"Wobbly" trackball?

[CmdandCtrl]

I've got an Ultimarc trackball and for lack of a better way to describe it, it has some "play" or "wobble".  A video (with sound) says a thousand words so made this little recording to demonstrate the issue.  I have tried cleaning it and adjusting it in the past with no luck.  I'm guessing the experts here might have some sage advice for me?

Video:
https://imgur.com/a/9hAOy3O
(Sound up for best effect)

[Xiaou2]

The video is one thing... but since we cant see inside... its hard to spot any mechanical problem

Post a video showing the internals, and you rolling the rollers (with pressure), in various directions.

Not knowing how their TB is constructed.. Im thinking its possibly a bearing that is popping out of place, when pressure
is applied to the rollers.

This could be due to a partially broken or cracked post

[MartyKong]

The only thing I can add is when I took my Happ trackball apart after cleaning the bearings I added a little 3 in 1 household oil and spun them really good to make sure their was no binding. This of course was just for maintenance not for an issue I was having.

[CmdandCtrl]

I opened it up and the rollers were nice and clean, the bearings spun freely and smoothly. 

Here is what I discovered: it vibrates when you are rolling in a direction where two rollers come together in a "v".   So, it seems like there is clearance between the ball and top of the housing that allows the ball to rise up on rollers when you are pushing the ball towards the "v".    Here is a little video that I created that shows what I mean: 

https://imgur.com/a/e4hbyHT

I didn't really see any way I could affect the spacing between the top of the ball and the housing so I'm not sure if there is anything that could be done to resolve this.   Thoughts?

[Xiaou2]

Your video makes no sense at all.

 In your first video, you seem to be pressing the ball Downwards, and its actually moving the ball
slightly down.. which shouldnt be possible.

 In this new video, you are intentionally pushing the ball horizontally... so of course its going to
come up off the rollers... because the TOP Plate isnt there to keep it Centered.

 There is always going to be more "Resistance" when both rollers are moving at the same time.
But you would never be able to move the ball like in your video.. because the Top plate is designed
to keep the ball Centered.

 Firstly, show closeup photos of the rollers.  Look for any wear marks, or an uneven spot, on the
rollers.

 Next, remove all of the rollers from the bearing holders.  Look for any Debris, in the housing.

 Next.. go to an Auto-Parts store.. and get something called  "Electronics Cleaner".  It will come in an Aerosol spray can.
 Also, buy a small bottle of  "3-In-One"  Lubricant / Oil  (Walmart might stock this, if the Auto Store doesnt)

Properly Checking + Cleaning + Re-Lubricating the Bearings...

*** Checking the Bearings for Internal Race-Damage / Dirt

1) Take all bearings off of the Rollers.

2) Hold a single bearing between your pointer finger, and your thumb.  Spin it slowly, while applying pressure towards
the center hub

3) While its moving.. you should not feel any changes in sensation.  If at any time, you feel a Grinding or tighter Resistance
level.. then you might have a bad bearing, that needs replacement.

4) However... the feeling of Grit, or Resistance, could also be internal Rust, or Dirt.  It might be possible to clean it out.

*** Cleaning + Re-Lubrication of Arcade Trackball Bearings

1) Attach the Red Straw to the Electronics Cleaner, for better spray accuracy
2) Place a single bearing on a your finger or hand, and spray one side, generously... so that it pools liquid on the surface
3) Grip the bearing between your Pointer Finger and Thumb... and SPIN the bearing as fast as possible... for a solid 15 seconds
4) Repeat this process again
5) Flip the bearing over..  and do the same exact process, already described above

6) Apply some 3-in-One Oil to the side of the bearing
7) Start to spin the bearing between your fingers.  Start slowly.. and gradually work your way up to full speed spins
8 )  Repeat on the other Side, just to make sure that enough oil got into the bearing housing

9) Clean the Metal Rollers... then wipe them down with a Rag that has a small amount of 3-in-1 Oil on it
Wipe of clean of any "Excess" oil


Now.. Make sure your Trackball housing is completely cleansed of all dust / dirt.  You can use the Electronics Spray
if you like.. to douse the thing..  then invert the housing, and pour out the dirty liquid that remains.  Wipe down
with a cloth... then Reassemble.

Additionally... Inspect The OUTSIDE EDGE of all bearings for any Dents / Defects
Inspect the Bearing holders for Any Hairline Cracks (use a magnify glass to check up close)
Inspect the UNDER-SIDE of the Top part of the Housing... for any uneven surface wear

Make sure that when the thing is reassembled, that there is no "Gap" between the top and bottom housings


And finally... Inspect the Ball Itself.. for any surface divits / pits.  Clean the ball with some rubbing alcohol,
and potentially use some car-spray, or floor polish, to lightly polish its surface


(Note... Do not soak bearings in WD40.  Trust me.  I ruined some rollerblade bearings like that)

[pbj]

It’s a half assed Ultimarc trackball. Get something meant for actual use like a Betson or Happs and you won’t have these janky problems.