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VPI bearing oil/grease?

I know this has been discussed and forgive me but I'm a little confused. Most of my confusion is from talking with Mike at VPI. I called VPI years ago to ask what type of lubricant to use, the answer was white lithium grease. ( no mention of any of this in the owner's manual) After my bushings were replaced a few years later with bronze, I inquired as to what oil/grease was recommended. The answer was 40W oil. After reading other posts here, I've read that Mike has recommended Mobil synthetic, I don't ever recall them recommending VPI bearing grease to me or anyone. I'd like to get a definitive answer from VPI users here. Thanks.
128x128slaw
frogman
7,409 posts
 
I have owned one HW19 MK I, one MK II, two MK IV platters over the years; and now a TNT MK V platter on my TNT. I have also checked a few similar platters owned by others. Every single one had some degree of noticeable play/rocking in the bearing well. Markd51's info is correct except for the implication that lithium grease, or some other type of high-viscosity oil is not appropiate for the older non-inverted type bearings. The bearings were not machined to tight enough tolerances to make the use of high-viscosity oils/grease impractical. It is appropriate to use them; or more accurately, it can be. This per VPI's recommendation.

Again, it is most definitely worthwhile to experiment with lithium grease in these bearings. It will make the table quieter, and les bright, but potentially less dynamic. A worthwhile, and easily reversible tweak.
br3098
994 posts
 
When I used to work in a machine shop (college job, many lifetimes ago) the guy responsible for the high precision lathes used to use STP Oil Treatment to lube his machine. Other freinds of mine who are shooters use the same stuff to lube their reloading presses. On a whim I have tried it with my VPI Aries and I think that it works great.

The trick, as with all lubribation for VPI decks, is to not use too much lubricant. For a standard (non-inverted) bearing use 2-3 drops into the bottom of the well and a THIN coating on the bearing itself. Thin means almost microscopically thin - you are not trying to actually lube the bearing, but rather to fill in the microscopic grooves in the metal. Capillary action will take care of the rest after the oil heats up.
oakleys
78 posts
 
br3098 thanks for the tip!
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
STP Oil Treatment is awfully thick and used to be recommended for tonearm damping because of its high viscosity. I know you said only 2-3 drops, but still ...
br3098
994 posts
 
Dopogue said:
STP Oil Treatment is awfully thick and used to be recommended for tonearm damping because of its high viscosity. I know you said only 2-3 drops, but still ...

Yeah, I know... that was my thought as well. But it's not as viscous as grease. Maybe it wouldn't be the best thing to use if your listening room gets cold, but my room is never below 68 degrees, at least when I'm in it.

It has worked well for me but YMMV.
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