If the rubber is glazed or hardened but still round, mount the idler wheel in a drill chuck. Spin it gently against fine 600-grit sandpaper to remove the hard outer glaze and expose fresh, grippy rubber.
+--------------[ Power Switch ]--------------+ | | [AC Input] --- [ Voltage Selector Block ] --- [ Spark Suppressor ] --- [ E50 Motor ]
Submerge clean bushings in genuine turbine oil or Thorens-specific lubricants while heating them gently to force fresh oil back into the pores. The Idler Wheel Assembly
Before turning a single screw, prepare a clean, well-lit workspace. You will handle delicate linkages, tiny set screws, and high-voltage electrical connections. Required Tools and Materials
Before cracking open your TD124, gather the correct supplies recommended by the service manual and experienced restoration experts: Tool / Supply thorens td124 service manual
The TD124 uses a hybrid system where a short rubber belt drives a stepped pulley, which then turns a rubber idler wheel against the inner rim of the flywheel.
Carefully pull the main spindle straight up out of the housing.
What specific are you noticing? (e.g., slow start-up times, mechanical hum, or erratic speed)
: This was the soul of the machine. The manual illustrated the felt rings and the thrust plate. Elias replaced the old oil with a fresh, amber drop of Thorens-spec lubricant, watching as the heavy platter finally spun with a grace that defied its ten-pound weight. The First Spin If the rubber is glazed or hardened but
The idler wheel transfers power from the motor pulley to the heavy platter.
: Working surfaces including the motor pulley, stepped pulley, idler wheel, rubber belt, and inner turntable skirt must be entirely free of oil and grease.
TD-124 resto time: Where to find the best service manual and what to watch out for
Remove the drive belt from the motor pulley and stepped pulley. Cleaning the Chassis The Idler Wheel Assembly Before turning a single
Do you have the or an aftermarket aluminum/non-magnetic replacement?
Remove the two main casing screws. Gently tap the shell with a plastic mallet to separate the halves. Pull the rotor straight out, taking care not to lose any thin shim washers on the shaft. Cleaning and Re-Bushing
Always unplug the turntable from the wall outlet before removing the platter or chassis.
Recommended next steps
The most critical component of the TD-124 is the inverted main bearing.