Pioneer SX950

[CoreyS]

I need to remove the faceplate on a Pioneer SX950 and can’t turn the set screw on the radio tuning knob (the large knob). It looks like an Allen wrench set screw but I can’t tell. Doesn’t seem like it would get chewed up from a lot of use, but that may be the case. I may need to drill it out. I thought I would reach out and ask before I try that. Ive tried a lot of small Allen wrenches and I’m thinking it’s flattened out. I would really appreciate it if anybody has come across this and can let me know.

 

[rwartner]

Go to Pioneer forum and search for allen wrench. -> 1.5MM

Here is example:

Pioneer Maintenance

Hey all. I have an sx-1050 and was wondering if anybody has found somebody in western/central Massachusetts or new york city that they would recommend to go through an old receiver and check it out. There are absolutely no problems with the receiver at the moment, but some preventative...

audiokarma.org

HiFiEngine has SX-950 manuals.

 

[Bradbrews]

There are two of them. Be sure to loosen them both.

 

[CoreyS]

Thank you! Yes I have the service manual from Hifi Engine and have to say it’s probably the best manual I have come across. It explains in great detail how things work such as the power supply for example. I think it’s 90 pages.

 

[malden]

I think it’s 90 pages.

that's why I sold my monster receivers

 

[CoreyS]

I don’t see 2. I did get the one out but I can’t get the knob off. So something’s up. Maybe it’s frozen.

 

[Bradbrews]

My mistake, the 980 I was just working on has 2, the 950 one.
Check the hole to be sure there is not another screw in there. Then put a drop of penetrating oil in the hole and give it some time to work and then try again.

 

[larryderouin]

In addition to penetrating oil, add some heat to the knob (hair dryer on high, ask wife before use and wipe it down after). 10 minutes after heat application use a 1.5mm allen key and work it back and forth. There is some galvanic action between the steel grub screw and the aluminum knob which will corrode the aluminum and make your day miserable. Worse comes to worse find a left handed 2.5mm drill and drill out the screw. It may catch on the drill flutes and back out. Then drill and tap for the next size up. If the knob is seized on the shaft, drizzle some penetrant on the shaft (front facing down) and let it sit overnight. Then hit the knob with heat, and work it back and forth while holding on to the opposite end of shaft.

 

[CoreyS]

Thx Larry. I had already put 2 drops of penetrating oil in the hole where the set screw was removed. The next day I read your post and securing the tuning dial shaft in the back with pliers was the key. Cleaned the pots and switches. AUX switch and TONE ON/OFF switch now working.