How old is your cartridge?

I think the suspension is fine because the cartridge sounds very good.

When suspension is softened a cartridge body will be too close to the record surface with recommended tracking force. But the stylus tip on mk3 is very tall, so even if the damper is almost dead there will be some tiny gap anyway. However, this situation is not normal, but it’s a compromise. We discussed Technics low riders with Nadric million times on this forum :) It’s very hard to find a Technics cartridge without softened rubber damper, unfortunately it’s a problem of this brand (I tried so many times).

Dear @audite84: As I posted the re-tipper will check suspension too and if need it to fix it then he will does.

Now, VdH will use it’s own stylus profile/shape that Dr. VDH designed: the VdH one that’s way better than the original and that is the one he uses with the VDH cartridges ( yes, finer profile. ).
Don’t worry about your MK3 will sounds/performs better than ever.

R.

Build date

Mid 1960s - Decca C4E - checked over and retipped by John Wright (London Cartridges) - this is my main system "daily user"
Late 60s - Ortofon SL15 ELL - checked and paratrace retip by Expert Stylus
1981 - Decca Gold Garrott Bros rebuild with later retip by John Wright
1980s - Denon DL103CII - Expert Stylus white sapphire cantilever and paratrace - my study system "daily user"
2003 - Allaerts MC1B - rebuilt and retipped by JA - my other main system "daily user"
2000s - Garrott P77i

1980s - numerous others in the spare cupboard - all working
AKG P8ES Super Nova, Ortofon M20FL, Ortofon VMS30, NOS Grado FTE+

Currently listening to early 80's Pickering XSV/4000 on my Technics 1200 GR. I bought mine from Russian time traveler, NOS condition. It's excellent!

Todays cart flavor is the Pioneer PC-1000 mk2 with Beryllium cantilever. This cart was made in the 70's for legendary Pioneer Exclusive series of turntables and tonearms. Damn good!!!