At this point I kinda feel like the drooping weight guy since I seem to always be commenting on this issue.
Drooping arm counter weights are caused by the rubber tube/sleeve deteriorating that separates
the rear counter weight from the arm tube.
Usually at the center of this rubber tube you will find a stiffening rod often metal.
So you ask, why is it here? It's purpose is to help dampen the arm and was part of the original design
found on better arms of the period.
How to fix it, well two paths one more in line with the original intent, the other less so.
First choice remove the counter weights, carefully separate the remaining short arm stub from the arm at the droop
point, take your time. Clean any old rubber debris from both ends of the arm sections save any stiffening
rods etc.
Once cleaned up the goal is to replicate the original connection and this varies between arms due to the
arm tubes "ID" inner dimension.
Rubber tubing comes in a variety of OD's you want one that when the stiffening rod {original or not}
is inserted will provide enough resistance as to not rotate or separate easily.
A slightly large tube can usually be made smaller by sanding/grinding that sort off thing and placing
both the rubber tube and stiffening center material in the deep freeze.
If you have the dimensions very close a lubricant that will temporarily help insertion but not allow
movement when finished can be used, saliva will evaporate or a lubricate that is not petrolatum based
and flashes off leaving no long term lubrication effects.
Second option, skip the rubber tube material and the center rod. and go for any connecting material
you choose with the correct OD that will be stiff and not rotate or pull apart to easily.
Possible options include a variety of plastics,nylons, wood etc etc and if you get close to the right size
but think it still a little lose, a material appropriate bonding product could be added.
If you are creative and have patience it is not that difficult a process.
Note on Ebay a vendor does supply a one piece solid type connector for SME arms of which a gazilion
were made to correct the issue with them.
