I have a Chicago Gaming Co. multi arcade game with a very rough track-ball controller between the joysticks. What I am wondering is if anyone has tried to clean/repair these or are they basically a replacement situation. I have not tried to take it apart yet, but I was thinking it might be in need of cleaning like an old style mouse that needed the ball and rollers cleaned. Anyone with experience with these?
Most track-ball's that I've ever seen are rebuild-able. Depending on the MFG of the ball (it won't be Chicago Gaming) you should be able to buy a rebuild kit, with new rollers and bearings. Before you go that route you could always take it apart and just clean the rollers and see if the bearings are rough. D
Yes I've taken apart a bunch of trackballs. If you haven't oiled the bearings then it's likely due. Use 3-1 oil. If it's a wico or Happ trackball etc then you'll find 3 roller shafts inside with two bearings on each shaft. Take the shafts out stick them in a drill and use find grit sandpaper to remove any rust or crap built on. Let the bearings run in some oil for a while, put them on the shaft in the drill, hold onto them and run the drill for a while to work them around. If they are still crap replace them... Maybe $2-$3 a piece.
I always say, if you take enough bolts out of it, it will fall apart. So it is serviceable. Excellent, thanks for the picture. Mine is very rough and lumpy feeling. I cleaned a lot of crud off the ball externally but I think I need to open her up and clean inside. I think I will need a rebuilt kit Menace mentioned, mine sounds like bearing issues also. Have any idea what a new unit is worth compared to rebuilt kit?
New units are usually over $100 these days (they were pushing that years ago so it's got to be more now). Rebuild kits are relatively cheap, maybe $20? D
