Here's some do's and don'ts for determining whether your turntable needs a professional service:
Do check for shipping damage upon receipt of a unit
Do check your tonearm balance if the arm won't track properly
Do check your stylus for any damage if the unit doesn't "sound" right.
Do keep it clean. Dust it off often.
Do check that the ground wire is attached if you experience hum.
Do check audio cables for fit and wiggle them if you have an audio problem.
Do check headshell wires and contacts as well if you have an audio problem.
Do check underneath the unit for hard grease or bent parts if it's auto-functions are improper.
Do check and clean the idler or belt if the speed is not correct.
Do not even attempt a repair where you must ask for step-by-step instructions.
Do not attempt a self repair unless you are SURE that you see the problem, and can handle it.
Do not try repairing a unit if you do not have all the correct tools to do the job, whether it be a low-temp solder station or jeweler's screwdrivers.
Do not force any levers. knobs or switches. If they don't work normally, there's a problem, and forcing them will surely break them.
Do not flood the unit with penetrating solvents, oils or WD-40. That will not loosen up frozen parts, and will spread to areas that should have NO lubricant.
Do not turn the platter backwards for any reason.
Do not force the arm in any manner. If it has friction, or doesn't move during autocycle, there is a problem.
Do not use spindles that were not made for your unit.
Do not put pennies, nickels, dimes or quarters, or Susan B. Anthony dollars on the tonearm if it doesn't play properly.
Do not force records to drop. If they don't drop, either the record hole is too small, or there is a mechanical problem.
Do not force any parts off the unit. Some parts get so stuck that only heat will allow them to be worked free.
Do not give it to a repair shop where you get the hint that they don't want to work on turntables. Even the best repair facilities aren't always eager nor prepared to service one.
~~These are only generalized hints, but do cover most of the common problems we are contacted about~~
