Technics SL-D3 "Loose" Tonearm

[Electone]

Just picked up a nice SL-D3 with a Shure M70ej cartridge. I noticed that the cartridge was not perpendicular to the record. The tonearm is not physically damaged in any way. The whole tonearm twists back at the pivot point rather easily, so I'm thinking something is loose. Is there an adjustment screw somewhere that will tighten the arm so that it no longer twists?

 

[boreas]

Just picked up a nice SL-D3 with a Shure M70ej cartridge. I noticed that the cartridge was not perpendicular to the record. The tonearm is not physically damaged in any way. The whole tonearm twists back at the pivot point rather easily, so I'm thinking something is loose. Is there an adjustment screw somewhere that will tighten the arm so that it no longer twists?

There might be. The place it's likely to be is on the underside of the "puck" that the arm tube fits into. Can you see or feel anything there?

John

 

[Electone]

There's two screws (what looks to be a smaller screw within a larger screws) on either side of the "puck", but they seem tight already.

 

[12ax7]

Are you saying that if you grip that aluminum disc by the two side bearings that the whole assembly will rock on the black center post? Or, are you able to twist the arm tube where it enters the aluminum disc? There are two 1.5mm hex screws underneath to tighten the tube to the disc. The vertical bearings (the screw within a screw) don't usually require any adjustment unless someone messed with them. The inner screw is the adjustment, the outer screw locks it in place.

 

[Electone]

The arm tube turns within the aluminum disc. I'll try adjusting those hex screws. Thanks.

 

[Electone]

The hex screws are definitely the problem. Man, they're hard to get at! So little room from underneath. Perhaps removing the whole arm assembly would make it easier to tighten them?

 

[12ax7]

Nope, get an L-shaped Allen wrench and grind the short leg even shorter, instant special tool!

 

[leighu]

Hey guys,
I have the same exact issue with the sl-d3, the tonearm is so loose in the aluminum disc that it even slides out.

Can anyone confirm that the two screws underneath are 1.5mm hex? I'm at work and just want to make sure before grinding this Allen key down.

Also, any tips on how to get the tonearm rotated to the exact correct position? Or is it kind of a guessing game?

Thanks!

 

[Zf098]

I'm going to resurrect this thread because I have the exact same issue with my SL-B5. No issues with playing, but I share Leighu's concern: How do I find the right angle for the tone arm?

Thanks!

 

[Balifly]

I'm going to resurrect this thread because I have the exact same issue with my SL-B5. No issues with playing, but I share Leighu's concern: How do I find the right angle for the tone arm?

Thanks!

Not sure what your concerns are.

Could you elaborate or post a picture?:scratch2:

 

[Zf098]

Well, there's really not much to see. But the tone arm is loose in the joint and turns very easily. I can see quite easily how to tighten the arm, but am concerned that if I don't get the angle of the arm just right, I could cause undue wear on my albums or stylus.

 

[Balifly]

Well, there's really not much to see. But the tone arm is loose in the joint and turns very easily. I can see quite easily how to tighten the arm, but am concerned that if I don't get the angle of the arm just right, I could cause undue wear on my albums or stylus.

I am not sure what you are referring to.

Is the head shell and cartridge level - parallel to the turn table ? :scratch2:

 

[Zf098]

Sorry. :/ Still learning how to convey my turntable problems effectively.

No, the headshell wasn't parallel to the tt. If I grip the headshell and turn, the entire arm will rotate along with it.. The 'disc' you see in the picture is firm and moves as it is supposed to. The arm turns in the joint where the two meet. I have the headshell parallel now, but have to tighten the hex screws underneath (on the bottom of that 'disc') to prevent the arm from freely rotating.

Should I just position the headshell and arm parallel to the table, or is this adjustment something that needs to be very precise?

 

[Balifly]

Sorry. :/ Still learning how to convey my turntable problems effectively.

No, the headshell wasn't parallel to the tt. If I grip the headshell and turn, the entire arm will rotate along with it.. The 'disc' you see in the picture is firm and moves as it is supposed to. The arm turns in the joint where the two meet. I have the headshell parallel now, but have to tighten the hex screws underneath (on the bottom of that 'disc') to prevent the arm from freely rotating.

Should I just position the headshell and arm parallel to the table, or is this adjustment something that needs to be very precise?

The headshell should be parallel to the table other wise the "azimuth" would not be correct.

Put a small bullseye level-bubble type level on the headshell to check.

The needle-cantilever should be at right angle to the record.

Do this in the day time in good light.

Put a mirror under the needle and look at the cantilever's reflection.

It should look straight.

Take your time and post back when you are done!

 

[shardina]

If you have a bubble level, after you make sure your platter is level you may be able to set the bubble level on top of the headshell (if it's flat enough) and find the right position that way. (edit: Balifly beat me to it!) Otherwise maybe remove the headshell and use the four contact pins in the end of the tonearm as a guide to tape a piece of mechanical pencil lead or a needle right over the end so it sits horizontally and lies right down the center of the two upper and two lower pins, then use that as a guide to eyeball or measure a level position (a Vernier caliper is your friend here!).