Are you a proud owner of a Garrard turntable but find yourself struggling with maintenance and repairs?
Removing the turntable can be a daunting task, but fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of removing your Garrard turntable for repairs or maintenance.
From unplugging the console to identifying the type of retainer clips, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your tools and let’s get started on this journey to maintaining your beloved Garrard turntable.
How To Remove Garrard Turntable
Before we begin, it’s important to note that safety should always come first. Make sure to unplug the console before doing anything. It’s also a good idea to take pictures as you go along so that you have them as reference when you want to put things back together.
1. Remove the back from the console. This can usually be done using a 1/4′′ nut driver or a screwdriver.
2. Find the turntable from the back. There are typically two sets of cables coming up and connecting to the underside of the turntable – one is for power and one for audio. Locate them and take a picture for reinstallation.
3. Power plugs are typically white Molex plastic. Be very gentle when removing them! Many of the power sockets on turntables are brittle plastic and can break easily. Often the power switch is part of the same assembly so if the socket cracks the switch is a goner. Pull and wiggle gently on the plug (not the wire) to get it disconnected.
4. Audio plugs are typically a pair (if stereo, only one if mono) of RCA type plugs that insert into jacks on the bottom if the turntable. Often these won’t have plastic sleeves; they’ll be bare metal plugs. Alternately, instead of plugs there will be wire clip connectors that connect to three metal tabs. Another alternative is a cable coming from the turntable that ends in a plug/socket connection on the amplifier/receiver part of the console. Again, it’s always a good idea to take pictures BEFORE unplugging anything.
5. With the cables unplugged, find the bolts (usually two, sometime three or four) coming down from the top of the turntable through the top of the console cabinet. There are variations and you have to figure out which your turntable has in order to remove the turntable. Take pictures!
– Type 1 — (most consoles): On the bottom of the shafts are retainer clips , mostly rectangular with one rounded end.These retainers can be flipped from horizontal to vertical (the wide end of the opening goes up) so they are parallel to the bolts. This allows you to lift the turntable up and out.
– Type 2 — (typically older units, RCAs and some others): On the bottom of the threaded shafts are round retainer clips with a rubber washer (and sometimes another metal washer) and pinch tabs. Pinching the tabs together allows you to slide the clip down and off the bolt (save all the pieces in a bag if you do this). When the clips are off, you can lift the turntable up and off.
– Type 3 – (typically Magnavox): On the top of the deck are plastic slider clips. On these, you turn the sliders 90 degrees and this allows the turntable to lift up and out.
– Type 4 – (some older RCAs, some GE): Bolts from the top of the deck are simply unscrewed to release the turntable. Note that sometimes these bolt heads are under the platter. This means you need to remove the c-clip that holds the platter in place to get to the bolts. If you do this, don’t lose the large flat washer under the platter! (Typically, the surface tension of the grease will hold these to the bottom of the platter shaft, just be sure it doesn’t come off and get lost).
6. Once you’ve figured out how to remove your Garrard turntable, make sure to take note of any parts or pieces that may need repair or maintenance before putting everything back together.
Unplug The Console
The first and most critical step when removing a Garrard turntable is to unplug the console. This is a crucial safety measure that should never be overlooked. It’s important to ensure that the turntable is in an idle state and not playing before unplugging it from the power source. Although this may seem like a basic step, it’s often overlooked, leading to accidents and electrocution. Most Garrard turntables are powered by alternating current (AC), which is stronger than direct current (DC), making it even more crucial to unplug the console before attempting any repairs or maintenance.
It’s also essential to note that some capacitors can store energy even when electronics are unplugged. Therefore, it’s advisable to wait for at least thirty minutes after unplugging the console before opening it up. This will help dissipate any capacitors present and reduce the risk of electrical shock. Additionally, when doing repairs or maintenance, it’s critical to keep the turntable unplugged to prevent any possible injury from a moving part.
Remove The Platter
Removing the platter is an important step in repairing your Garrard turntable. To do this, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Locate the platter on the turntable. It is the circular piece that spins when the turntable is in use.
2. Grasp the platter on the outside edge and apply a steady upward force with your fingertips as you gently tap the center spindle with a plastic hammer. This should help loosen the platter from the spindle shaft.
3. Stop before the hard part, when the platter releases from the spindle shaft. It is just a friction fit. If it hasn’t “popped off” by now it may need some penetrating oil and then some heat. If the platter hasn’t been removed for a while and been “leaned on” it could be real tight.
4. If you are having trouble removing the platter, you may need to use some additional tools or techniques. One option is to use wedges underneath the platter and whack it with a rubber mallet until it finally comes off.
5. Once you have successfully removed the platter, don’t forget to clean and lubricate the bearing before putting everything back together.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily remove the platter from your Garrard turntable as part of your repair process.
Identify The Retainer Clips
When removing a Garrard turntable, it’s important to identify the retainer clips that hold the turntable in place. These clips vary depending on the type of console you have. Here are the different types of retainer clips and how to remove them:
– Type 1 — On the bottom of the shafts are rectangular retainer clips with one rounded end. These clips can be flipped from horizontal to vertical (the wide end of the opening goes up) so they are parallel to the bolts. This allows you to lift the turntable up and out.
– Type 2 — Typically found on older units, RCAs, and some others, these retainer clips have a rubber washer (and sometimes another metal washer) and pinch tabs. Pinching the tabs together allows you to slide the clip down and off the bolt (save all the pieces in a bag if you do this). When the clips are off, you can lift the turntable up and off.
