Vintage DD turntables. Are we living dangerously?

Lewm

Most likely the bearing is adjusted too tight, loosen the screw in the center bottom just a little and your noise will go away. The bearing pushes the rotor up against the top cover.


Best of Luck

Peter

Thanks, Peter.  I have two questions: (1) Why would this condition have suddenly occurred.  Neither I nor anyone else has done anything to that slot-head screw that resides in the bottom of the bearing well, and (2) can you amplify on what part you refer to as "the top cover"?  If you are referring to the black protective cover that nests around the spindle and is held in place by 3 screws, I have taken that piece completely off, and the noise remains; in fact it's easier to hear it with the cover off. Thus I would tend to exonerate the cover.  Or have I got the wrong idea about what parts you are referring to?  Thanks again.

I just looked at the exploded view parts diagram on p. 28 of the Service Manual.  That black cover is not shown as a separate part; it's shown as part of the motor assembly, which is held in place by the 3 screws, parts #69 in the diagram.  That top piece of the motor case (painted black and inscribed in white lettering with some identifiers) is not involved in creating the rubbing sound I hear.

I think I am going to proceed first of all by changing the lubricant.  I have a 50W Redball (I think is the brand) synthetic motor oil that is recommended lubricant for the Kenwood L07D bearing.  Has anyone used that stuff in a TT101.  This WILL of course require unscrewing that plug at the bottom of the motor bearing well.  Any other tips are appreciated.

@klinerm 

 it has a drive that makes it eminently enjoyable, so much so that I could easily listen to it all the time. If you have any interest in the Luxman, I can't imagine being disappointed in it if it's set up properly.

Thanks Richard. Yes, this is one of those decks i've been looking for a long time and finally placed an order for PD444 with 3 armwands. I've noticed those armwands alone goes for crazy prices on ebay. I hope my Reed 3P with 3 screws mounting style will fit one of the armwands. But for this arm i don't actually need any hole in armwand except for the mounting screws. I've heard that someone in Japan can make a custom armwand for luxman. Do you know anything about it?

I have 2 armwands model TP-MT (3 fixing screws)
and 1 armwand model TP-SG  (medium size hole)

I would like to find TP-LH (large hole) for Technics EPA

Lewm,

I've messed with that screw more than I'd care to admit. It has the effect of adjusting platter height. Too low and the platter will rub against the escutcheon and make noise. Even with the platter off, if that screw is not within some acceptable range, rotating the spindle by hand will generate some grinding/swooshing/what have you noise. Although I can't explain the sudden onset of the noise, I'm pretty sure adjusting that screw will cure it.

And, yes, I've used that Redline motor oil. It's fine, but Doron who is some kind of oil expert suggested I try Royal Purple. I found the platter freedom of movement to be much greater with the latter. And I recall believing that the table was quieter. I had planned to try different viscosities... but I had a pile of Music Matters jazz releases to listen to :).