Advice needed for HMV arm

[Hogan]

My problem is this arm won't move freely right to left and consequently starts skipping tracks. I wonder if anyone has any experience/advice?

It appears to be undamaged. What I've tried so far is: cleaning and oiling everywhere (sewing machine oil). Moving it back and forth 500 times (true). I've lowered the arm a little bit so it doesn't press onto the ring at the top, unscrewing the little screw at the base. Nothing doing. It moves a little better when I remove the reproducer, the weight of it seems to add friction. See photos. There seems to be friction and wear at the part of the arm facing the turntable. I suppose the arrangement with the tap at the top and the bottom should eliminate this but doesn't? 

 

I'm really at a loss here...

[Jerry]

The last picture shows what your issue is. The hole in the cross bar is so worn, (or abused), that it allows the arm to droop and rub on the back bracket, in the area you have pointed out. If it's possible to remove the cross bar, rotate it 180 degrees, and reinstall it, it may alleviate your issue.

Edited October 30 by Jerry

[Hogan]

Thanks Jerry! That makes sense! There is definitely too much movement there, almost enough to try and fit a thin metal in on the right side.

I've tried moving the cross bar using a good pair of pliers and force but it doesn't budge. Question is: should it? Or is it welded stuck (I see no indication of that) Maybe using some kind of chemical or freezing the whole thing would help loosen it up? 

[Jerry]

The cross bar piece is tightly pressed in place. It's not intended to be loose, so it's not a matter of its being stuck and needing to be freed up. In all honesty, it would be difficult to remove and press back into place if you're not accustomed to doing that sort of work.

Edited November 2 by Jerry

[Hogan]

I see, no I'm not sure I would be able to do that. Don't have the proper tools for it either (nor am I really sure which they would be). 

Perhaps another option would be to slightly bend the little rod that has too much play at present? A few small whacks in the direction of the turntable - or would I risk making things worse, could it brake off? 

[Jerry]

I think that may do more harm than good.

[Henry]

You need to bush the hole. Problem is, the dimension needed to fill is likely vanishingly small. Measure the diameter of the pin, fashion a bushing out of brass tubing (hobby shop) or small hollow brass rivet (hardware store) with appropriate inner diameter to fit snugly (but not binding, of course) over the pin. To install the bushing, it will be necessary to enlarge the hole in the cross piece. If you work carefully, you can make it a press fit (or “fudge it” with super glue).  HTH

Edited November 2 by Henry

[Hogan]

Thank you for all the good advice! What you suggest sounds like a really good solution - but out of my league I'm afraid. I will look for a small mechanical shop or try to find someone who can help me do it. 

Come to think of it I'm in Spain so maybe I should reach out to Pedro phono - he seems to be able to do almost anything machine wise. I will contact him and see what he says. I'll get back here when I have news!

[Hogan]

I've contacted pedrofono and he can help me fix the issue with the arm. I will send him the whole back bracket and arm, as well as the crank which I never could fix either, the wood is stuck and won't revolve.

Hopefully I'll be back here with a video of a happy machine! It'll be awhile since I live between 2 countries! Thanks for all the input!!!

[Jerry]

Excellent! You are on the right track with Pedro's help.