When to Replace Turntable Bearings


There are many applications for turntable bearings. Highly useful and versatile components, they can have many years of life in them, but like any part of any system, they will eventually begin to wear out. When this happens, it is time to replace those older turntable bearings and put some new ones in place instead. If you do not know what to look out for, you might spot the signs that a turntable bearing needs to be replaced. This can be counter productive, because this could then damage other parts of the system, that could easily have remained in good condition or that might not have been affected by deterioration. Therefore, looking out for signs that bearings need to be replaced is very important. Even if the conclusion is that they do not need to be replaced at the current time, the systems and bearings can at least be monitored so that when the time is right, you will know that they are ready to be replaced.

Where are turntable bearings used and what applications might they be found in?

Turntable bearings might also be known as Lazy Susan bearings and they have a wide range of applications, in a variety of industries. Turntable bearings might be used for:

  • Rotating food trays
  • CD and media storage units
  • Retail displays – revolving ones
  • TV stands
  • Stands and storage for AV equipment
  • Racking and shelves

These are just examples – Lazy Susan turntable bearings can be used in essentially any setting where rotation is required. The bearings will enable this rotation to take place smoothly and easily as required, and they are usually made from very durable materials like galvanised pressed steel. The bearings include ball bearings that allow the spinning motion to take place without any catches or sticking points, making it easy to operate a wide range of machinery and systems.

What are some of the most common signs that a turntable bearing might need to be replaced?

When turntable bearings need to be replaced, they will stop working as well as they should. This can be frustrating and can hold up usual operation, but it might also be dangerous, depending on the application and how the bearings are being used. These are some common signs that turntable bearings might need to be replaced in the near future:

  • Sticking, or a lack of rotation where it used to happen easily and smoothly
  • Weakness, or movement in parts that shouldn’t be happening
  • Friction and unusual noises

Bearings will also need to be lubricated to make sure they work properly. It is also possible that they will simply require more lubrication, so further investigation is always advised.

Buying new, compatible turntable bearings for your system, and for any application required

Bearings can be bought online that will be compatible with your system and that can replace Lazy Susan bearings that have become worn out through use. Turntable bearings do come in different sizes and there are U-series and z-series turntable bearings to cater for different applications.