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Help - Mysterious Technics SL-1200 Noise

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FlayedCrux9

New Member
I just got this Technics SL-1200 turntable from Japan, for a good price. Appearance wise, this turntable is in great condition! The only problem is that when the platter starts to spin, a loud sort of sputtering / squeaking noise can be heard.
Here's what it sounds like: https://youtube.com/shorts/gLzhtHw3JSc?feature=share
I'll admit I'm a a newbie when it comes to turntable repair. On top of that, this is my first turntable using a direct drive system. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
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Pull the platter off and check for a sticker or a screw or other possible sources of rubbing.
 
Have you lubed the spindle? Also check for rubbing under the platter as Montycat suggested. Once you pull the platter, you can start the table and see if the sound continues without the platter. If it doesn't the platter is rubbing something
 
Rey1 said:
Have you lubed the spindle? Also check for rubbing under the platter as Montycat suggested. Once you pull the platter, you can start the table and see if the sound continues without the platter. If it doesn't the platter is rubbing something
Click to expand...

I believe Technics state NOT to run the motor without the platter. Lubing the spindle is a good idea. A few turns by hand may reveal a problem with the spindle.
 
Watching the video it seems the sound / noise produced has a regular pattern. The platter sounds like it is contacting the plinth. This could result from a warped platter, bent spindle. May have been dropped hard in shipping, bent the spindle. Watch the platter from the front, focus on the platter / plinth gap and see if it changes. If it WOWs it could be contacting and causing noise. When you remove the platter look for a friction ring on the plinth. If contacting the platter will leave a wear or witness marking.

Put your ear close to the platter. Move it slowly around and wiggle it back and forth to identify if something is rubbing. Move it by hand close to the spindle and not the edge of the platter.
- platter on the plinth (my hunch)
- object under the platter (maybe but has a regular pattern)
- or bearing itself ( IMO not likely but possible)

Use your ears to help diagnose. 1 or 2 mm is all it takes in some instances.
 
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