Phonoland

Hello -

My mom has a 1970's era Sears console stereo. I'm afraid the record changer is about to give up the ghost, and she'd like to either have it fixed or replaced. Before I open it up and start messing with it though, I was wondering where I might find spare parts or perhaps even a replacement record changer. It doesn't even have to be the same model, as long as it fits.

The model number of the console is 3076. The record changer itself is: 528-67850.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

I'm betting that the rubber idler wheel is getting hard.

You really need a replacement, but the replacements are getting hard too.

If the wheel hasn't cracked or fallen apart, try some Caig CaiKleen RBR rubber cleaner, available at most Radio-TV service supply stores.

Try Garage-A-Records online if the wheel is too far gone.

You also might need to lube the motor and drive parts, and the jockey arm bearings for the idler wheel.

Don't get lube on the rubber parts, and don't get rubber cleaner in bearings.

Thanks for the advice!

West Tech services can rebuild the idler also if the rubber is too far gone. I've had several done by them and was quite satified. They remove all the old rubber and replace with new and most will only cost about $35 to do. The also do cartridge and record cutter rebuilding and turntable reflocking.
-Tony

Hi there,
My mother had a late 60's console stereo with the 4 speed record changer. (Cost Dad $300 in 1969) It had the rectangular stackable record arm and pivoting phono arm, a very distinctive changer design. I recall that all I had to do for it was oil the motor bearings, and later replace the rubber motor grommets, as they had begun to deteriorate which caused the idler wheel to not make very good contact with the turntable. I know they sell these grommets on ebay. If you have any other questions give me a holler. I recall this turntable was very easy to work on.