There are different types of bearings that are used in turntables. In the most common type a male shaft rides on a ball inside of a bushing.
Removing the male shaft and looking for uneven wear on the bottom of the shaft, where it contacts the ball, is the place to start. Also remove the ball at the bottom of the well and see if there is any eccentricity or uneven wear. Cleaning it free of oil and rolling it across a glass table can help. It is a bit harder to assess wear in the bushing but once the turntable is reassembled, rock the platter, or sub platter, gently and see if there is any play. Most turntables - though not all - should have very little, or no, play in the bearing.
While you have the darned bearing apart, it might be a good idea to sop up all of the old oil and reoil the bearing in accordance with the manufacturers requirements. You should see no metal debris or filings in the old oil.
Just an FYI, it's much easier to give an accurate answer to these types of questions when the make and model is spelled out.
Good luck and happy listening.
Removing the male shaft and looking for uneven wear on the bottom of the shaft, where it contacts the ball, is the place to start. Also remove the ball at the bottom of the well and see if there is any eccentricity or uneven wear. Cleaning it free of oil and rolling it across a glass table can help. It is a bit harder to assess wear in the bushing but once the turntable is reassembled, rock the platter, or sub platter, gently and see if there is any play. Most turntables - though not all - should have very little, or no, play in the bearing.
While you have the darned bearing apart, it might be a good idea to sop up all of the old oil and reoil the bearing in accordance with the manufacturers requirements. You should see no metal debris or filings in the old oil.
Just an FYI, it's much easier to give an accurate answer to these types of questions when the make and model is spelled out.
Good luck and happy listening.