The strips are their to prevent the bering from twisting. The pin hole in the bearings are drilled at an angle equal to the angle of the balance rail pins. The bearings are not reversible. That is why one side of the bearing is darkened, albeit not enough often. By standing the action on the back rail and protecting the stretcher from the drop screws one can move the keys and bearings far enough to see what is under the bearing and remove what is needed with a good pair of forceps. Steinway, or any manufacturer, is cheap and will not do anything they do not have to do even if we do not always understand their rationale. DOn't mess with it unless you really understand it. Newton
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