Rega Planar 3 running slow

[Frankie Lee]

Fitted a new cartridge on my Rega P3 last week and afterwards noticed that it is running slow. 31.7rpm according to my calculations. Anything I can do myself to rectify this. I've already replaced the belt with that white rega one so I doubt it's that.

Don't know if this is significant but the motor (the Rega upgrade) doesn't seem very powerful. I can't rest hold my anti-static brush on it without it slowing down like I could with my P2.

[Seán]

Hi Frankie, many years ago I had a Rega 2 and the spindle holding the platter used to sit in an oil bath, perhaps the oil need replenshing?

[Frankie Lee]

Great tip. I'll give it a bash, hopefully it's not too difficult. I'm usually okay at this sort of thing.

Amazingly, I can't find a YouTube video of someone doing it.

[Frankie Lee]

Ok I found some instructions online and have removed the brass housing and the spindle. The brass housing was covered in black oil which doesn't bode well, but my main concern is that there's no ball bearing inside the housing. According to the instructions:

> 2. Slowly withdraw the hub from the brass bearing bush, (if the hub is pulled out quickly the ball bearing may inadvertently be sucked out and lost). Remove ball bearing by turning the bearing bush upside down and tapping sharply.

But I can't seem to find any ball bearing in the bush. Should there be one in a Planar 3 (circa 1998)? If so, I presume it should come out easily or at least be visible inside the bush?
A quick google suggests it should have a 3/16th bearing at the base. Is it possible to get one from a bike shop or does it have to be something special?

[Frankie Lee]

Managed to get this done and got a new bearing from the local bike shop. The bush was full of black oil when I cleaned it out.

Many thanks for the heads up on this Seán - it's like a new turntable now! Not only does it start up with out help but the sound is transformed. Masses more bass and detail. Has to be said, you really appreciate the engineering behind the P3 when you take it apart.

Ended up buying a litre of 80w90 oil only to use 2 drops so if anyone is looking for some let me know as I've plenty to pass on.

[Seán]

Frankie, I am delighted that you managed to fix the TT, well done. I agree with you the Rega 2 & 3 are lovely machines.