Relube Garrard 401

[sony6060]

Is re-lubing a Garrard 401 difficult? The platter spins about 30 seconds from 33rpm after turning off. The idler wheel spins for about 10 seconds after spinning it by hand. I placed a drop of SPI synthetic TT oil on the spindle top area under the felt washer and a drop on the idler. Made no difference.

Should I disassemble the spindle by removing the bottom cap and if so what risk do I take regarding alignment of the bottom bearing? Or, is the above spinning times showing good lube and leave the TT as is. This TT appears little use from the strobe neon glass is crystal clear. However, perhaps oil breaks down after many years.

Also, is there an experienced NYC based person that performs lubing these Garrard 401s?

 

[Br1ck]

You should be able to download a manual. In general I find something that old benefits from being taken apart, cleaned, then lubed.

I recently took my Thorens TD 124 to my tech for a motor rebuild. The motor was showing no ill effects, but when I saw the old bearings and felt oil retention washers, I'm glad I did the overhaul. The motor mount gromets were way past their prime too.

Nice table.

 

[gadget73]

If its like any other old machine I've worked on, the old lube is more like varnish than oil at this point. A dissassembly, clean, and re-lube would probably not do anything bad for you.