How To Make A Turntable Spin

Are you a vinyl enthusiast who’s been struggling with a turntable that just won’t spin?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Many record players, especially older models, can encounter issues with their belts, motors, and tonearms that prevent them from functioning properly.

But fear not, because in this article we’ll guide you through the steps to get your turntable spinning again like new.

From checking and replacing the belt to resetting the tonearm, we’ve got you covered.

So grab your tools and let’s get started!

The first step in getting your turntable to spin is to check the belt. If the belt is rubbing against another part of the record player, adjust it so that it’s clear. If the belt has stretched out, you may need to replace it. However, before doing so, you can try shrinking it back down by boiling it in hot water for 4-8 minutes.

Once you’ve checked and/or replaced the belt, it’s time to take a look at the tonearm. If your manual record player has a tonearm that clicks off when the record ends, make sure to reset it to its original position before playing a new record. If the tonearm is not pushed back far enough, simply lift it and move it toward the right-hand side until you hear a clicking sound indicating that it has been reset.

If your turntable still won’t spin after checking the belt and resetting the tonearm, it may be time to take a closer look at the motor. Make sure that it’s clean and free of any debris or buildup. Consistent cleaning and maintenance of your record player is crucial for its longevity and performance.

When replacing the belt, make sure to purchase the correct one for your specific record player model. The width, length, and thickness of the belt can affect how your records play. Measure your old belt against the new one before purchasing to ensure that they match up.

To replace the belt, turn off and unplug the record player before taking it apart. Lock the tonearm into place and remove the plastic mat and platter. Stretch the new belt around the center of the platter, making sure that it fits snugly onto the hub in the center of the larger wheel. Use any ribbons attached to orient and attach the belt to the motor pulley.

Flip the platter back over and place it back on the turntable, making sure that it’s straight and centered without twists or kinks. If there are access holes, hook the belt onto the motor shaft through them. If not, stretch the belt onto the small peg located near the edge of the platter.

Spin the platter two full rotations clockwise and then two counter-clockwise to allow the belt to hook onto the motor. Test that your turntable is spinning properly by giving it a few clockwise and counter-clockwise spins. If there are jerky stops or twists in the belt, troubleshoot by reattaching it.

Finally, replace any removable clips to secure the platter and plug in your turntable to make sure that everything is working as it should be.

Checking The Belt

Before replacing the belt, it’s important to check its condition. If the belt is worn out, it can cause the turntable to spin unevenly or not at all. To check the belt, remove the plastic covering protecting the platter and lift it off its position. Look at the belt to see if it’s cracked, corroded, or stretched out. If it appears to be in good condition, check to make sure that it’s in the proper position. The belt should be wrapped around the motor spindle and the platter hub. If it’s not, adjust it until it is.

If the belt is in poor condition, it’s time to replace it. To do so, you’ll need to find a compatible belt for your record player model. Check your instruction manual for details about the size, width, and thickness of the belt required. If you no longer have the manual, search for it online or contact the company that makes your turntable for assistance.

Once you have the new belt, follow the steps outlined above to replace it. Make sure to stretch the new belt over the center of the platter and attach it to the motor pulley before flipping the platter back over and placing it on its original position. After spinning the platter in both directions to ensure that everything is working properly, replace any removable clips and plug in your turntable to enjoy your music once again.

Replacing The Belt

Replacing the belt on your turntable can seem daunting, but it’s a relatively simple process. First, make sure to purchase the correct replacement belt for your specific model. You can measure your old belt against the new one to ensure that they match up in width, length, and thickness.

To replace the belt, start by turning off and unplugging your record player. Lock the tonearm into place and remove the plastic mat and platter. Carefully remove the old belt, making sure not to damage any other parts of the record player.

Next, stretch the replacement belt over the center hub of the platter. It should fit snugly, but make sure it’s in the center of the circle as much as possible. Also, ensure it’s smooth throughout without any areas where it twists or bunches up.

If your record player has access holes, stretch the belt onto the small peg or post that sticks up from the edge of the platter. Otherwise, line up the replacement belt with the access holes in the platter.

Once you’ve attached the belt to the platter, flip it over and place it back onto the turntable. Make sure that it’s straight and centered without any twists or kinks. If there are access holes, hook the belt onto the motor shaft through them. If not, stretch the belt onto the small peg located near the edge of the platter.

Finally, replace any removable clips to secure the platter and plug in your turntable to make sure that everything is working as it should be. With a little bit of patience and care, you can replace your turntable’s belt and get back to enjoying your favorite records with ease.

