The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does anyone know the size of those tiny ball bearings used in the end bearings of Victor gov end bearings? I need to stop in at the local ball bearing place and would prefer to go in knowing what I need.
Thanks,
Dave D

I'm aware of a ball bearing under the spindle shaft but none at the ends of the governor used in a spring motor. Are we talking about the same thing? Jerry

Hi Jerry,
No, that one is huge compared to the tiny ones in the end bearings of the governor end supports. I have a Victor III with two new springs in it, all cleaned and pivots polished, and it bogs down when playing a record. I have the spindle shaft centered on the governor worm and everyhing is lubed and it still will not work right. I thought maybe I lost the tiny ball bearings. This one is driving me crazy...
Dave

There are at least two different sizes used on Victor motors. As I remember the early horn machines have the smaller
diameter. I think the size of the ball bearing would be the same as the diameter of the shaft. I've had these come out when
cleaning motors and have not been able to get them out when I wanted. Look for marks on the governor shaft and see if they line
up where they should.

Dave, I measure this governor shaft ball bearing at .078 (78 thousands) of a inch. I believe all the outside horn motors used the same bearing until you got into the very late machines which started to use some Victrola motor parts.
Also you want to make sure your motor mounting screws aren't to tight. If they are over tightened it will slightly flex the motor casting causing a drag on the motor.

Best Regards, Larry

Hi Guys,
Turns out the sluggish motor was due to a worn bull gear. I had one on the shelf and put it in and it works fine. But then again, maybe it was a matter of not overtightening the mounting screws, too.
Dave