Michell Gyrodec, main bearing lube

 I am considering using the silicone nitride ball in place of the steel one as recommended by hdm above , but some discussion on vinyl engine says this is a bad idea and could cause damage. Anyone else have experience of using the silicon ball and could comment on this before I take the plunge.

I don’t want to do damage.

In relation to Swapping out Bearing Parts in exchange for parts that are creating a condition where non-Metal on Metal is to occur, as a result of Lubrication methods that are proving not able to isolate the materials from coming into contact at the interfaces.

A Silicone Nitride, Thermoplastic or Jewel are all with inherent properties that are proven as being sufficient as an alternative material. Especially when Lubrication Methods used are able to produce a film layer that separates the materials where non-contact is maintained.

When non-contact between parts is a condition that is in place, the noise that is generated will be almost inseparable between between any of the 'go to' materials selected to be used at interface.

There are materials that do have a Lower Coefficient of Friction in relation to another material, hence, as an example, Sapphire has an attractive Property for this reason, but does have the Compromising Property of being quite Fragile.

Reducing Friction / Drag is a mechanical property that is a desirable property to achieve when creating a tweak to a design for Platter Bearings function. Hence, the robustness of a Silicon Nitride Ball, and the Coefficient of Friction has properties that make it attractive as a Part.    

In a common Platter Spindle Baring design the likelihood of creating a non-Contact interface between parts is very difficult, not many experience it.

Parts come into contact, hence, Parts chosen are Sacrificial and non-Sacrificial, hence Bushes and Balls are typically not as hard as a Platter Spindle. The Spindle being the most expensive part to replace, if machining is required.

Sacrificial Parts being softer and having been in contact with other Materials will cause wear. Balls can become a part with a Scribed Surface, Bushes can loose inner circumference and become a part that enables a eccentric rotation to take place. Either of these present to a certain condition are able to create noise and inconsistencies in the Speed of the TT.

When considering an exchange of Parts in a Platter Spindle Bearing Housing, especially one with a decent period of usage, there is more than one parts condition only to consider and more than one thing to consider for how the Bearing Housing can be designed to function as a overhauled design.

Changing from an alternative material Ball to a Silicon Nitride Ball will not in nearly all cases be a detriment.

The process required to change a Ball is seemingly the concern that has to be worked out to create the methodology that works for a successful operation.

The Link may increase confidence 

  https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?52213-Cheap-upgrade-for-michell-gyro          

.  

Lot's of great comments here.  I've had my Gyro since 02.  I change the oil every year with 5w30 full synthetic Mobile One.  New belt every 4-5 years.  It's an amazingly well designed table.  It's really easy as others have described.  I'm not sure about the little ball bearing replacement.  I've never had issues with my original.  Good luck!  You can do this!