Pioneer PL-530 tonearm “sticking” same spot

[Tamboo]

I have an unusual problem with my Pioneer PL-530 turntable. I took the tonearm and auto-mechanism apart ostensibly to repair the cracked tonearm casing. Upon cleaning all parts and putting it back together, I have now found the auto-mechanism not working (problem for another day, still can use it in manual mode) but my immediate issue is that the tonearm seems to “stick” in the same spot; i.e. playing any side of any record, about 90 seconds into first track, the needle sticks or skips. And yes, the records are clean and there are no scratches which could be causing this. When putting the tonearm elsewhere on a record, it plays fine. I have moved the tonearm and cannot see or feel any obvious sticking. Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated!!

 

[jobrewer1983]

I have an unusual problem with my Pioneer PL-530 turntable. I took the tonearm and auto-mechanism apart ostensibly to repair the cracked tonearm casing. Upon cleaning all parts and putting it back together, I have now found the auto-mechanism not working (problem for another day, still can use it in manual mode) but my immediate issue is that the tonearm seems to “stick” in the same spot; i.e. playing any side of any record, about 90 seconds into first track, the needle sticks or skips. And yes, the records are clean and there are no scratches which could be causing this. When putting the tonearm elsewhere on a record, it plays fine. I have moved the tonearm and cannot see or feel any obvious sticking. Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated!!

Have you downloaded the service manual from vinyl engine yet? May want to if you have not

 

[jobrewer1983]

I have an unusual problem with my Pioneer PL-530 turntable. I took the tonearm and auto-mechanism apart ostensibly to repair the cracked tonearm casing. Upon cleaning all parts and putting it back together, I have now found the auto-mechanism not working (problem for another day, still can use it in manual mode) but my immediate issue is that the tonearm seems to “stick” in the same spot; i.e. playing any side of any record, about 90 seconds into first track, the needle sticks or skips. And yes, the records are clean and there are no scratches which could be causing this. When putting the tonearm elsewhere on a record, it plays fine. I have moved the tonearm and cannot see or feel any obvious sticking. Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated!!

Welcome to the site too!

 

[Tamboo]

Have you downloaded the service manual from vinyl engine yet? May want to if you have not

Yes I have both the Owner’s and Service manuals, neither of which seemed to assist with this issue...

 

[mackeb]

I think you may need to pull it apart again.
I think it would be good to check that the tonearm wires are not catching somewhere.

 

[Tamboo]

I think you may need to pull it apart again.
I think it would be good to check that the tonearm wires are not catching somewhere.

Nope, they aren’t... but yes pulling apart again was probably my last resort option...

 

[mackeb]

Anti skate spring binding and catching at that point?

Is the tonearm lowering sheet dropping enough to not touch the arm while it’s on the record?

 

[Tamboo]

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[Tamboo]

Anti skate spring binding and catching at that point?

Is the tonearm lowering sheet dropping enough to not touch the arm while it’s on the record?

TambooNew Member
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I did check the tonearm lowering and that was ok. I’ll check the anti skate spring, thanks for your suggestion!