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Thorens TD 124 w/ audiosilente replacement idler wheel mechanical noise?

I got a Thorens belt from Thakker. The belt says Thorens - not Thakker and looks and performs as good as stock. Thakker also have their own branded belts that say 'Thakker' . I doubt there's a difference.
 
Sorry to revive an old thread, but I feel like I've found mecca here. I'm dealing with a very high-pitched, almost "FEELING" instead of "sound" coming from my step pulley. Sort of a chirping or tension-y sound. (I feel like I'm at the mechanic...)

My motor runs dead quiet with the belt off, and the noise happens without the step pulley contacting the idler wheel.

My whole table has been restored, but the step pulley is original. The person who restored says there's not much that can be done to minimize step pulley noise without just replacing it.

I think most people wouldn't notice this noise, but it's very much hanging in the air for me. I also have a small living room so can't really get further away from it.

I'm wondering if the audiosilente step pulley replacement has cured anyone's issue? Or if I should just try a different belt? Or powder the existing belt? I've tried flipping the belt with no luck.
 
I had a similar "chirping, clicking" noise coming from the stepped pulley. The ball bearing at the top of the shaft became scored and was the source of the noise.
I replaced the ball bearing, greased and adjusted the height of the shaft. That seemed to solve my problem.
 
I see... sounds a bit more advanced than I usually go. Lmk if there's a guide for doing so - surely the ball doesn't just come out of the shaft? Tempted to just drop in a replacement if that's an easier/more straightforward solution and doesn't create additional problems.

Thanks for the tip!
 
The ball sits on top of the shaft. There's a "cup" inside of the stepped pulley's spindle that meets and spins on the ball. Or the ball in cup spins on the shaft, the ball should spin freely.
The height of the shaft can be changed after loosening two (?) setscrews underneath.

It's been awhile but I think there's also a thin Teflon washer at the bottom of the stepped pulley between the pulley and the base. I adjusted the spindle height so the stepped pulley spun on both the Teflon washer and the ball bearing. I think the ball on my unit became scored because the shaft was too high such that the ball bearing supported most of the weight. It was visibly scored and clicked every time it turned. I don't remember the size, but I had to replace the ball bearing.

I used a very light grease on any turning surfaces, the teflon washer, the ball and the shaft.

Look at it long enough and it will make sense.
 
Same here, #8050. Putting powder or other gunky substances around the machinery kind of freaks me out. I may try to grease it this weekend out of curiosity, but I ordered a new step pulley from Audio Silente that should arrive in the next few weeks. If I can get this thing quiet I'll be so happy with the 124!

Here's a video of the noise. Probably helpful to listen with headphones, but I do flip the (loud) speed selector switch at the beginning so beware.

Thanks so much for the help, will look up a service manual to locate the right screws etc for removal.
 
Put some talc in a bowl and "batter" the belt in it.
Just like putting bread crumbs on chicken (minus the eggs).
The talc on the belt keeps the belt from sticking to the pulleys. It's innocuous and works for belt noise.

Put the belt in the bowl and stir it around.
After the belt picks up the talc, give it a shake to remove excess.

PS...make sure to use "Talc", not corn starch.
 
I just listened to your video and that is an odd noise.

Is there any visible damage (scratching) to the shaft that the stepped pulley spins on?
If you put a drop of oil in the stepped pulley's hole does it quiet down?
 
heyraz said:
I just listened to your video and that is an odd noise.

Is there any visible damage (scratching) to the shaft that the stepped pulley spins on?
If you put a drop of oil in the stepped pulley's hole does it quiet down?
Click to expand...

I've tried putting oil in that little cup, which doesn't seem to have much or any effect. Will try to remove the step pulley this week to take a deeper look, but hoping the new one will solve the issue.
 
Have you spun the stepped pulley with the belt off?
Is the belt too tight? I think I tried a couple of different belts when I was working things out.
 
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