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Pioneer PL A35D Hum

JohnInICT

JohnInICT

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I have a Pioneer PL A35D and it has hum when the needle first touches down and when the tonearm returns. I have tracked it down to a vibration by the tonearm motor.

Do these motors need lubed? If so, where do I lube them? I have not been able to find the spot. There is also a slight hum all the time, so maybe the hum is there and it is just getting worse when the return motor is going.

What else would cause this motor to vibrate/hum?
 
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JohnInICT said:
I have a Pioneer PL A35D and it has hum when the needle first touches down and when the tonearm returns. I have tracked it down to a vibration by the tonearm motor.

Do these motors need lubed? If so, where do I lube them? I have not been able to find the spot. There is also a slight hum all the time, so maybe the hum is there and it is just getting worse when the return motor is going.

What else would cause this motor to vibrate/hum?
Click to expand...

Maybe the hum is a bad ground check that first. Make sure the ground wire is well connected. Maybe it is a cartridge wire that is not seated or broken? Check the leads going to the cartridge.

The motor on a belt drive will need a drop or two of oil - usually where the shaft comes out from the motor case. Some of them have a place on the bottom of the case that you can oil.

The platter bearing also should be properly lubed. Try Vinyl Engine for a service manual.
 
Thanks for the input. I tried a different headshell and cart all together. It is very weird...since there is a slight hum all the time when the needle is in contact with the record and the it is worse when the tonearm motor is doing it's thing...I am at a loss. I can replace the cables...never replaced tonearm wires..looks like a PITA though.
 
Check the tonearm timing motor mechanical linkages. This small low HP motor drives a cam wheel that cycles the tonearm. There are some electrical contacts in this area that might need proper gaping. Also check that the cam wheel is cycling properly. It will cycle 180 at Start and the remaining 180 at Cut/Return.
 
I did clean the contacts...they appear to have the correct gap. It does cycle like it should...just hums...lol
 
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