How to Regrease a Linear Tracking Turntable

Linear turntables track straight across the surface of an LP, rather than an arc.

Despite the pervasive nature of digital audio in the contemporary world, the sound of vinyl has never completely lost favor. In an age where malfunctioning electronics are more affordable to replace than repair, quality electromechanical turntables that are decades old can perform to the highest levels with small amounts of user maintenance. Linear tracking turntables use a stylus path along the center radius of the record, the same path record cutters use, a design much different than turntables with pivoting tone arms. The linear tracking systems has its own maintenance needs.

Things You'll Need

• Isopropyl alcohol wipes
• Light machine oil
• Teflon or silicone lubricant

Instructions

1. Clean old or excess grease from the tone arm shaft and any visible drive or worm gears using the isopropyl alcohol wipes. Due to the alignment requirements of a linear arm, do not attempt to disassemble unless it is a last resort to repair the device.

2. Place a drop of light machine oil on the tone arm shaft and distribute it across the length of the shaft using a fingertip. Use as little as possible to coat the surface. Too much will attract dust, causing transport issues.

3. Apply a small amount of teflon or silicone lubricant on gears. Again, use lubricants sparingly. Operate the tone arm mechanism several times to distribute lubricants to all parts of the drive. Wipe away the excess lubricant that collects outside the area of travel. Unless you are having trouble with the turntable, repeat this procedure no more than once a year.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch closely for signs of excess lubricant or grease that has contacted drive belts. This may cause slippage in the mechanism in other locations that interrupts proper operation. It is better to add one or more light applications of lubricant than trying to remove too much.

References

• Vinylengine: Library; Pioneer PL-L1000