Cleaning The Motor

If your turntable still won’t spin after checking the belt and resetting the tonearm, it may be time to clean the motor. A dirty motor can cause the platter to rotate at an incorrect speed or not at all. To begin, make sure that the turntable is unplugged and turned off.

Start by removing the platter and mat from your record player. On direct drive turntables, you may need to remove a magnet assembly attached to the bottom of the platter. Be careful not to damage it while removing the platter.

Once you have access to the motor, use an anti-static microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or debris. If there is buildup on the motor, use a small amount of electronics cleaning fluid, such as DeoxIT D5, to gently clean it. Spray the cleaning fluid into any openings in the components and attempt to rotate the knobs to dislodge any dirt that may be causing issues.

While you have access to the motor, add a few drops of twenty weight synthetic oil on the motor shaft and on the area where the spindle enters the housing. This will help reduce friction and ensure that your turntable spins smoothly.

Once you’ve cleaned and lubricated the motor, reassemble the platter and test your turntable by giving it a few clockwise and counter-clockwise spins. If everything is working properly, replace any removable clips to secure the platter and plug in your turntable. Your record player should now be spinning smoothly and efficiently.

Troubleshooting The Motor

If your turntable still won’t spin after checking the belt and resetting the tonearm, the issue may be with the motor. Before attempting to fix the motor, make sure that it’s clean and free of any debris or buildup. If it’s still not working, you may need to take a closer look at the internal mechanism of the motor.

One potential cause for a platter that has stopped spinning could be problems with the internal mechanism of the direct drive motor in direct drive record players. If this is the case, it can be difficult to locate the issue. However, regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent such issues from occurring.

For belt-driven models, check that the belt is intact, in place, and not too worn. If it’s broken or overly worn, replace it by lifting out the turntable platter and attaching the new belt to the underside. Make sure to purchase the correct belt for your specific record player model.

If you have a direct drive turntable and it’s spinning erratically, make sure that all motor functions, especially the speed controls, are clean. Debris and dirt stuck in the motor components and shaft can cause issues with the motor’s performance.

If you’ve checked all of these potential issues and your turntable still won’t spin properly, it may be time to seek professional help or replace the record player altogether. But with regular maintenance and troubleshooting, you can help prolong your record player’s life and ensure that your vinyl collection sounds its best.

Resetting The Tonearm

The tonearm is a crucial component of your turntable, and if it’s not properly reset, your record player won’t spin. Most manual record players have a tonearm that needs to be pushed back into the reset position for it to work properly. If the tonearm is not reset, the player will not spin.

To reset the tonearm, make sure that it’s properly secured in its armrest before turning on your record player. If it’s not, lift it and move it toward the right-hand side until you hear a clicking sound indicating that it has been reset. It’s important to always reset the tonearm before playing a new record to avoid any issues.

If your turntable has an automatic function that returns the tonearm to the armrest after a record has ended, make sure that it’s working properly. If not, check the model’s instruction manual to see if there is any mention of an auto-return adjustment screw.

If you have an older turntable equipped with a tonearm that requires resetting at the end of each record, simply take the tonearm and push it to the right, to the edge of the record ring, past its usual resting place. There you should hear a clear clicking sound, signifying that the tonearm has indeed been reset.

By properly resetting your tonearm, you can ensure that your turntable spins smoothly and your records play back as desired. Remember to always take care of your turntable and perform regular maintenance to keep it in top condition.

Calibrating The Turntable Speed

If you find that your turntable is spinning too fast or slow, it’s time to calibrate the speed. The first step is to consult your turntable’s manual to locate the calibration screws. If you can’t find the manual, try lifting the pad and checking under the platter or under the motor. Make sure that your turntable is level before making any adjustments.

Most turntables have adjustment screws that allow you to speed up or slow down the platter. Clockwise turns usually speed up the platter, while counterclockwise turns slow it down. Start by adjusting the 33 1/3 rpm speed first.

Some audiophiles prefer to use a small, non-metal screwdriver to make adjustments, but this isn’t necessary. The adjustment screws are simply adjusting the speed potentiometers. Be patient and make small adjustments until you achieve the desired speed.

If recalibrating doesn’t fix the issue, there may be internal issues with the speed selector switch. This can often be caused by dust, dirt, and grime buildup. You can try cleaning and lubricating the switch with a solution specifically designed for electronics, such as Deoxit. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the switch entirely.

Calibrating the turntable speed can be a bit tricky, but with some patience and attention to detail, you can get your record player spinning at just the right speed for optimal sound quality.