Over years of daily use, the printed numbers on the white calibration ring had severely faded, which was quietly eating away at me.
The grind consistency issue and PTFE tape on the funnel threads became a nuisance.
The sweeper arm dent also was bothering me.
I reached out to Niche support to price out some fresh internal wear components for my own peace of mind. James at Niche support was incredibly responsive, reassuring me that the minor play was well within tolerance but happily invoicing me for the individual baseline parts.
For anyone interested on the part numbers and cost:
NZ63C Top Casting White: £15.60 (Completely solved the faded numbers and thread wear).
NZ63C Sweeper Arm: £9.60
NZ63C Small Parts Packet: £1.20 (Incredibly generous kit: included the plastic bearing carrier plate, the ball bearing, two new anti-popcorn disc, central bolt, lower burr lock, and four tension springs).
Total: £36 including shipping.
Ordering that top casting turned out to be a stroke of luck, my old plastic bearing carrier plate had completely fused to the old casting over the years. Getting the fresh one in the packet saved the fuss.
The grinder is completely refreshed, although the brand-new top casting looks a bit too bright and white in direct comparison to the slightly aged patina on the rest of the body, a minor trade-off. Interestingly, the adjustment ring sits about 2mm higher now, it looks like Niche may have updated the plastic carrier plate , making it slightly thicker than the original run, or it’s the wear and tear of the old one.
Will keep an eye on the adjustment slipping, I felt anyway more resistance so no more PTFE.
Definitely a happy camper.
