Trackball mechanical question

Lonestar · Feb 2, 2026

Not a Win 11 question but hopefully someone can help with a problem. I've used Logitech M535 trackballs for years. I find that after using for a while the ball develops some resistance and does not turn as smoothly as when new. Still very usable but just takes a little effort.

Can anyone suggest a cure? Possibly some type of "lubricant" for the ball?

Helmut · Feb 2, 2026

Pull the track ball out clean, also clean the 3 ball bearings that it sits on. You might need IPA or similar to help with the cleaning.
Lubrication comes off your fingers in use.

Don Kee · Feb 2, 2026

I pull the ball and swab the sensor points and the inside with a q-tip. It will have to be done periodically.

Sqrly · Feb 2, 2026

Assuming you keep it clean inside.

Pop the ball out and inspect the tiny ball bearings with a magnifying glass. Look for flat spots on the bearings.

I use a Microsoft Trackball Optical D67-00001 and have replaced the steel bearings with silicone nitride bearings.

You can also use Mothers Ceramic Detailer on the ball after cleaning it.

bobkn · Feb 2, 2026

Is there any hair stuck in the bearings?

More than 20 years ago, I was checking out my nephew's PC. The mechanical mouse's operation wasn't smooth. I removed the ball, and found an amazing amount of hair in the mouse. (He also was infected with a homepage hijacker. He killed it in Task Manager on every login. His 40GB HDD was too full to be defragged.)

Lonestar · Feb 2, 2026

Thanks for all the suggestions. I frequently pop the ball out and clean the cavity area and the ball. I've never had visible hair or dirt in it. It's located in a clean environment.

I'm beginning to think that as much as it is used that maybe the little bearings that the ball floats on may become worn to the point that the ball is actually starting to drag (as stated in post # 4) on the cavity, creating resistance.

I have found that after about 2 years of usage the switch in the left button starts to deteriorate and this requires replacement of the trackball, so maybe between that and the ball it's just time for a replacement.

Birk · Feb 2, 2026

Kensington trackballs, which I have used for many years, have no bearings and need no lubrication.

Helmut · Feb 2, 2026

Best Way to Clean a Trackball | Kensington

Discover how to clean and maintain your trackball mouse for optimal performance and longevity with our step-by-step guide. Learn the signs of a dirty trackball, the benefits of regular cleaning, and the best way to clean and lubricate your trackball for a smoother, more precise experience.

www.kensington.com

Sqrly · Feb 2, 2026

Lonestar said:
Thanks for all the suggestions. I frequently pop the ball out and clean the cavity area and the ball. I've never had visible hair or dirt in it. It's located in a clean environment.

I'm beginning to think that as much as it is used that maybe the little bearings that the ball floats on may become worn to the point that the ball is actually starting to drag (as stated in post # 4) on the cavity, creating resistance.

I have found that after about 2 years of usage the switch in the left button starts to deteriorate and this requires replacement of the trackball, so maybe between that and the ball it's just time for a replacement.

You can replace the switches too, if you have the tools and know how. I replace them all the time in my mouse and my Razer Tartarus'.

Your mouse however, Logitech makes a new one almost identical to it. I'd just buy a new one.

I have one of those M535 (It's on the garage laptop), it's too small for my hand which is why I rebuild my old Microsoft mouse.

Lonestar · Feb 4, 2026

I would be interested in replacing the switches in several old trackballs but have no clue as to a source for them of if if would be cost effective.

I'm trying to determine if the "ball bearings" actually roll or if they are just 3 supports for the ball. They are so small it's difficult to tell if they are actually rolling or not.

Sqrly · Feb 4, 2026

Lonestar said:
I would be interested in replacing the switches in several old trackballs but have no clue as to a source for them of if if would be cost effective.

I'm trying to determine if the "ball bearings" actually roll or if they are just 3 supports for the ball. They are so small it's difficult to tell if they are actually rolling or not.

Not a simple job. I do it because I can't find a suitable replacement for my ancient Microsoft mouse. I would rebuild one you don't count on the first time.

Note: During disassembly the plastic bosses the screws screw into can break. I've been lucky enough to find some replacement mice on Ebay and I just put my rebuilt ball carrier in them.

The bearings do not roll, they are just pressed in a hole. To remove mine I had to drill a tiny hole, just big enough for a small paperclip, smaller than the bearing, through the plastic behind them so I could push them out. You should be able to find the right size replacements, after measuring them, on Amazon "Amazon.com".

My AI tells me your mouse uses the "Huano Mute White Dot 2 Pin" (That's the search phrase you use on Aliexpress) You'll have to take a good look at one of yours and verify you can find a correct replacement. Aliexpress is the only place I can find mine.

Lonestar · Feb 4, 2026

Sqrly said:
Not a simple job. I do it because I can't find a suitable replacement for my ancient Microsoft mouse. I would rebuild one you don't count on the first time.

Note: During disassembly the plastic bosses the screws screw into can break. I've been lucky enough to find some replacement mice on Ebay and I just put my rebuilt ball carrier in them.

The bearings do not roll, they are just pressed in a hole. To remove mine I had to drill a tiny hole, just big enough for a small paperclip, smaller than the bearing, through the plastic behind them so I could push them out. You should be able to find the right size replacements, after measuring them, on Amazon "Amazon.com".

My AI tells me your mouse uses the "Huano Mute White Dot 2 Pin" (That's the search phrase you use on Aliexpress) You'll have to take a good look at one of yours and verify you can find a correct replacement. Aliexpress is the only place I can find mine

Sqrly said:
Not a simple job. I do it because I can't find a suitable replacement for my ancient Microsoft mouse. I would rebuild one you don't count on the first time.

Note: During disassembly the plastic bosses the screws screw into can break. I've been lucky enough to find some replacement mice on Ebay and I just put my rebuilt ball carrier in them.

The bearings do not roll, they are just pressed in a hole. To remove mine I had to drill a tiny hole, just big enough for a small paperclip, smaller than the bearing, through the plastic behind them so I could push them out. You should be able to find the right size replacements, after measuring them, on Amazon "Amazon.com".

My AI tells me your mouse uses the "Huano Mute White Dot 2 Pin" (That's the search phrase you use on Aliexpress) You'll have to take a good look at one of yours and verify you can find a correct replacement. Aliexpress is the only place I can find mine.

I applaud your spending the time to bring your trackball back to life. I too like to make repairs but in this case I doubt I'd go that far to revive mine. Probably would just buy a new one since they usually last me several years.

I've always used this model Logitech trackball but I'm tempted to try one of the other brands as long as they are physically the same layout as the Logitech. I may well be disappointed but I'd like to see how the others are constructed, and how the ball and switches hold up. There is one on Amazon right now for $25 so I wouldn't be out much if they don't work out.

Trackball mechanical question

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