Sony PS-LX500 linear tonearm rapid sliding

[macstubie]

Hello.  I am having problems with the linear tracking tonearm on my Sony PS-LX500 turntable.  I have replaced the tonearm belt with a new belt (22mm dia.) which nicely corrected the problem with the tonearm skipping, but now when the tonearm drops to the record to start playing, it immediately starts to rapidly move across the record. 

When I try using my finger to stop this tonearm movement, there is very strong pressure showing it is being pulled which some force.  I haven't found any reference to this problem on internet searches.  Would anyone in this community be able to suggest a solution?  Thank you.

[MaggieGreene]

Hi @macstubie, found this on Sony website: https://helpguide.sony.net/ha/hrar/v1/en/contents/TP0001112207.html?search Hope it solves your issue. 

[macstubie]

Hello MaggieGreene,

Thank you for contacting me.  The suggestions on the Sony Help link appear to be related to CPU, USB and temporary file storage issues which unfortunately are not something my 1980's turntable is familiar with.  The problem, I think, seems to be related to the drive belt mechanism which powers the linear tonearm.  The rubber belt itself is new and the drive shaft is clean of any grease or oil so perhaps a problem with the drive motor?  Sorry for any confusion but thanks again for trying to help which is much appreciated.

[daveyh64]

The problem is called skating. 

Is the tonearm lowering onto the record and then skating across, or is it not lowering either.

The owners manual troubleshooting section refers you to page ten of the manual and adjust

the tracking force adjustment lever.

Have you tried this.

Download the owners manual from here,

https://manualmachine.com/sony/pslx500/3261029-owners-manual/

[macstubie]

Thank you daveyh64,

Skating is a much better description of what my problem is (!) and the tonearm does lower down to play the record without problem.  I have now adjusted (increased) the tracking force as shown in the manual and it is much better now, but still skips at times.  At least now I can hear the record playing which didn't happen before.  But now that I can hear it play, I noticed the sound is quite muffled/dull sounding.  I tried cleaning the needle with a soft brush but no improvement.  Perhaps the tracking problem and poor sound is indicating the needle is worn and likely needs replacing?  Thank you again for helping me get so much closer to a working turntable.

[daveyh64]

Yep a muffled sound is an indication the stylus/ cartridge is in need of replacing, hopefully you can still locate spares perhaps the place you got the replacement belt.

Did you download the users manual from the link provided.

I did notice you can get the service manual although it is likely you will need to pay for that.