Sansui FR-D4 slow-moving tonearm

[nosebleed]

I recently picked up a used Sansui FR-D4. It sounds good and is in decent physical condition and seems to function properly, but the automatic tonearm seems to really struggle travelling long distances. Here's what it will do:

• will slowly move automatically to the 7"/12" position and start the record
• at the end of the record it lifts off the record, though it struggles to make it all the way back to the tonearm rest
• if i hit stop, depending on where in the record the needle is, it will lift off and occasionally make it all the way back to the tonearm rest

During the past few days using it, I have seen it make it to the end of the record and return home, and with repeat engaged, I've seen it return home then move back to the beginning of the record and start over. But it doesn't do it every time, and it struggles when it does do it.

The "computer" light flashes during all automatic operations as if everything is working properly and the motor sounds like it's working fine, but the tonearm just seems "tired" and even moving it manually, it doesn't glide effortlessly. It almost feels like something needs to be lubed, though the manual it says nothing needs to be lubed.

Any thoughts or tips on this? It's a cool little turntable and of course works just fine moving the tonearm myself, but the automatic operation is neat and I of course would like it to function properly.

Thanks for any tips or suggestions.

 

[Montycat]

It probably could use some lubrication and a new drive belt for the tonearm action. I don't know the size but it will be something in the 50 mm area.

 

[nosebleed]

Okay, thanks for the suggestions. I will open it up and have a peek.

 

[savatage1973]

Montycat is most likely correct. The "grease" has probably turned to "gunk" and is not allowing the mechanism to operate smoothly. Clean off the old stuff and apply fresh lubricant.

 

[ETI_5000]

Check the tonearm movement belt - it's probably slipping, a common problem with Sansuis of that era. I had the same problem with my XR-Q7 until I replaced mine.

 

[nosebleed]

So I cracked the turntable open to have a look at it. The belt seems fine, doesn't seem too loose or tight, not brittle or losing its elasticity. Then again, I know nothing about the internals of turntables, so take that with a grain of salt.

I didn't expect things to be this complicated and intricate, so I snapped a few pics. Maybe you guys can see something that looks "off" that I'm oblivious to. If you could point out what parts to clean/lube that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks again for any information, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[harrynson]

Hola, todavía lo tienes, lo vendes ???