MX-110: Creaking noise when turning the tuning knob

[monkboughtlunch]

When I turn the MX-110 tuning knob either direction, I'm hearing a "creaking" or "clicking" noise. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this? I have the faceplate off and in looking at it and turning the knob, I don't see any obvious obstruction that would cause the noise.

 

[Pio1980]

Sounds like dry pointer rail.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

Sounds like dry pointer rail.

Is the pointer rail supposed to be greased in the 110? I ran my finger along the top path where the points slides and it's dry -- but there was also no left over residue -- like none had ever existed.

The black enamel area in red is dry. Is this what you are talking about? Or does something different need to be greased?

 

[Pio1980]

Is the pointer rail supposed to be greased in the 110? I ran my finger along the top path where the points slides and it's dry -- but there was also no left over residue -- like none had ever existed.

The black enamel area in red is dry. Is this what you are talking about? Or does something different need to be greased?

View attachment 1037574

On this in particular, I don't know, but the symptom fits.
See if by careful observation if this is the source of the noise.
If so, just a couple drops of WD40 under the pointer glide may take care of it.

 

[dshoaf]

It is really important to locate the source of the noise. In addition to the pointer travel, pay close attention to the dial string on the shaft that the flywheel is mounted to. I've seen other tuners where the rope is riding up the side of the race it sits in and will cause a sort of groaning sound.

Check the rope for wear spots (usually darkened or black) then follow them as in their travels as you tune back and forth - end to end. Odds are you'll find they are giving you hints on where to look.

Cheers,

David

 

[c_dk]

Could be a stuck pulley.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

It sounds like the noise comes from the two white pulleys on either end. But it also sounds sometimes like it's coming from the pointer. It's hard to isolate the precise location/s.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

It sounds like the noise emanates from these two white plastic pulleys. See images of white pulleys below.

The noise is tuning directional dependent. For example, if I turn the tuning knob one direction, one pulley makes the noise. When I turn the tuning knob the other direction, the other pulley makes the noise.

I didn't see any visible rubbing of the cord. Does the pulley shaft need to be lubed or greased? I'm stumped. Any ideas on what could cause these noises?

 

[Pio1980]

See if the white pulleys can slide freely up and down a bit.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

I revisited this mechanical tuning noise today and made an audio recording. Please take a listen. https://soundcloud.com/user-725037060/tunernoise

In the recording you will hear me turn the tuning knob one way then the other.

Is this noise a known issue with a known fix? Sounds like the creaking emanates from the area with the white pulleys (see photos above), but it's difficult to pinpoint the source of the noise with 100% certainty.

 

[Steve O]

I used silicone lube applied with a toothpick at the bearing surfaces of all plastic pulleys and dry graphite powder applied with a Q-tip to the dial slide surfaces. Both seem permanent compared to WD40. Get none of these on the dial cord or dial surfaces. Use min to get job done. Many silicone lubes tend to creep over time ending up where you don't appreciate them so don’t use on dial slide.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

I used silicone lube applied with a toothpick at the bearing surfaces of all plastic pulleys and dry graphite powder applied with a Q-tip to the dial slide surfaces. Both seem permanent compared to WD40. Get none of these on the dial cord or dial surfaces. Use min to get job done. Many silicone lubes tend to creep over time ending up where you don't appreciate them so don’t use on dial slide.

Thanks Steve O. When you refer to bearing surfaces of plastic pulleys, are you talking about putting silicon at location with red arrow in pic below? Is the problem that there is dried lubricant there? If so, how can one remove it before relubing?

 

[Steve O]

Arrow points to bearing surface. I’ve found no evidence of lube ever having been used here. I think the idea was that nylon/delrin type materials were self lubing. Seems that over the eons, a form of galling occurs that causes noises and high effort. Lube can help with this.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

Thanks Steve O. What brand of silicone lubricant do you recommend?

 

[Steve O]

No particular brand to recommend...whatever is in the garage at the time I need it. I’ve found most of this stuff to be pretty much a commodity.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

Would Super Lube be ok? I have some of that on hand. http://www.super-lube.com/

 

[jlovda]

On my MR77, I made so fine adjustments to the alignment of the dial pointer by rotating the screw on the side of the top cover. This adjustment can move the dial pointer back and forth by maybe 2-3 mm total but it also tightens or loosens the tension of the strings depending on which direction you're moving the pointer. If the string is getting tightened, at some point you will hear growling because the shaft of the white pulleys are being pulled out of their concentric position.

 

[Steve O]

Would Super Lube be ok? I have some of that on hand. http://www.super-lube.com/

Don’t have the foggiest idea. Your link goes to superlube website where they cover all of their products. Some products are synthetic, some are silicone, some are TFE loaded, some are??? Don’t know what you have. Silicone lube is cheap and avail everywhere.

 

[monkboughtlunch]

Don’t have the foggiest idea. Your link goes to superlube website where they cover all of their products. Some products are synthetic, some are silicone, some are TFE loaded, some are??? Don’t know what you have. Silicone lube is cheap and avail everywhere.

Sorry here's a link to the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XBH9HI

 

[monkboughtlunch]

This one may actually be better: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-92003-Lubricating-Translucent/dp/B0081JE0OO/