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Old Rega P3 : maintenance

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Posted on January 9, 2017 at 10:21:50
Basher52
Audiophile

Posts: 119
Joined: February 18, 2016
Hello. I bought a used, older model P3. It was kept in good condition but I'm not sure if the main bearing needs any maintenance or relubrication. Rega's download (took some searching) states "Don't lift the centre hub out from the main bearing. The bearing is factory assembled with a film of special thick lubricant. If the centre hub is removed this film may be disturbed" which I interpret as "factory lifetime lubricated". Any comments or suggestions from the vinyl community?

 

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RE: Old Rega P3 : maintenance YES, posted on January 10, 2017 at 10:25:40
jedrider
Audiophile

Posts: 15152
Location: No. California
Joined: December 26, 2003
You certainly will want to relubricate that main bearing. Once you have the correct oil available, it is a simple operation, the trickiest of which is probably how much oil to add, as too much will over-spill and you do not want too little.

I suggest buying a pre-made lubricant specifically for the Rega turntables, although you can use some specific auto lubricant as well, but I still have that quart of oil sitting somewhere virtually unused, which creates a hazard at that point.

I was so surprised at how easy the platter spins after a relubrication. I think 4-8 year maintenance cycle is probably wise, depending upon the temperature extremes and usage the turntable experiences.

I get my retipped cartridge back this week, so I want to re-see what all this vinyl renaissance is still about! I suspect the suggestion to get a white belt AND new platter could be on the money. I do have the white belt already.

 

RE: Old Rega P3 : maintenance , posted on January 10, 2017 at 09:21:25
zacster
Audiophile

Posts: 2175
Location: NYC
Joined: November 22, 2003
Remove the center hub and throw it away. Buy a new one from Tangospinner, GrooveTracer or a few others, then lubricate as instructed. At least Tangospinner supplied oil for mine, I don't know if the others do.

You will be astounded by the improved sound. The subplatter is probably the weakest link in the Rega turntables. They are never perfectly round and it causes unsteady pitch. I'm surprised they haven't caught on to the aftermarket sales of these things and improved their turntables, for an added cost of course.

 

I always cleaned out the bearing and reoiled every few years............, posted on January 9, 2017 at 13:06:07
and I am aware that Rega says not to, but they also say there is no need to clean your LPs as the stylus just pushes the dirt away.

You may very well need a new belt at this stage as well, and that gives you an opportunity to upgrade to the white belt if that has not already been done.

 

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