Hi to everybody,
Just a quick update in case anyone lands here looking for a solution.
The auto‑return issue is very likely related to the height of the shaft. Over time, the original rubber piece at the bottom of the bearing disintegrates, causing the shaft to sit lower than it should. When this happens, the shaft gear also rotates too low, which allows the auto‑return lever to “jump” over it — that’s the clicking sound you hear.
Bending the latch
might work temporarily, but it doesn’t address the real issue, which is restoring the shaft to its correct height.
To solve this, in others forums I recommended placing a rubber piece under the shaft. However, after several years, the same issue reappeared — the rubber washer eventually deteriorates — so I’d like to share the definitive solution I’ve found.
The proper fix is to install a nylon washer (rubber should be avoided). Some precautions are necessary when determining the number and thickness of washers. It must be ensured that:
- The height of the shaft’s plastic gear is sufficient to prevent the auto‑return lever on the main cam from “jumping” over it.
- The platter is not raised too high, which would prevent the turntable from running at 45 rpm without the belt slipping off.
In my case, I used two nylon washers plus a thin PVC piece (without a hole) placed under the bearing. This last element isn’t mandatory, but I chose to include it to help the bearing turn more freely. Here is the configuration I installed (1 being the top, and 4 being the bottom inside the shaft cylinder):
1. Shaft with its bearing at the bottom
2. PVC piece (I used an old SIM card, for example)
3. Nylon washer
4. Nylon washer
The whole assembly was lubricated with Vaseline oil (known as “3‑en‑1” in France).
After installing the washers, you also need to adjust the tonearm and auto‑return mechanism heights exactly as described in the service manual ("tonearm height adjustment" section).
I hope it would help others.
Cheers!
