Stuck Garrard LAB 80 spindle gear and bearing

[scootchu]

One possibility for the groove and clip riding low is that the washers in the bearing set were reversed. They have the same OD but their IDs are different, with the top one slightly larger, allowing it to sit in the part that it mates to. When it doesn’t sit in there, the whole stack is raised by the thickness of that top washer.

Of course this won’t make it any easier to remove that clip. I did exactly what Gadget described, down to the cursing. It takes two tools opposing one another; if you can widen that gap then it’ll come out of its groove.

Good luck…. and be forewarned. The next thing that happens after the clip comes out is the ball bearings take flight.

Thanks. I walked away from it for a few days. I also have a AR XB that came with the deal that I can work on. A little less complicated. Thanks for the insight.

 

[George H]

Thanks. I walked away from it for a few days. I also have a AR XB that came with the deal that I can work on. A little less complicated. Thanks for the insight.

Only one suggestion, if the spindle has ever been tapped heavily the whole shaft may have slid down through the aluminum spider frame and is protruding below the frame. It must be tapped back up flush with the aluminum frame. There is no screws or hardware just an interference fit. This will free up the platter spindle and allow the clips and platter to be removed. Don't need to do any thing but tap the shaft back up flush. I had two L80's that had similar issues. Some owners try hammering the top of the spindle to get their platters off, I guess,...bad for spindles

 

[scootchu]

Only one suggestion, if the spindle has ever been tapped heavily the whole shaft may have slid down through the aluminum spider frame and is protruding below the frame. It must be tapped back up flush with the aluminum frame. There is no screws or hardware just an interference fit. This will free up the platter spindle and allow the clips and platter to be removed. Don't need to do any thing but tap the shaft back up flush. I had two L80's that had similar issues. Some owners try hammering the top of the spindle to get their platters off, I guess,...bad for spindles

Thank you! That was the problem and a a few taps from the bottom and I could get the clip off in 5 mins.

 

[George H]

Thank you! That was the problem and a a few taps from the bottom and I could get the clip off in 5 mins.

Hey you live long enough and play with enough toys, you learn to filter out lot's of noise. Sorry I didn't see this sooner. oh' well. A lot of times the big hammer does have to
come out along with the torch. (On a Dual 1229!) How far down was it? Mine were all about an 1/8 of an inch below the frame. May want to check the flat platter thrust bearing and washer... it may be galled from the extra pressure that it was living with. If it runs smoothly and no splits in the fiber, you're ok. Enjoy the moment with a good spin, not a blues tune!

 

[Robint]

Or go on eBay and buy the 11 ball bearing and races from mid-century sound. I have installed one in my type A ll, my A70 and my Lab 80 no more phenolic ring and the balls do not drop out. No affiliation to seller, just a satisfied customer!

 

[scootchu]

Thanks to all for helping me out. I've got it running and still have to get the cueing mech correct and its a little sluggish when returning the tonearm, but soaking the idler in brake fluid has helped tremendously. Question about the mat and how to get it to stay in the platter groove. I've warmed it up with a heat gun and it will seat and then pull back up when it cools. Thought about tacking it with hot glue at 4 points. Anyone have a trick? I know this Shure high compliance m97he isn't supposed to work with this tonearm, but its not bad. Going to go through my box of carts and see if I have something more suitable.