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Don't use this to lube your VPI Classic bearing

I recently lubricated the bearing on my Classic using white lithium grease purchased from ACE Hardware. The brand is AGS; it came in a white 1.25 oz tube. After about a week, I heard a whooshing sound coming from (under) the platter at each spin. I removed the platter and the sight was not pretty - some of the grease turned into a gooey brown substance and pooled at the bottom of the shaft; there were some chunks of the grease inside the hollow. I didn't use that much of it and it looked worse than after a full year of use with the original job performed by VPI.

I cleaned it all out, and the whooshing sound went away. So if your Classic is due for maintenance, stay away from this particular product.

Does any Classic owner have a brand/product they can recommend for lubricating the bearing? Considering that you only need a little bit of it about once a year, $26 for the lube from VPI is a bit steep.
actusreus
semi
649 posts
 
I am biker so I am familiar with all the grease mentioned above, but one that was not mentioned which I like best is Super Lube. Super Lube used to only make spray, they now have grease as well. It's Teflon based, super slick, and can support heavy load.

White lithium is intended for high speed bearing for bike hub, does not necessarily work better in a slow spin platter. I have 3 tubes of lithium grease at home, but I stick with Super Lube for my TT.
dover
2,255 posts
 
Please beware Teflon based oils and greases - the Teflon particles can embed themselves into the surface of the metal bearings, then metal particles embed themselves into the Teflon, resulting in INCREASED bearing wear.
Personally I never use teflon based lubricants on metal bearings.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
To add to Dover's post, I vaguely recall reading an old post where someone mentioned VPI did not recommend Teflon based lubricants.
semi
649 posts
 
I did check with Mike before about Super Lube, he knew the product and recommended it. Maybe I should check with him again...
swanny76109
382 posts
 
Magic Lube (1 Oz.) 26.00 is what is listed on VPIs part/price list under all TTs they make. Not Super Lube, or anything else.

A google search turned up this: aladdin1950.com/images/partsbook/page_2-3%20_magic%20_lube.pdf

I am sure you can buy it for a lot less than 26 bucks for a one oz tube.

This is the same stuff I just used when I changed the gasket on my swimming pool pump lid. I have a tube that my repair guy accidentally left, so I think I am going to try it. This has got to be it, right?

For the record, this is indeed a PTFE base. It is non petroleum and safe for plastics and synthetics, very clear, and very sticky and viscous. It however, is NOT white lithium grease. Again, the disconnect between the manual and reality.

VPI is not in this week due to Capital Audiofest, can someone else confirm if this is the right "Stuff?"
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