, especially on a tried and trusted brand of oil
All the best
Adrian

[simon]

Mmmm, it's a very long time since I lubed my 401 bearing so I'd be interested too. IIRC I used Hot Wax, an angling product used for reels recommended by Will.

[Daniel Quinn]

I use motor oil. If it's good enough for 50k of mechanical engine parts it's good enough for a bearing

[pre65]

I use motor oil. If it's good enough for 50k of mechanical engine parts it's good enough for a bearing

Not necessarily.