Rega planar 3 bearing and oil

Pepboys, autozone, some grocery store etc etc

Hypoid gear oil (80w) is put into manual transmissions. I got the information to use hypoid gear oil from a former Rega dealer on another forum, and it does make perfect sense.

A manual transmission is hardened steel with brass synchro rings, and must be lubricated against high pressure metal-metal contact. Gear oil is a high-viscosity oil loaded with sulphur (and probably other stuff) to give it good lubrication properties under high loads. The rega bearing is a deep brass hole into which a steel spindle is inserted, riding on a small steel ballbearing.

The problem is that you have to buy a quart of the stuff, and think you probably only require 2-3 drops. Try not to miss the bearing well as it stinks and it's tricky to clean off the plinth. A dropper would be handy.

Rega dealers will also sell oil for reasonable money, but I have no reason to be anywhere near one, so I just picked up the castrol on my regular visit to the auto store.

At the risk of being pedantic here is Rega's official recommendation for lubrication.> Cleaning Hub/Bearing
> 1. Undo hub nut and remove washer. Remove hub/bearing from turntable. As the brass bearing bush is designed to fit tightly in the plinth, gentle tapping on the base of the bearing bush with a plastic hammer may be necessary. (We advise that this is not done in front of the customer!)
> 2. Slowly withdraw the hub from the brass bearing bush, (if the hub is pulled out quickly the ball bearing may inadvertently be sucked out and lost). Remove ball bearing by turning the bearing bush upside down and tapping sharply.
> 3. It is important that both the hub spindle and the inside of the bearing bush are cleaned and degreased thoroughly. This is best done using a solvent cleaner containing 1.1.1. trichloroethane which is available from R.S Components Ltd. A small amount of this can be poured into the bearing bush, and with a finger placed over the hole, shaken thoroughly and poured out. To clean the spindle apply the solvent to a piece of lint-free cloth or kitchen paper. Wipe both spindle and the ball bearing with same and replace.
> 4. Fit the hub back into the bearing bush and spin to check that it is running freely. If its not, return complete assembly to Rega
> 5. If all is well, remove hub from bearing bush then tilt the bearing bush and place two drops of Comma Hypoid EP80, Castrol EPX80w/90 or Shell Spirax EP90, as recommended, in the position as illustrated. Do not use more than two drops.
> 6. With the bush still tilted, slide hub (without twisting) back into bearing bush. This method should ensure a release passage for trapped air.
> 7. Spin hub to evenly distribute oil and refit into turntable. Replace washer and tighten nut firmly, using an adjustable spanner or Rega tool, to approximately 5Nm, (a full explanation of this torque can be found on Explanation of torque)
> IMPORTANT
> It is essential that the recommended oil is used as any other lubricant will break down under pressure, causing wear. It is available from most car accessory shops or from Rega, free of charge.
> Degreasing: RS Components stock a solvent cleaner containing 1.1.1. trichloroethane which is suitable for degreasing the hub/bearing assembly and lift lower assembly. Please note warning on solvent tin

Thanks Stefan. If you don't want to remove the bearing housing from the plinth then a small magnetic screwdriver can be used to remove the bearing from the well.

For $4 I'll take a punt on a silicon nitride grade 5 bearing and see if it makes any difference. It's only a small part of the bearing assembly, but the fun of trying is worth the $4 admission. If I hear any difference I'll post back.

Where does one go about finding the upgradable bearings? I can't seem to find them.