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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 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?"
brf
1,715 posts
 
No it is not the same stuff. The commercial available "magic lube' is for application on rubber, silicon and like seals and o-ring to lubricate the seal to prevent binding when torqued and tightened.
swanny76109
382 posts
 
I still want to know for sure. The Magic Lube site says:

Specially formulated to be
non-melting, non-volatile, and waterproof, Magic Lube®
has been USDA H-1 rated to be environmentally safe. It
is chemical resistant and compatible with most metals,
rubbers and plastics. It is commonly used on motors,
o-rings, gaskets, bearings, waterfilters and much more.

PS, I just removed the crappy Ace Hardware lithium lube that the OP mentioned at the beginning, using qtips and paper towels, cleaning out the bearing and thrust. I put a dab of the Magic Lube and it seems great so far, doesn't run and quiet and smooth operation. I also ordered some of the Ceramic Grease from a bike shop and want to try that too.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Swanny,

"Magic Lube" is a registered trade name so I certainly hope it's the same product for VPI's sake.

I used this last year and it worked great. I got it at Home Depot. I just hate wasting things. Same with motor oil for the motor. I had to buy a quart of it last year, and you just need a drop!!! Maybe I'll get a Harley when I go through my mid-life crisis instead of upgrading...

I passed both the grease and the oil to a buddy of mine who also has a Classic, but still. Considering how little and how infrequently you need to use it, it'd be great if VPI or VPI dealers simply provided a small packet of VPI-approved grease with the purchase. They do provide damping fluid after all. Would make things so much easier.

Let me close my post by emphasizing that this is just a very minor quibble in light of the great customer service VPI provides.
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