VPI no doubt still sells the conventional bearing oil lube that was used for the HW-19. Mike at VPI, being the good guy he is also recommended that Mobil 1 would be a good substitute as well. I don't think one would have any problem with the multi-viscosity blends, such as 5/30-10/30-10/40.
I think the important thing is, with these bearings, is getting in the regular habit of periodically doing a clean, and lube. I don't suggest removing the bearing well's bottom thrust plate for routine lubrication, because you will be altering VTA, and as well, could cause possible leakage at the thrust plate.
Long Q-Tips work well for wiping out the bearing well, get it as clean as possible, before aplying new lubricant. Inspect the .250" Ball on the Bearing Shaft for wear, and replace either with a new metal ball from VPI, or replace with a ceramic ball from somebody like Boca Bearing.
What happens after awhile with these conventional style bearings, is that due to gravity, lubrication leaves the upper area of the bearing, thus causing eventual wear of the bearing sleeve bushing. Running the bearing totally dry will also cause eventual wear-galling of both the bearing ball, and thrust plate.
This periodic lubrication, let's say every 5-6 months will lessen-alleviate any possibilityu of wear, as well as enhance performance, and lessen any bearing shaft rock within the well.
Also clean the Bearing shaft, remove the ball if you can clean everything, and use a very small dab of grease withing the bearing ball hole to retain it upon re-installation into the bearing well.
Use a very very light coat on the shaft, and maybe add 2 drops down into the well. Over-application will be easy to determine, as you'll have quite a bit of oozing of oil occuring at the Bearing Weall Flange. Never force the Bearing Shaft back in, let it settle gradually over a period of minutes. It will eventually seat, then you can re-install the Platter, and Belt. Hope this helps. Mark
I think the important thing is, with these bearings, is getting in the regular habit of periodically doing a clean, and lube. I don't suggest removing the bearing well's bottom thrust plate for routine lubrication, because you will be altering VTA, and as well, could cause possible leakage at the thrust plate.
Long Q-Tips work well for wiping out the bearing well, get it as clean as possible, before aplying new lubricant. Inspect the .250" Ball on the Bearing Shaft for wear, and replace either with a new metal ball from VPI, or replace with a ceramic ball from somebody like Boca Bearing.
What happens after awhile with these conventional style bearings, is that due to gravity, lubrication leaves the upper area of the bearing, thus causing eventual wear of the bearing sleeve bushing. Running the bearing totally dry will also cause eventual wear-galling of both the bearing ball, and thrust plate.
This periodic lubrication, let's say every 5-6 months will lessen-alleviate any possibilityu of wear, as well as enhance performance, and lessen any bearing shaft rock within the well.
Also clean the Bearing shaft, remove the ball if you can clean everything, and use a very small dab of grease withing the bearing ball hole to retain it upon re-installation into the bearing well.
Use a very very light coat on the shaft, and maybe add 2 drops down into the well. Over-application will be easy to determine, as you'll have quite a bit of oozing of oil occuring at the Bearing Weall Flange. Never force the Bearing Shaft back in, let it settle gradually over a period of minutes. It will eventually seat, then you can re-install the Platter, and Belt. Hope this helps. Mark