VPI TNT Jr - Motor Noise and Pulley Replacement
 

I have a VPI TNT Jr. The Motor has fast "clicking" noises. The top of the pulley is also broken.

The noises are consistent, with or without belt on. It seems the noises come from the pulley.

I tried to search for pulley replacement but did not find the same one. And I also have no idea how to remove the pulley: there are no screws.

Any ideas/suggestions?

I'd suggest you post this to the VPI forum. there are many knowledgeable people there, including Matt himself.

Sorry if this seems obvious, but I'd suggest contacting VPI directly for replacement parts and instructions. They've already encountered most possible issues with their products and would know best how to resolve them. Good luck!

Thanks cleeds and audio bill for the suggestions. I posted the questions here first because it was weekend and AA is my favorite forum.

Updates: yesterday after looking into the motor I forgot to turn it off. After 20+ hours "burning", the noise is gone! The silent motor is back :D Maybe some plastic broken fractures got melt down due to the heat :)

I am going to live with small broken pulley top there, for now, because it does not really impact the belt movement.

Happy listening to the records, again:banana:

That's great that your turntable is spinning properly again!
The pulley is probably an easy repair, so it might be worth replacing just for your peace of mind.

I’d get a replacement pulley asap. How did it get damaged?

It's hard to explain here, but the short answer is I don't know :( That's why I can only *guess* the source of the noise.

Monday I am going to give VPI a call, about the replacement.

UPDATES

I called VPI, but was told they do not directly sell parts to customers. I had to go to a local dealer. The dealer was also not sure what the model of the motor was, and how to get the pulley off. He took pictures then sent to VPI.

Several days later, dealor came back with two options provided by VPI: $300 to change the 600 RPM motor to 300 RPM one, or $50 to only change the pulley.

$50 seems to be too much for a plastic pulley, so I chose the more expensive motor option :D

Now the motor works super quiet.

PS: the dealer strongly recommended me to keep the motor housing. According to him, my 20-yr old super heavy housing is much better than the ones on the motors of many recent VPI turntables.

Glad you got it sorted!