REGA PLANAR, NAD 533, GOLDRING GR1.2 etc. SUBPLATTER REPLACEMENT THRUST BALL BEARING X2. The new PHOSPHOR BRONZE ball is of identical size and replaces the existing hardened chrome steel ball at the bottom of the bearing well. Each ball should last several years, depending on use. When slightly worn, replace with the second ball. If you feel up to it, try rotating the ball to present a fresh face to the spindle and get even more use.

It may be possible that PRO-JECTor other turntables use the same or similar sized ball - 4.76mm diameter.

For the Garrard 301/401, it is possible to grind flat the existing hemisphere, drill or bore a recess, and drop in the new ball. This should be done on a lathe or mill to ensure concentricity of the new ball.

On the top left of the photo is a spindle and thrust ball from my Garrard 401. You can see the wear on the hemispherical phosphor bronze thrust ball, and minor marking of the flat spindle thrust face. The main picture is of a Planar spindle, with an indent caused by several years' use, caused by the hard chrome steel ball fitted at the bottom of the bearing. Anyone using an even harder ball, ceramic for instance, does so at their peril - there will be even more of a dent in their spindle.

Good design practice is where one bearing surface is hard, the other softer to optimise wear and maintenance. It is not rocket science to see that it is cheaper to replace the ball rather than induce wear on the spindle. Phosphor bronze is used as a bearing material because of its toughness, strength, low coefficient of friction, and fine grain. 

No return on this, the balls are new and of the correct size. You either want them or you don't.

Please note I have allowed 20p for packing material in all postage costs. EU postage is GBP1.44, Rest of the World GBP1.84 (I will check with the Post Office whether I can send the balls in a letter, otherwise it will have to be a small packet). ZERO rated bidders please get in touch first. Bidders with no intention of completing the transaction, kindly find something else to do with yourselves.

Oh yeah, what is this I see about 'metal topped' Rega Planar plinths. To my knowledge it is a laminate (formica etc.) with a brush metal effect. Not quite the same thing. Owners of Regas should also check the flatness of their plinths, particularly early Planar 2s. I have had to rebuild a few for friends - as their plinths had warped. Cartridge Azimuth was upset as a result and the platters were yawing by up to 1mm. Not good.

Another observation: someone is selling square section belts for use with Regas. To my mind, the contact point at the pulley will be different to that of a round belt and the belt will twist from 45 deg around the pulley to 0deg as it goes round the subplatter. Another ebayer has told me it seems to run ok at 33 1/3 but slow at 45rpm. Does that mean Rega pulleys are 'normally fast at 33 1/3 and correct at 45 or not correct at all?

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ATTENTION! POSTAGE OVERSEAS IS CHEAPER! Europe is GBP0.70 and REST of the WORLD GBP1.01. This should be true for up to 2 pairs of thrust balls. If you intend to order more, please check with me before buying.