Are you experiencing the frustration of a turntable that won’t spin?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many turntable owners have encountered this issue at some point.
The good news is that there are several reasons why your turntable might not be spinning, and most of them can be fixed with a little bit of troubleshooting.
In this article, we’ll explore some common causes of turntable malfunction and provide tips on how to fix them.
Whether you have a belt-driven or direct-drive turntable, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and get your turntable spinning again!
Why Is My Turntable Not Spinning
There are several reasons why your turntable might not be spinning. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes:
Check The Power Source
The power source is one of the most common culprits for a turntable not spinning. Faulty outlets, loose connections, weak wattage, or an improperly inserted power cord can all cause the turntable to malfunction. If you suspect that the power source is the issue, try plugging in other working pieces of equipment or your turntable into a different outlet to see if it solves the problem.
Sometimes, after a turntable has been used for a while, the power button may need to be held down for 10-15 seconds until the platter starts spinning. It’s also possible that the start/stop button is malfunctioning and requires an expert’s attention. Before attempting any further troubleshooting, make sure that the power source is properly connected and functioning correctly.
Inspect The Belt
If your turntable has a belt drive, there is a chance that the belt may have become loose or damaged, causing the platter to stop spinning. To inspect the condition of the belt, start by checking if it is in the proper position. If it is loose or out of place, you can fix this problem by repositioning or tightening the belt. However, if the belt has completely withered away, you will have to buy a new one since it is essential for a belt drive record player to function properly.
Before the belt stops working completely, it will show some warning signs that indicate its time is nearly up. The record player spins at the wrong speed and produces poor sound quality. If you notice these signs, it’s time to replace the belt. To do so, you first need to find a compatible belt. Check the instruction manual for details about the size, width, and thickness of the belt required for your model. If you don’t have a manual, search for it online or contact the company that makes your turntable to ask for one.
Once you have the belt, start the replacement process by unplugging the record player and removing the plastic covering protecting the platter. Next, remove the platter from its position by unscrewing the C shaped clip with any screwdriver that fits. Keep the clip safe for later use. After releasing the platter, flip it to its backside and gently straighten your belt and move it over the circular inner lid. Continue moving the belt slowly until it snaps in place. If the damaged belt is still in place, remove it first.
Flip the platter over and place it on its original position. Pull the belt from the access points and pull it over the drive motor. Push the platter into its place and attach the C shaped clip. With this, the belt and player are ready to use again.
Clean The Turntable Platter
One common reason why your turntable may not be spinning properly is due to dirt buildup on the turntable platter. This can cause too much friction, which prevents the platter from rotating at the correct speed. To fix this issue, you should start by giving your turntable a thorough cleaning. Begin by removing any dust or debris from the platter using a soft cloth or brush. You can also use a record cleaning brush to remove any dirt that may be stuck in the grooves of your records.
Once you have cleaned the platter, it’s important to lubricate it properly. Apply a few drops of synthetic oil to the motor shaft and the area where the spindle enters the housing. Use a 20 weight synthetic oil for best results. This will help to reduce friction and ensure that your turntable spins smoothly.
If cleaning and lubrication do not solve the problem, you may need to take a closer look at the belt. A loose or damaged belt can also cause your turntable to stop spinning. Check to make sure that the belt is in its proper place and not overly worn or stretched out. If necessary, replace the belt with a new one.
It’s also important to make sure that your tonearm is properly secured in its armrest before turning on your record player. If the tonearm is not in its proper place, it can prevent the platter from spinning correctly. Additionally, make sure to reset the tonearm back into its armrest each time a record has ended to ensure proper functioning of your turntable.
Check The Motor
One of the most common reasons for a turntable not spinning is a malfunctioning motor. If the motor is not functioning properly, it won’t be able to rotate the platter, which means that the turntable won’t work. In order to check if the motor is the culprit, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that the turntable is plugged in and that there is power going to it. If the turntable is getting power but still not spinning, then you’ll need to take a closer look at the motor.
One thing to check for is debris or dirt that may be stuck in the motor components and shaft. This can cause the motor to become jammed or not work properly. If this is the case, you’ll need to clean out the motor and remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the problem.
Another thing to check for is a faulty on and off switch. If the switch isn’t working properly, it can prevent the turntable from spinning. You can test this by turning the switch on and off a few times to see if it makes a difference.
If neither of these solutions works, then it’s possible that the motor has failed and will need to be replaced. This can be a more complicated fix, so you may want to consider taking your turntable to a professional repair shop if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
In order to prevent motor problems from occurring in the first place, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your turntable. Keeping it clean and free from debris is a good precautionary measure, as is regular upkeep and oiling. By taking care of your turntable, you can help ensure that it continues to work properly and provide you with many hours of listening pleasure.
Lubricate The Turntable Bearings
One of the reasons why your turntable might not be spinning correctly is due to dirt and friction causing too much resistance. In this case, lubricating the turntable bearings can help solve the problem.
To lubricate the turntable bearings, start by cleaning and lubricating the platter bearing. You can do this by applying a few drops of sewing machine oil on the motor’s bearing, specifically on the spindle below the pulley where the belt runs on. Let the oil drip into the bearing for optimal lubrication.
Apart from lubricating the platter bearing, it is also important to note that the cartridge can dry out over time, which can cause degradation in the long run. To prevent this issue from happening, you need to lubricate the cartridge correctly.
To do this, remove and clean the u-clamp and inspect if there is any hard, cracked rubber or dents. Check if the outer rim has become slippery and remove any residual grease or dirt buildup in the axle hole. Apply a dab of grease on the bottom of the idler wheel hole, making sure not to grease the rubber surfaces.
By properly lubricating both the platter bearing and cartridge, you can ensure that your turntable spins smoothly and efficiently, providing you with high-quality sound for years to come.
Replace The Turntable Cartridge
If you have checked all the other components of your turntable and it still won’t spin, it may be time to replace the turntable cartridge. The cartridge is the component that holds the stylus, which is responsible for reading the grooves on your records. Over time, the cartridge can become worn or damaged, leading to issues with the turntable’s performance.
To replace the turntable cartridge, first, you’ll need to purchase a new one that is compatible with your turntable model. Then, follow these steps:
1. Turn off and unplug your turntable.
2. Remove the old cartridge by gently pulling it out of its housing.
3. Take note of how the wires are connected to the old cartridge and disconnect them.
4. Connect the wires to the new cartridge in the same way.
5. Carefully insert the new cartridge into its housing, making sure it is securely in place.
6. Reconnect any grounding wires or cables that were disconnected during the process.
7. Turn on your turntable and test it to make sure it is spinning correctly.
Replacing the turntable cartridge can be a bit tricky, so if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to take your turntable to a professional for repair. However, with a little patience and attention to detail, you can easily replace the cartridge yourself and get your turntable spinning like new again.
