Belt Noise? Rumble/Shake/Grind Noise on Thorens TD-165

[avantbored]

Hi all,

Many thanks to all who posted in a previous thread of mine helping me diagnose a speed clutch issue. While I've yet to work on that, I did replace the suspension, which was a big level-up for this newbie like me.

Relatedly, a new issue has presented itself. After having replaced the suspension with a kit from Dave at Vinyl Nirvana, I've noticed a rumble/shake/grind (not sure on the adjective best to describe the sound) upon firing up my table. I've included a video to help contextualize the issue. With the platter inverted, you may notice the belt tripping slightly on the bottom part of the pulley. The aforementioned noise is also audible.

Some other technical context:

- This is a Thorens belt purchased from Vinyl Nirvana. During suspension cleaning, I did a quick wash in lightly soaped water (eco organic dish soap blah blah).

- Also during the suspension service, I used about two Q-Tips, reasonably soaked in 99% rubbing alcohol, to clean the area on the sub-platter where the belt grips.

- Not sure if it is the belt, but that is my amateur guess.

Is this a common issue? May this be mitigated with adjusting the azimuth? It doesn't really affect playback at all, though it does produce some unsightly shaking in the arm board, and hence the arm itself when loosed from its catch. Using the most-downloaded "RPM Speed and Wow" app on my phone (I know it's not the most exact!), I'm registering about 33.24 rpm, and my ears can't hear any noticeable difference.

Thanks all for your time and attention, and I hope you all safe and sound.

Here's the video:

 

[GuyK]

How recently have you cleaned and re-oiled the spindle bearing and well?

 

[avantbored]

How recently have you cleaned and re-oiled the spindle bearing and well?

Hi GuyK. Thanks for responding.

During suspension replacement, I oiled the bearing, but did not drop oil directly into the well. I've just done that, but the sound persists.

 

[GuyK]

First thing I'd do is thoroughly inspect, clean, and re-oil that bearing. Make certain neither the thrust bearing at the bottom nor the bearing on the tip of the spindle is damaged, and make sure the spindle itself is not bent. In your vid it appears as though the outer platter is spinning eccentricly, but I can't see the inner well enough or long enough to be sure.

 

[doctor fuse]

I have had noises like that, on my 160, and it has been the suspension getting off-balance. It's a bit of a PITA, but adjusting the suspension solved the problem.

Have you turned the platter upside down on the subplatter, to look if it is rubbing against the top plate, or something?