Michell Gyrodec, main bearing lube

Lot's of great comments here.  I've had my Gyro since 02.  I change the oil every year with 5w30 full synthetic Mobile One.  New belt every 4-5 years.  It's an amazingly well designed table.  It's really easy as others have described.  I'm not sure about the little ball bearing replacement.  I've never had issues with my original.  Good luck!  You can do this!

@quincy Across multiple forums, there are individuals with various Skill Sets investigating and creating methods to improve on the Mechanical Interfaces on TT's of all Drive Types.

Belt Drives are well known for modifications and this area extends to the Gyro Deck and Orbe.

In numerous cases the changes made are reversible, but after being experienced usually not wanted to be reversed.

The most simplistic modifications is to change a Ball / Thrust Pad Assembly using Original but New Materials or alternate types of New Materials.    

As for the Gyro since 02, Oil changes are not going to prevent the Spindle Ball from coming into contact other Metals at a Interface. The Ball is a Sacrificial Part and if not exchanged, in the case of your Gyro, has 22 years of usage.

Has the Ball been checked for scribing or Pitting on the surface?

Has the other parts the Ball Interfaces with been checked for excess indentation caused from metal on metal grinding away the surface?   

Pin, all good points!  Thanks for the reply!

It has been my understanding that the small ball bearing is only a 'catch bearing '.  The hydro dynamic concept used by Michael slightly lifts the platter onto a thin film of oil, and off of the balls contact surface. It ( the ball) comes into play when the platter is at rest.  Hence the name, catch bearing!   

I have and do examine the flat area on the spindle ' post' for any marks ruled unusual, with a good magnifying glass, and so far so good...

The idea is to keep spindle afloat when it spins so it needs very thin layer of oil every once in a while not only around ball bearing, but around the spindle as well. Firearm oil is ideal for that.

I cleaned my VPI Superscoutmaster similar to how HDM describes.  ,,,the turntable was dragging and not staying on speed.   I used  Hoppes #9 gun cleaner that I use to clean my firearms.....boy did it do a wonderful job with the VPI.....steady as a rock!!