Pioneer PL 530 Turntable Repair Part 2 - Tonearm Elevator and Auto Return Repair

[@chrygore]

I’ve got this Turntable as well, and the auto return doesn’t come all the way back to rest. Looks like you solved the reason why for me. Thank you. 👍

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Hope you get it working.

[@dirkfunk4361]

I got a pretty clean PL-530 for a song a couple years back, these videos give me the courage to really dig in and do some tightening up. Thanks for uploading, great camera work, editing, commentary.

[@dirkfunk4361]

Sorry to blow up your comments, but maybe you have an idea about the one known issue I have with my 530. When auto return kicks in, it makes an audible THUMP, and there is a similar noise issue when auto start engages. I also can’t seem to get the auto start point adjusted dead on, but I think a dirty pot is to blame for that.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Mechanical thump or a thump through the speakers? If it's through the speakers there's probably a snubber cap somewhere that's out of tolerance. I have a Marantz 6100 video where I replace such a cap due to the loud pop at shutoff.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Thanks for the kind comments :)

[@owen5377]

@@dirkfunk4361 Did you ever get the auto start point figured out? If I understand you right I have the same problem. Mine swings out but drops just a few mm before the edge of the record so the needle doesn't make contact.

[@johnzimm57]

great video, balanced and set the tonearm, cleaned the speed pots, and added the pad for return. all worked perfect.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Glad it worked out...thanks for watching!

[@tobiasrybing5631]

Thank you so much for this video! Had the exakt same issue, but thanks to you it now works!

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Glad it helped!

[@dirkfunk4361]

The 2x4 riser trick is ingenious and I wish I’d known about it years ago!

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Haha...I saw someone else doing it after I had been using a cardboard box to perform the same function :)

[@faronhemlock]

Thank you!! Just cleaned my tone arm elevator and it moves better. It returns perfectly but my problem is that the tone arm falls short about 1/2 in when i push start. Any ideas? Thank you so much either way!

[@millervintagehifi3034]

The service manual has drop point adjustment procedures in it. You can download it from vinylengine.

[@TimAnderson-ef8tr]

Thank you, i have both these problems. I will have a go to rectify it. God help me.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Good luck!

[@MMc-p9g]

I have the exact same problem on my 530! 😢 The cueing rod is frozen. How did you get the barrel to move? Did you use a cleaner or something?

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Isopropyl alcohol is what I try first...sometimes acetone (but you need to be very careful around plastics).

[@marcusholder495]

Thank you for the video 🙏

[@millervintagehifi3034]

No problem!

[@dazzer3345]

I have just purchased a pl530, atuo tonearm doesn't reach the edge of the record and autoreturn doesn't go all the way home, can you give me any advice cheers...

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Likely just a drop point adjustment and missing foam on the return mechanism.

[@magnoliatom1300]

You have the selector switch on manual mode. Move it to 12” and I bet the auto start will work

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Thanks!

[@arnoldcabigon7386]

Did you put lubrication in the elevator?

[@millervintagehifi3034]

It depends on what the SM says. I typically put 300,000 weight silicone oil on the elevator shaft to damp (slow) the movement. I don't recall what this one needs.

[@hectorvillasanaguerrero6092]

Como correjir si el brazo de la tornameza al principio del primera melodia se atora enlosde 33 lp solamente en ese punto lo demas si esta suave eneste moodelo PL 530 pioneer

[@millervintagehifi3034]

I recommend starting a thread on Audiokarma or Vinylengine for help with your specific issue.

[@ColtLuger]

I will buy the old headshell if you want to get rid of it, it's a technics.

[@millervintagehifi3034]

Unfortunately it's already been installed on another table.