– Type 3 – Typically found on Magnavox consoles, these retainer clips are plastic slider clips located on the top of the deck. To remove them, turn the sliders 90 degrees and this allows the turntable to lift up and out.
– Type 4 – Found on some older RCAs and GE consoles, bolts from the top of the deck are simply unscrewed to release the turntable. Note that sometimes these bolt heads are under the platter. This means you need to remove the c-clip that holds the platter in place to get to the bolts. If you do this, don’t lose the large flat washer under the platter! Typically, the surface tension of the grease will hold these to the bottom of the platter shaft, just be sure it doesn’t come off and get lost.
Identifying and removing these retainer clips is crucial in safely removing your Garrard turntable for maintenance or repair. Make sure to take note of which type of clip your console has before attempting to remove them.
Remove The Tonearm And Cartridge
Removing the tonearm and cartridge from a Garrard turntable can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and careful attention, it can be done easily. Before starting, make sure to unplug the console and take pictures as you go along for reference.
1. Locate the tonearm on the turntable. It is the long, thin arm that holds the cartridge and stylus.
2. To remove the cartridge from the tonearm, a flathead screwdriver is required. Locate the screw that holds the cartridge in place and gently unscrew it.
3. Once the screw is removed, carefully lift the cartridge out of the tonearm. Be sure to keep track of any wires that may be attached to it.
4. To remove the entire tonearm from the turntable, locate the locking mechanism on the tonearm base. This is usually a small lever or button that needs to be pressed or lifted.
5. Once the locking mechanism is disengaged, gently lift the tonearm out of its base.
6. With the tonearm and cartridge removed, you can now inspect them for any damage or wear that may need to be addressed before reinstallation.
7. When ready to reinstall, simply reverse these steps in order. Make sure to reattach any wires and screws securely before locking the tonearm back into place.
By following these steps, you can safely and easily remove and reinstall the tonearm and cartridge on your Garrard turntable.
Lift The Turntable Chassis
Lifting the turntable chassis is an essential step in removing your Garrard turntable. Depending on the type of bolts your turntable has, there are different ways to lift the chassis.
For Type 1 bolts, simply flip the retainer clips from horizontal to vertical so that they are parallel to the bolts. This will allow you to lift the turntable up and out.
For Type 2 bolts, locate the round retainer clips with a rubber washer and pinch tabs. Pinch the tabs together to slide the clip down and off the bolt. Save all the pieces in a bag if you do this. Once the clips are off, you can lift the turntable up and off.
For Type 3 bolts, locate the plastic slider clips on the top of the deck. Turn these sliders 90 degrees to allow the turntable to lift up and out.
For Type 4 bolts, unscrew the bolts from the top of the deck to release the turntable. Note that sometimes these bolt heads are under the platter. This means you need to remove the c-clip that holds the platter in place to get to the bolts. Don’t lose the large flat washer under the platter!
When lifting the turntable chassis, make sure to do it evenly so that you don’t create an uneven force that may damage your Garrard turntable. Once lifted, take note of any parts or pieces that may need repair or maintenance before putting everything back together.
Clean And Maintain The Turntable
Now that you have successfully removed your Garrard turntable, it’s important to clean and maintain it to ensure optimal performance. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Oiling Your Garrard Turntable: It Shouldn’t Be So Hard
Whether for the motor for the turntable belt or the bearings, your resident Garrard turntable is not the type to require a lot of oiling. However, there are times where oiling becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity. In those situations, use our short guide on how to oil our Garrard turntable. The oiling points for your Garrard turntable are accessible by removing the turntable mat. To remove the turntable mat, you will need to lift the turntable from the side after lifting it from the center boss. By following this process, you make sure that the turntable is not damaged nor the insides. You can access the retaining clip by levering the nameplate with a screwdriver or a penknife in an upward motion. Remove the retaining clip afterward. You can now remove the turntable. To initiate this, with the foam mat attached, lift the turntable using your fingers on opposing sides while applying the same amount of pressure. This action is done evenly so you don’t create an uneven force that may damage the Garrard turntable. You can now access the oiling points for the turntable’s motor. To oil effectively, make sure you place the appropriate amount. Any excess oil should be accounted for and removed using cloth.
2. Replacing The Turntable Belt The Easy Way
After removing the turntable and exposing its internal parts, you can now check the turntable belt. Hold the strap and use your hands to pry the belt away from the belt drive if the turntable belt is still attached to the drive. However, if the belt is broken, throw it away instead. To make sure that the belt drive is clean, dampen a cheesecloth using isopropyl alcohol. Use the damp cloth to wipe down the belt gently. When dust and debris build up around the turntable, the sound quality of the Garrard will be affected. Ensure that you wipe essential parts of the turntable, from the insides to the belt drive, including new turntable belts and platters.
3. Cleaning and Lubricating Bearings
Don’t overlook cleaning/lubing bearings when cleaning your Garrard turntable. The platter should spin for about 50 seconds and should be noiseless. Grasp platter on outside edge and apply steady upward force with your fingertips as you gently tap center spindle with a plastic hammer.
4. Putting Everything Back Together
Once you have cleaned and maintained your Garrard turntable, it’s time to put everything back together in reverse order as you took it apart. Make sure everything is properly aligned and tightened before plugging it back in and testing it out.
By following these steps, you can keep your Garrard turntable in top condition for years to come!
