Hi,

I have some trouble with a Beogram 2000 and Beogram 1000 (the early 2000 with the mechanism similar to the 1000).

Sound reproduction is fine, but once the motors start spinning they are rather noisy and pretty annoying.

The motors itself are quiet. It's the idler wheel that makes all this noise. I had a BG 1800 with the same idler wheel and it was almost inaudible, so something has got to be wrong here.

Is there some way to adjust the idler wheel? Are the plastic bearings worn? By the way, do you have to lubricate these bearings?

I suspect the idler wheel is not perfectly round. Both Beograms were stored for several decades (motors were initially seized on both), maybe the pressure on the rotor left a mark? The aforementioned 1800 was used frequently without ever being stored for a longer period of time.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Most likely the idler wheel rubber has hardened with age.
I have used Terry's Rubber Rollers in the states for similar jobs,
he rebuilds idler wheels and pressure rollers. I'm sure he can do
your idler wheel too.

http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/

Martin

As I had nothing to lose, I slightly sanded the edge of the idler wheel - to get rid of eventual bumps and to increase traction.

This actually helped. The wheel is still audible, but much quieter. Speed is still correct.

But thanks for your advice! Actually Terry was recommended to me before - still have an old Tandberg that needs a new pinch roller. Site is down right now (damn hacker kids), might ask for a quote once it's up again.

Another question: Should or shouldn't you lubricate plastic bearings? I heard oil might dissolve the plastic...

I never use oil with plastic or nylon bearings. Silicone grease, I find, is the best if anything at all.

Martin