Pioneer PL 50 Turntable Repair - Speed Issues, Thrust Bearing Replacement, Basic Service

Tuning up a Pioneer PL 50 turntable.

[@luisarredondo3825]

I cannot get the steel plate to come off, you made it look so easy. What am I missing??????? Ty

[@millervintagehifi3034]

The platter? Tap the spindle with a screwdriver handle and few times.

[@GWilliker-pe2dp]

For anyone with the same speed issue on my PL 50, don't shave down your spindle. Get the correct belt. The wrong thickness will cause the table to run fast.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

I agree, but how many belts have you found you need to go through to get the proper length/thickness? On this particular table I went through a few and reading more forum posts than I care to admit, found that speed issues on these are very common given the lack of properly sized belts and the design of the table.

[@motownrockerusa]

The correct thickness should be .025" 35.1" length of belt..

[@motownrockerusa]

Maybe a adjustable trim pot can be wired in series to the spindle, in order to control the speed of the motor? Or a small potentiometer of some sort that would make a great mod for this turntable. Therefore the belt shouldn't be an issue. You can always adjust your motor to the proper speed. Just a thought

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Interesting…I actually resolved the issue by completely taking the motor apart (for the umpteenth time) and doing a deep clean with acetone on the bearings. Once I did that it consistently gets up to speed within 10-15 seconds.

[@motownrockerusa]

I found the dimensions for the Thrust Bearing online. Bearing measures .420" in diameter x .081" high. Delrin should be used. Thought I'd share..😊

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Thanks for the tip!

[@nycrhythmcom-Vnylperv9pmfriday]

hello i have the same tt, same issue can you tell me what was inside the spindle.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Inside the spindle housing (on the bottom) is a thrust bearing assembly.

[@brunoch95]

Same speed on mine after starting with a much slower speed as well. I'm not as handy as you so thanks for making this video

[@millervintagehifi3034]

I'd start off by checking out the thrust bearing.

[@nycrhythmcom-Vnylperv9pmfriday]

@@millervintagehifi3034 ty fixed it!